Folks doing Drop D

[coolhandjjl]

I have been doing a couple drop D tuning songs on my 2009 4003. I ended up going with Dadario XL 110 as the DR LoBeam 105 was too floppy at drop D. It worked great. Thanks for the recommendation Dane!

I have since put my DR LoBeam 105 back on for standard tuning. My question is, should I put the 110 back on, leave it on and simply tune/de-tune manually as necessary, or install one of those drop D tuners in place of the #4 tuner, or switch out between the 105 and 110 string when needed?

[gearhed289]

I've been using Hipshot D-tuners on various basses for over 20 years. I like 'em! I use a 106 E string, and my current band tunes down a 1/2 step, so I'm actually dropping to C#. Doesn't feel floppy to me at all surprisingly. The strings are Dean Markley SR2000.

[teeder]

Same here, except I actually use a .100. It doesn't bother me at all.

[coolhandjjl]

Which hipshot model, and from the front, does the cloverleaf look the same as what's on it now? Do I have to drill new holes?

[MichaelStewart]

The only Hipshot model "extender" that works on a Rick is the M-4. The M-4 model resembles the Schaller M-4.

All of the other models will not work without "shaving" the tuning key or plugging the holes in the headstock and re-drilling.

If you don't mind the newer look of the M-4 (and are willing, as in my case, to spend another $100 to match the M-4), go for it.

After I bought mine, I could not get used to the 12-1 ratio tuning or the "look" of the M-4s on my 4001, so I went back to manual de-tuning before each song.

Too bad Hipshot won't make an "extender" for Ricks. It seems like there would be a market for them! 27:1 ratio that looks like the old Schaller reverse tuners that do not hit the head stock would be great!

[cassius987]

You can get a proper Hipshot Xtender called a BT5 if you call and order it directly from Bill. Measure the distance from the center of the E tuner to the center of the G tuner and he may be able to tell you if you have a narrow or wide headstock with enough real estate.

[coolingitdown]

I've been in two bands with a heavier sound. My first band tuned standard, but sometimes dropped the E to D. I used the Rotosound Steve Harris signature set, which I believe had a .110 E. I think the set was .055, .075, .090, .110, or something like that, and, while the tension was a bit on the high side, it worked for standard tuning and the E stayed pretty solid when dropped to D.

In my current band we tune all strings down a full step (DGCF). I currently use the La Bella flats set gauged .049, .069, .089, .109, and it has a really even, tight feel across the board. The .109 gets a bit floppy when I drop to C, but it still holds up pretty well, all things considered.

I'm about to start using the Circle K balanced .112 (.043, .061, .084, .112) set for this band. Skip at Circle K informed me that this set tuned down a full step would have the tension of a set of .100s.

Bottom line: it seems like most sets need a heavier E in order to balance the set, so I would stay heavier (.110 in your case) if I were you. That would probably have good balance with the rest of the strings when tuned standard, and not be too floppy when dropped.

[cassius987]

I would have your bass set up if you are going to use strings that are that large. A well cut nut and saddles will really improve how they play and intonate.

[coolingitdown]

I need to cut some new saddles anyway for my 4003. I'll only need to widen the E slot by .003. The other Circle K strings are actually smaller than what I have on there now.

Unless of course you weren't talking to me! Yes, Joshua's advice rings true. A good, precise setup makes all the difference!

[rickenbrother]

I used to have a Hipshot Extender on my Cii Jetglo. It worked well. Haven't had much use for it lately, so I re-installed the original tuner. I would nave left it on even though I haven't had use for it, but the shorter post looked funny compared to the other three original Schaller posts.

[Kiddwad57]

I just put a hipshot d-tuner on my 4003fl. It was an easy install and everything is working and staying in tune. From the front you can't even tell its on there and I haven't noticed any change in the balance of the bass. It feels like an integral part of the bass already, like it needed to be there.

[tomersg]

I just put a hipshot d-tuner on my 4003fl. It was an easy install and everything is working and staying in tune. From the front you can't even tell its on there and I haven't noticed any change in the balance of the bass. It feels like an integral part of the bass already, like it needed to be there.

which model exactly? can you post some pics please?

[Kiddwad57]

Its the Hipshot BT5 Xtender in chrome and I got it from Bass Parts Resource in Millersburg, Ohio. Sorry I don't have pics and even if I did I'd actually need to figure out how to upload them anyway! All I can say is that I'm pretty sure my 4003fl was made in 2010 and that the Hipshot fits it perfectly and works great. From the front there is no apparent difference from stock.

[jps]

Bass Parts Resource in Millersburg, Ohio.

Really? Interesting choice of town for an electric guitar/bass parts company.

[ricky3000]

This is a really interesting topic. I had no idea that so many of us were actually going thru the whole drop D thing.
I myself have upscaled from a 105 gauge string to a 110 set and the feel or loss of the feel that I've grown accustomed to is minimal.
Dropping from E (Standard tuning) a full step down to D, G, C, F is working out fairly well for me now.
I have a felling that if I dropped anymore though, even half a step things might begin to get a lil floppy again.
Although it could probably be solved by once again "Re-Up'ing" the string guage size.....although at some point the strings themselves are starting to get a little massive? LOL!.