Question ray 34 suitable for detuned metal?

[billy carr]

The band I am joining tunes their guitars really low. Drop c or drop b. Would a ray 34 be able to handle the extreme low tuning? What strings would be a good choice also? Any setup issues or anything I should take into consideration? All the reviews seem to give the ray quite high marks, as is, would it be a good choise for sludge metal?

 

[SBMM]

I understand if you don't want to get another instrument, but wouldn't a 5 string suit this need better?

From my experience, you'll want to basically use the lowest 4 gauges of a 5 string set (I'm at home and in don't have the gauges handy).

There are a few mechanical/physics things involved with doing this and adjusting the neck properly to make it work, so I'd recommend having it done professionally, but yes, done properly, the bass can handle the lower tuning when setup correctly.

 

[sanderhermans]

question has just been asked in this tread:
http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-basses/60189-stingray-drop-b-tuning.html

what it comes down to for me is, better to get a 5 string.
if you really want a 4 string then you should get a 5 string set and only use the thickest 4 strings, the nut slots propably need to be made a bit wider and intonation would need to be adjusted but thats an easy job.

 

[billy carr]

Thanks for the info fellas.

 

[ksandvik]

Five strings. Experiment with strings that keep tension when detuned a lot -- I would look at Lo Riders myself to start with.

 

[Golem]

`

I've tuned my SRs down as low as CFBbEb,
using a 4 string set. I'v also done that tuning
using a BEAD set for snappier tension. The
neck and truss rod handle the BEAD set with
little or zero adjustment to spare, but safely
enuf. The 4-string set sometimes had barely
enuf relief when there's no more loosening
remaining to apply to the rod ... IOW wish
there had been just a little bit more string
tension ... or perhaps a neck that had a bit
less resistance to string pull [= more relief].

I have no imagination what special needs a
metal sludge bass generates, but all of the
SRs that I tuned down were quite OK for my
rather routine bass playing.

 

[billy carr]

Thanks for the advice.