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Post subject: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 4:04 am
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Hello, community.
I just bought new Fender American Standard Jazz Bass 4 string 2012 and pretty happy about it. Have been playing on it for a few month now.

But I play in drop D tuning all the time. And of course it doesn't have that much overtones on dropped D, as much as sustain.
I am also concerned about health of bass's neck because of gauges is different now.

So I created this thread to ask for a help to choose the right set of strings for drop D tuning for my bass. Considering that standard set of strings which is now installed on bass is "Fender® USA Bass 8250M, NPS, (.045, .065, .085, .110TW Gauges)".

Maybe different set with different gauge then current. Please write what should I look for.

Brand of string could be any. I would prefer more mellow sound, so it might be nickel material.

Thank you.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 5:11 am
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Put a Hipshot Xtender BT8 on your bass, this device is compatible with most string gauges.

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.p ... tail&p=308

For a mellower sound I'd recommend flatwound or nylon strings.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:11 am
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:idea: :arrow: Give DR DDTs {Drop Down Tuning} a go :!:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/dr-strings-drop-down-tuning-heavy-bass-strings

8)

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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:12 am
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I don't have a problem with sound or sustain or anything if I tune my E to D-- I assume you are talking about a 4 string bass. Rotosounds don't sound different to me when I tune one down. If anything you can raise the saddle a bit and intonate it to make sure all is good.. The string will be a tad higher but it will not hurt anything.

Now if you use the flatwounds I think I can understand that if you tune one down it may sound a bit flubby and with less sustain. That's what flats are all about anyway---OUCH-- that statement should cause some discussion and that's always good. :D

If you are talking about the whole bass being tuned down a whole step- then that's a whole nuther thing. Then you need to tweek and get it right and it still seems logical that a higher action may take place when you rig the guitar up too take less pull on the neck.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:50 am
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No real need to be concerned with your neck with drop tunings. You are reducing the tension by lowering the pitch of the strings.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 1:51 am
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chromeface wrote:
Put a Hipshot Xtender BT8 on your bass, this device is compatible with most string gauges.


Thanks for an idea. It is pretty smart thing to do.
But probably especially handy for those who switch tuning often.
I don't - I always play in DADG (Drop D).
For now I would prefer not to install anything "third part" on my new bass. :)

I will keep this idea in mind thou.


linnin wrote:
Give DR DDTs {Drop Down Tuning} a go


I was thinking about this set. Probably will give it a try.
But for what "down tuning" they are designed? For Drop D or maybe other lower ones? Just wonder...


stroker vance wrote:
I don't have a problem with sound or sustain or anything if I tune my E to D-- I assume you are talking about a 4 string bass. Rotosounds don't sound different to me when I tune one down. If anything you can raise the saddle a bit and intonate it to make sure all is good.. The string will be a tad higher but it will not hurt anything.

Now if you use the flatwounds I think I can understand that if you tune one down it may sound a bit flubby and with less sustain. That's what flats are all about anyway---OUCH-- that statement should cause some discussion and that's always good. :D

If you are talking about the whole bass being tuned down a whole step- then that's a whole nuther thing. Then you need to tweek and get it right and it still seems logical that a higher action may take place when you rig the guitar up too take less pull on the neck.


Yeah, as I said in my topic post - I am talking about 4 string bass. And am using stock string which came with bass installed on. I believe they are Roundwounds.

pfox14 wrote:
No real need to be concerned with your neck with drop tunings. You are reducing the tension by lowering the pitch of the strings.


Lowering the pitch of the strings is not an option for me.
But your idea leads to another idea - buying a 5-string set and installing BEAD tuning (without G string).


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:11 am
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So once again I will ask for your help.
Fender Standard MIA Jazz Bass 4 string goes with 0.45 0.65 0.85 0.110TW (taperwound).
There are stock string for standard EADG tuning and standard tension.

Please recommend/link a set of strings with the same tension for DADG tuning.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 9:07 am
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No big deal- Just put some 45-105 standard guage Rotos on it. Or whatever kind of set you like but a standard type guage is 45-105 IMHO and that's all I know. It's usually a good thing when I get a bass is to bring it home and remove the strings it had on it in the store for a long time. No telling who licked them when no one was watching. :D


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:52 am
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My drop D's both are round wound and I don't have a problem, other than coordination. After reading stroker's post, my flubbies are asking for a shot. :P

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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 12:47 pm
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Following up on Stoker's suggesting, I would ask how old are the strings you have on it now? I would expect a .110 to be more than enough for detuning the E string to D. If you have never changed the strings since you bought it, I would try that first.

AFAIK, the DR DDTs are for when you tune the ENTIRE BASS down, not just one string, so I wouldn't try those just yet.

Remember, if you switch to BEAD tuning, then you are going to have to have the nut reslotted, possibly change the bridge saddles, and have the entire thing set up for the new strings (intonation, action, truss rod).

I'm kind of surprised that a .110 taper wound is the stock string - I would think that would be great for drop D! Best of luck!

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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 2:08 pm
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hieronymous wrote:
old are the strings you have on it now? I would expect a .110 to be more than enough for detuning the E string to D. If you have never changed the strings since you bought it, I would try that first.

AFAIK, the DR DDTs are for when you tune the ENTIRE BASS down, not just one string, so I wouldn't try those just yet.

Remember, if you switch to BEAD tuning, then you are going to have to have the nut reslotted, possibly change the bridge saddles, and have the entire thing set up for the new strings (intonation, action, truss rod).

I'm kind of surprised that a .110 taper wound is the stock string - I would think that would be great for drop D! Best of luck!


I bought this bass 1 month ago and using it with stock string yet. I like more mellow sound then bright, so it's OK for me. 110 should be enough for Dropped D but there is lack of overtones compering to other strings (of course I set up bass after re-tuning). And considering that this 110 is stock gauge for E string on this bass, I understand that the neck is designed this way for this very set of string with this very gauge for standard tuning. If I am wrong - please tell me. But if this is true, then I need some 115 or 120 gauge string for dropping it to D.

Once again I am not talking about dropping all string down. This has to be a DADG tuning.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 3:30 am
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Buy a Hipshot Xtender and switch to drop D instantly with the flip of a lever without all those hassles. Many players such as Roscoe Beck and Reggie Hamilton use regularly this device.

Pulling out the lever to return to standard EADG tuning is not a priority.


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 7:54 am
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Up until I purchased a Schecter Diamond Series Stiletto Elite Five - 5 string bass, I was occasionally downtuning a couple of my Fender and Ibanez basses to B E A D using my strings of choice, GHS M3050 long scale 45-105 flatwounds. No fret buzz with slightly less tension and it always has had an amazing mellow low 'B' when I have needed the extra lows for part of our playlist. The flatwounds from GHS will usually give a more mellow tone than roundwounds regardless of tuning set up. Good luck with whatever your choice is and please keep us posted on your final selection.

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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:00 am
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1. I don't think 110 is stock.
2. If you would change the strings you would have better sound from them. You DO have a treble control if it's to bright. I think sometimes people get used to the dead sound of old strings. I don't get it but that's just me. To each his own, I just happen to remember to wear my pants when I go to Wal- Mart. What's up with that? :D


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Post subject: Re: Drop D tuning string set for 4-stringed Jazz Bass
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 1:21 pm
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chromeface wrote:
Put a Hipshot Xtender BT8 on your bass, this device is compatible with most string gauges.

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.p ... tail&p=308

For a mellower sound I'd recommend flatwound or nylon strings.


I have no comment at this time. Image D'Addario ETB92 Nylon Tapewound Strings

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