need help with bigger string gauges on bass

T.Rex

T.Rex

Sep 19, 2015
312
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Canada
#1
Hey I'm thinking about getting a 4 or 5 string bass and tuning it to F# B E A (D depending on how many strings i get) and using 160 gauge strings for it. My question is what are some things I'd have to worry about when doing this to a bass. The nut, bridge, scale size etc?
 
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#2
mansjasont said:
String tension is my biggest worry... find a bass that has a very well reinforced neck. A 5 string may be a better option for this as they already are set up for an increased in tension over a 4.
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Why do you think there will be increased string tension? The tuning is going lower at the same time the string is getting thicker. It could end up being less than a standard tuned bass, depending on exactly how that string is made.

I'd worry more about finding a speaker cab that will work that low.
 
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#4
T.Rex said:
My question is what are some things I'd have to worry about when doing this to a bass. The nut, bridge, scale size etc?
Click to expand...
Nut: The slots will need to be widened.
Bridge: As long as the saddles have enough travel to accommodate the .160 string, the worst case is that you may need to make the hole/slot larger where the string attaches.
Scale: The longer the scale, the better low tunings/thick strings sound. Knuckle Quakes (designed for extremely low tunings) has a 39-40" scale length. A Dingwall-style fanned fret would be a good compromise.
 
#5
wcriley said:
Nut: The slots will need to be widened.
Bridge: As long as the saddles have enough travel to accommodate the .160 string, the worst case is that you may need to make the hole/slot larger where the string attaches.
Scale: The longer the scale, the better low tunings/thick strings sound. Knuckle Quakes (designed for extremely low tunings) has a 39-40" scale length. A Dingwall-style fanned fret would be a good compromise.
Click to expand...

The more I think about it, OP should worry about string spacing at the nut. If he's tuning a 4 this way, he's going to be removing a .060 and a .040 (.100 total) and adding a .160 and a .120. (.280 total) That's a lot more string to cram into the same amount of space. So OP should definitely look for a wide neck to start with.

You're right on about scale length. There are fewer string choices the longer you go, but you can get the same tuning and tension out of a thinner, more flexible string.

It's hard enough to get a good sounding B on 34". A fourth lower is going to be that much more difficult.
 
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