Drop D

[coolhandjjl]

I've DR LoRiders on my '09 4003. Really like the sound, but as some have mentioned, the 4th string is a tad floppy. No big deal until now. I have been doing some playing with drop D tuning, and the 4th string floppines is giving me lots of fret buzz and clatter. I could put the Ric 4th string back in that position it anyone knows if it will be a bit more tension. I also have a CircleK set with a 106, and a set of Sadowski Blue Nickles with a 105. So before I yank off the LoRider, and and test out my extras, I just wanted to see if anyone had some experience with those I mentioned.

[rickenbrother]

For drop D I'd use .110 gauge string. I once had a 4001 dropped to C# for a metal band I was in. I used a .115 gauge string and it worked well.

[coolhandjjl]

Thanks Joey.

Any suggestions for a string type? LoRiders maybe too dark, so a cleaner sounding one perhaps?

Hopefully I can buy one string!

[Lefty4001]

John,
I have my bass in DADG most of the time, but I'm not sure I can help. Mine is a 4001 from '74 with wavy Grovers. I once had a .110, but was concerned about too much tension (#1 useful spec NOT usually listed by the manufacturers). I've put maybe a dozen different sets on it, but not one of the 3 you mentioned. Sorry. Anyway, going up to .110 might do the trick like Joey said on your '09.

Strings I've used include: Dr HiBeams (nice), SwingBass 66 (bright at first, I like them worn in), TI Flatwounds (merry xmas to me, not for everyday), D'addario XL nickel, and EB Regular and Hybrid Slinkys. Probably every subjective "wrong" one, but I like to find out for myself sometimes.

Good Luck with it.

Joey,
C# on a 4001? Can you tell me what you used? My bass gets too floppy down there, but I'd like the option. Paul W has the bass currently, so since I have time, I'd like to know of strings for that tuning. Did you have to change up the action at all to still have good tension? Just curious. Thanks.

[aceonbass]

John,
I think a .110 is definitely a good place to start. D'Addario sells this string under part number XLB110. This will definitely give you a bit more tension. You might even try a .120 under part number XLB120. These are nickel round wound strings.

[coolhandjjl]

Thanks Dane and John. It has the new two piece neck, so I'm not concerned about tension limits. This too will most likely stay as DADG. My 4004/2 v57 is my new go-to bass for standard use. I'll order a 110 D'Addario and give 'er a run.

[jps]

Last night I did a drop E on my Martin Keith Elfin, an octave below the E string on a 4 string bass. The string was pretty floppy but doing octave runs on the 'B' string and the E string was pretty cool.

[coolhandjjl]

......I once had a 4001 dropped to C# for a metal band I was in.....

JetGlo in a metal band? I just can't fathom that.

[berth]

Slightly oftopic, but on my '81 4001S drop D sounds really brutal, while on my '75 4000 drop D sounds sloppy as hell. Beats me why. Both basses are set-neck with Rickenbacker .105 strings with more or less same string height.

[edit] I did some further googling and I am sorry, but I meant downtuning every string one whole step. This apparently is not the same as Drop D.

[08 Ric 4003]

Correct me if I am wrong but once you get a guitar or bass set up for one gauge of stings and certain tension doesn't doing drop D and changed gauges put relief or backbow on the neck depending if you go up or down in gauge size? Now you are going to have fret buzz or action higher that you like. I never drop D. I don't see the point on going down just one note. Bass notes are low enough? I though DR strings made specific sets to do drop tuning if that is what you are into.

[coolhandjjl]

Not so much that the 4th string is a lower note in of itself, but two main advantages here: Power chords on strings 3 and 4 can now be bar cords. A big plus in my book. Also, you can play a longer pentatonic run from one hand position across all four strings now instead of just three.

[rickenbrother]

Joey, C# on a 4001? Can you tell me what you used? My bass gets too floppy down there, but I'd like the option. Paul W has the bass currently, so since I have time, I'd like to know of strings for that tuning. Did you have to change up the action at all to still have good tension? Just curious. Thanks.

I'm not much of a fan of GHS Boomers, but this set worked well with my 4001 tuned to C# F# B E.

[Lefty4001]

Yes, that's the tuning I was referencing (down 1.5 steps). Thanks. I'll make a note and appreciate the field-tested feedback. Much obliged.

As far as bass notes being low enough in standard tuning, not always. Sometimes I want you to feel it lower.

Sometimes I want to feel it lower.

[08 Ric 4003]

I just played with drop tuning. Dropped the E down to C# but it was to floppy. The only remedy is to raise the action, and I have both my basses set up sweet and don't want to mess with the intonation especially on my Ric.

[jps]

If you are going to play dropped down consistently you need a higher tension string to compensate for the lowered tuning, Joel. It is as simple as that, really.