String problems when downtuning...

[lizardcm2]

Hi there,

 

I play a Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones JBass which is downtuned to E flat when I play in my band. I've found the action a little "buzzy" despite getting it set-up and the action raised a few times since buying it.

 

The last time it was set up I was told that I was using quite light strings (I'd just asked for the standard gage in the shop..) and that heavier/thicker strings would cope with the downtuning better.

 

I was worried that heavier strings would reduce the playability and affect the sound a little (maybe make it a little muddier/duller)??

 

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[megadan]

I find thicker strings give a better, thicker, tone, but not muddy. And they will defintly help with floppyness

[RSBro]

Do you know the actual string gauges? That might help us out too. I too would think that light strings being detuned even a little bit would constitute to some of your problems.

[Jazz Ad]

Originally posted by megadan I find thicker strings give a better, thicker, tone, but not muddy. And they will defintly help with floppyness

+1.

[sunburstbasser]

You aren't downtuning very far. If its a problem, go for a gauge just one size larger (like, your G would go from 45-50 or whatever).

[J the D]

Only thing I can think of is that you are operating them at a frequency other than that which it is designed and constructed to utilize.

 

Mickey may not like the full moon and things can get rather hinky in a very short time period when you conisder the atmospheric conditions necessary for the formaiton of ferrous oxide which will then require that cleaning be implemented for all the recesses that may contain the contaminatin of the abomination of the one who failed to play bass. I mean its only one note at a time, rihgt? How hard can it be? You can even record some of this stuff ahead of time and play along with Sallie as she cracks the high notes.

 

YMMV

[lizardcm2]

Thanks for the replies so far

 

I put some new 'Elite' strings on last night of the following gauge:

45, 65, 85, 105. I think this is the same as I've had before.

 

I think i'm definitely going to try a slightly heavier gauge though, was wondering if anyone could recommend a good brand of strings or a heavier gauge that they use?

 

 

Also, they may be linked or not... but, I do play quite agressively (pulling on the strings quite hard, not pulling mean faces that is..) and often get a clipping noise when I hit the strings. I don't generally notice this when I listen to other bass player and was wondering if:

 

a) I was pulling on the strings to hard and needed to adjust my style

 

b) the problem was exagerated by downtuning (making the strings looser) and heavier strings may help sort this

 

c) it just happens and I just need to fiddle with my EQ to reduce it?

 

Once again, your opinions would be much appreciated!

[LoBass]

Originally posted by lizardcm2 Thanks for the replies so far I put some new 'Elite' strings on last night of the following gauge: 45, 65, 85, 105. I think this is the same as I've had before. I think i'm definitely going to try a slightly heavier gauge though, was wondering if anyone could recommend a good brand of strings or a heavier gauge that they use? Also, they may be linked or not... but, I do play quite agressively (pulling on the strings quite hard, not pulling mean faces that is..) and often get a clipping noise when I hit the strings. I don't generally notice this when I listen to other bass player and was wondering if: a) I was pulling on the strings to hard and needed to adjust my style b) the problem was exagerated by downtuning (making the strings looser) and heavier strings may help sort this c) it just happens and I just need to fiddle with my EQ to reduce it? Once again, your opinions would be much appreciated!

 

The clipping is related to all (a, b & c) stated facts. Heavier strings, style adjusting, raising action and EQing might help. Personaly, I like a bit of clipping or fret buzz. I think it would be hard to eliminate all of it since you are downtuning and playing the way you are. You could do it, but you might end up with too much side effects such as different bass setup and in the end different sound alltogether.