I need some help picking strings. I just ordered the Ibanez Mikro 3/4 scale, 5-string bass. I know I need thicker gauge strings so my E string isn't all floppy, but what gauge is the best gauge?
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Are you talking about down-tuning the E-string on a fiver down to C? Or, are you talking about tuning the B-string up to C?
Dont drop E to C... use a light gauge B string for that. Check out Circle K strings. They have every gauge imaginable. On there website look for a drop tune 5 string set with the lowest at .120. You should be fine.
+1 for circle k / Kalium. Those strings are great and you can exactly what you need to do what you're trying to do. They even have a tension calculator so you can figure out which gauge will work best for your scale length,
Are talking about changing a "standard" 5-string with a low B ( B E A D G) or the lesser used 5-string with a high C (E A D G C)?
Paul beat me to it.
Paul beat me to it.
Start with the standard E-A-D-G with a high B instead of C (as in guitar tuning).
Bring the whole thing down one whole step, D-G-C-F-A.
Then drop down the low D another whole step, C-G-C-F-A.
Bring the whole thing down one whole step, D-G-C-F-A.
Then drop down the low D another whole step, C-G-C-F-A.
It is a 28.6", but what makes those string better than others? Will those strings bring more tone out of the lower tuning pop?
I assumed Drop C was tuning down since I was loosening my strings, not tightening them.
Just use the factory 5 string set if your tuning CGCFA the shorter scale will keep the tension down. Unless it's some massive .150 or something on it from the factory.
Maybe the confusion is that the bass in question is a Mikro. Don't they come as a EADGC fiver as opposed to a regular long-scale five with the low B? I could be wrong.
I'm skeptical of doing that because all the reviews I've seen about the stock strings when people down tune is the top string gets too floppy making it almost unplayable. I've read from a lot of different places to get thicker gauge strings to keep from having floppiness. The one gauge I've seen recommended more than anything are 55's.
Your bass came from the factory with strings designed to be tuned BEADG.
You want to retune it to CGCFA.
Are you talking about tuning the string closest to your head up one half step, or down 11 half steps?
Are you talking about tuning the rest of the strings up three half steps or down 9 half steps?
If you're tuning all the strings up it isn't a drop tuning. It is a raised tuning.
It would be beyond ridiculous to try to do on a Mikro. Yep.
But people have tried to do sillier things.