Eb tuning on a short scale

[keith_h]

Once my Series is completed I am thinking of converting my Brown Bass to E flat tuning. I currently transpose most stuff to standard tuning but occasionally switch to my 5 string. I'm using the standard Alembic short scale strings of 105-45. My concern is the strings getting too floppy by tuning down as I really like the tension my current setup has.  
 
I am wondering if there are any other folks using a short scale tuned down? If there is what string gauges are you using? What issues came up when you tune down?  
 
Thanks, Keith

[tmoney61092]

can't really help you with the short scale part of this, but within the past month i have become a nothing but Eb tuning player. mainly started when i got heavy into Alice in Chains and now i'm starting a grunge band so i figured, why not follow the greatest?. but i use D'Addario EXL170-5SL for my Traben with gauges .045, .065, .080, .100, and .130, unless i use a High C instead, and they work fine, again, doesn't help with your short scale problem, just thought i'd throw my 2 cents in here :-D
 
~Taylor Watterson

[musashi]

I've tuned a short-scale down to C# for a trance tune, it worked okay in that context.  Slapped fast, it sounded like bass tablas...  The guages were .35 through .95.
 
Keep in mind this was a one-off, though.  I didn't adjust intonation or action.  But it was playable.
 
Just my two cents.  If there's a way to post an mp3, let me know and I'll put up an excerpt.

[raynbass]

I'm not sure if it's the same as what your thinking , but in my band because of the vocals we all tune down a  half step , and my brown bass handles it just fine.

[dannobasso]

All my basses are tuned down a half step including the 31 scale Essence 5. I use Alembic and DR sets down to .130. So from 31, 32, 34 scales including a Warwick Dolphin Pro 8. they all handle a low Bflat just fine.