best 5 string bass strings for drop c?

Are you playing a 4 string in drop C or a 5 string that you're tuning the B up to C?

If the case is the former, the 4 string in drop C, go for GHS Bass Boomers, 55-115...they hold it very well.
 
Look into a tapper core string - they tend to do better when tuned down to an extreme like that.



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I wouldn't think that it'd take any different gauge of strings than you're already using, or whatever comes standard on a 5-string with a similar scale length as whatever you're using.

Just tune the low B string up 1/2 step, and then you have an easy low C to use.
 
i am using a 5 string bass, untill now i tuned the low B up to C and the rest accordingly, but now im tuining the 4 normal strings to drop c and the low b im not to sure yet. (any suggestions on that would also be good) cheers!
 
tasdan said:
i am using a 5 string bass, untill now i tuned the low B up to C and the rest accordingly, but now im tuining the 4 normal strings to drop c and the low b im not to sure yet. (any suggestions on that would also be good) cheers!
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Why? Drop C tuning on the 4 strings and tuning the B commensurately would send the B down to a G; I don't think you are going to get that out of either a B string or a normal bass rig. Do you really need to get that low?

Why not just tune normally and go get that C when you need it from the B string, and shift all your patterns down a string and up a fret? Are you depending a lot on open strings? If so, I'd get away from that.
 
tasdan said:
i am using a 5 string bass, untill now i tuned the low B up to C and the rest accordingly, but now im tuining the 4 normal strings to drop c and the low b im not to sure yet. (any suggestions on that would also be good) cheers!
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OK. I had this problem too. I filled in with a metal band tuned to C. (not drop C) I play a 5, so I up tuned a half step, and it sucked. It sucked bigtime. I'd get a 4 string if you can, and detune the E to a C, or change your 5 string to an EADGB, and detune to C. My two cents anyway.
 
NL5 said:
OK. I had this problem too. I filled in with a metal band tuned to C. (not drop C) I play a 5, so I up tuned a half step, and it sucked. It sucked bigtime. I'd get a 4 string if you can, and detune the E to a C, or change your 5 string to an EADGB, and detune to C. My two cents anyway.
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What's the diff between a 4 string tuned down a third and the lower 4 strings of a 5 string tuned up a half step?
 
ggunn said:
What's the diff between a 4 string tuned down a third and the lower 4 strings of a 5 string tuned up a half step?
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HUGE! :D

Tuning up a half step is going to make the strings HELLA tight. Tuning down will make them loose. I'll take loose over hella tight any day...at least on my bass strings. :D
 
NL5 said:
HUGE! :D

Tuning up a half step is going to make the strings HELLA tight. Tuning down will make them loose. I'll take loose over hella tight any day...at least on my bass strings. :D
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Yeah i played tuned up half step before which was ok, but im not using a pick much anymore and i find it rubbish to play with ur fingers. Also cant it warp the neck having that much tension there..
 
tasdan said:
Yeah i played tuned up half step before which was ok, but im not using a pick much anymore and i find it rubbish to play with ur fingers. Also cant it warp the neck having that much tension there..
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Oops, yeah, I forget some bassists use a pick....I guess it wouldn't be as bad, but I do a lot of bends and slides, which sucked with flats being tuned up. Rounds aren't quite as tensioned.
 
NL5 said:
Oops, yeah, I forget some bassists use a pick....I guess it wouldn't be as bad, but I do a lot of bends and slides, which sucked with flats being tuned up. Rounds aren't quite as tensioned.
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Thanks for your advice, yeah im liking playing with my fingers opposed to picks now, im not one to argue over the matter though,
i know allot of people do :P
 
Carny1122 said:
Are you playing a 4 string in drop C or a 5 string that you're tuning the B up to C?

If the case is the former, the 4 string in drop C, go for GHS Bass Boomers, 55-115...they hold it very well.
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Nah im playing i five string and ive stopped tuning the B up to C, but i may consider your suggestion because they do 5 string sets, thanks
 
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