That's right, a STRING Question!

[easelkillya]

So I was reading the MusicMan Bass Guitars F.A.Q. to learn exactly how to set my bass up. It said typically, you should increase one string gauge for each half step you tune down. I drop my E string down one whole step. Is Ernie Ball suggesting I use a .110 for my E string? All comments on what a playa who drops to D should do about strings would be appreciated, as I've always had problems with intonation and fret buzz. TANKS!

 

[Psychicpet]

a .110 on your E wouldn't sound bad, think about the fact that it's half way to a lo B and a lo B string is usually around the .130 mark........

 

[easelkillya]

Are you suggesting a .115 then? I'm scared now, haha.

 

[jubjub721]

u realize the highest gauge is 130
and if there is that gauge
then someone would have to use it

 

[Psychicpet]

Are you suggesting a .115 then? I'm scared now, haha.

no, I was just trying to give you some perspective on the sitch and to not be afraid of the .110
but the more you detune and the heavier gauge string you use the better the tone.... in most cases

 

[dlloyd]

So I was reading the MusicMan Bass Guitars F.A.Q. to learn exactly how to set my bass up. It said typically, you should increase one string gauge for each half step you tune down. I drop my E string down one whole step. Is Ernie Ball suggesting I use a .110 for my E string? All comments on what a playa who drops to D should do about strings would be appreciated, as I've always had problems with intonation and fret buzz. TANKS!

I use a .110" on my E string for regular tuning. No problems.

I don't really like playing in drop D, I find the drop in tension is a pain. I'd have to use a bass set up specifically for the task

According to this site...

http://www.pacificsites.net/~dog/StringTensionApplet.html

Dropping from E to D results in the string being at around 79% its normal tension. Increasing string gauge to .110" will bring it some of the way back (90%) .115" would be closer (96%) .120" would have you at 101%.

There's a couple of reasons you're getting intonation problems and fret buzz. The overall tension change when detuning a regular string will probably flatten or even backbow your neck. Plus the drop in tension on the E (D) is making the string flap about more than it should.

You're going to have to set up the bass for drop D whether you use a different string or not. I'd go with the .115"

 

[fifthorange]

i d-tune a lot and i normally play half step down, so it is a problem for me. a thicker gauge string will reduce the string buzz with proper neck adjustment, but if you want to keep d-tuning or whatever you do, that what you have to do. i suggest that you either play closer to the bridge when you d-tune and automatically tune back to standard when your done, or get a new bass that is set up for d-tuned songs. i think option one is more economical though.

 

[Disquieter]

I use both standard and "drop-d" tuning on all my basses, and I've found little to no problem with it (except for the tobias, which i got rid of ).

I just set my bass up to play sweet in standard pitch, then I bring the E up on the saddle just a hair, this seems to help increase the tension when tuned down and keep the string from flapping against the frets..


but then i realized that i like that sound when dropd and put it back, Its not fretting out at all, but it's got a little grit in the sound, which i like a lot for what I do.


oh yes, i use 50-110 generally, but right now i've got a set of super slinky's on that EB sent me for some reason...

joel D.

 

[Mobay45]

I play the Dean Markley Blue Steel MLs (.045-.105) on my P-bass and I have a hip shot d-tuner on it. I've never had any problem with it, but it is set up pretty high.

 

[midopa]

oh yes, i use 50-110 generally, but right now i've got a set of super slinky's on that EB sent me for some reason...

Did you register your bass with Ernie Ball? If you did, they usually send you a complimentary set of EB strings for yer lovely MM bass.

Anyway, back to the topic of strings: How many of you have experimented with lighter gauges? I've been looking at many types of strings lately, from TI Jazz Flats to DR Hi-Beams. I noticed the DR Hi-Beams feature a set that's really, really thin (30-90 I think... ). So I wanted some input on the experiences with these gauges.

Thanks,
Sam

 

[easelkillya]

Well, the whole drop D thing came about when I joined a band that had written all their songs in that tuning. It wasn't something I was particularly excited about at the time, but I got used to it and I am now set in my ways... even though whenever I occasionally mess around in standard, I do like the clarity and control I gain from it. As for setting my bass up for drop D, I did that today, since I am rarely in any other tuning. It sounds damn good, folks. The fret buzz is almost entirely gone (there is a kink in the friggin' G string that I'm trying to work out) and I managed to fix the intonation problem I had in the 12+ frets (which isn't really a problem since I don't use them, but it's good to know I can). Anyways, I'm going to use the Hell out of the Super Slinkys EB sent me, and then I'm going to give Power Slinkys a shot.

Thank you for all the input, guys.

 

[bovinehost]

Solution: Bongo 5 string.

the hey i'm just sayin'

JW

 

[jongitarz]

I agree with Jack..Buy several Bongos Collect the whole set!!

 

[easelkillya]

I was tempted to get the Bongo 5, but I chickened out. I was afraid my sloppy performing would be even more obvious with an extra string to be hit on accident. I've been considering a SUB-5 to dip my toes into the 5-string pool, but that won't be any time soon, considering I'm still paying off my Bongo... not to mention an amplifier I purchased 3 YEARS AGO!!!!