Bass downtuning problems....

[asi9]

Our band tunes in drop tuning with everything dropped a halfstep... which is Db, Ab, Db, Gb, Bb, Eb

This causes the string to be really loose, and if plucked too hard, the note will go almost a half step sharp. Should we get heavier gauge strings? Would that cause intonation problems on his bass? What gauge strings should we use if we did?

 

[Krystof01]

Down half a step from standard is:
Eb
Ab
Db
Gb
Bb
Eb
Maybe you play drop D, then down a half step.

You don't have to tune down a half step. The idea is to get a fatter sound by tuning down. Lets face it the bass is fat. If they are playing in Eb (essentially E but there tuned down), you play in the key of Eb standard tuning.

 

[dhoch]

I have to agree with Krystof01, as a bass player I rarely detune my bass (might take E down to D in some occasions), but instead just play in the key the song is in.

If the problem is some of the low notes, you might look into a 5 string bass which would give you range down to a low B (below your E).

dhoch

 

[getthis]

if you are tuning down a half step, then dropping the low string, get a set of tighter strings, and replace the low E with a light gauge low B string.

throw a set together using rogue strings from musiciansfriend or go to your local shop and ask for single strings. that's what worked when i used that tuning a year ago in my old band.

 

[Tapehead]

If you think about it, detuning your strings reduces tension on the neck and may cause it to move down, lowering the action and thereby bringing the strings closer to the frets--thus the fret buzz. If your band plays consistently detuned, you could also detune and adjust the neck accordingly.