Alternate tuning?

[Cracker7]

Guys and gals, quick question. I play 4 string in standard tuning. My band mates would like to do some heavier stuff in c#,f#,b,e. So I'm going to get another 4 string and tune it to that as I'd like to keep my Fender P and Jazz standard. Thinking of getting a set of the DR DDTs to set this up but I need advice as I normally play rotosound flats. Please help, suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cracker7

 

[bholder]

I like DR DDTs a lot, for what that's worth.

 

[lz4005]

Guys and gals, quick question. I play 4 string in standard tuning. My band mates would like to do some heavier stuff in c#,f#,b,e. So I'm going to get another 4 string and tune it to that as I'd like to keep my Fender P and Jazz standard. Thinking of getting a set of the DR DDTs to set this up but I need advice as I normally play rotosound flats. Please help, suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cracker7

For that tuning I'd start with a minimum .115 E string (and corresponding gauges for the rest).
You might end up wanting heavier or lighter than that, but it's probably a good starting point.

The only thing to watch out for is that you might need to widen the nut slots slightly to fit the strings without binding, particularly if it was cut for .100's at the factory.
Its easy to do with some small files, just be careful not to make the slots any deeper or change the angle of the bottom.

After you do that, all the normal setup stuff applies. Adjust the truss rod and intonation, etc.

 

[Cracker7]

Thanks for the advice so far. I think I will try the 115s first and see how it goes.