Bass strings for SRV band

[afrobeat_fool]

I just got hired for a bunch of shows with a Stevie Ray Vaughn cover band and we do most songs with an E flat tuning. The problem is it makes my strings a little floppy. I am currently using 45-105 DR High Beams. Any suggestions?
 
 
 
Nick

[keith_h]

Nick,
I use a 5-string in standard B-G tuning and transpose when I'm in a similar situation.  
 
Keith

[sonicus]

I did that floppy e flat  thing once and then the next time rigged up another Bass  tuned B E A D with a  5 string set and left off the G for the next gig with the guy that wanted that range .  It works if you  do  not have a 5 string or do not like to play a 5 string.

[hieronymous]

Supposedly Lo-Riders are slightly higher tension than Hi-Beams. Not sure if it's enough to make a difference, but it might be a good place to start.  
 
Another option would be to go with flats. I was having a bit of trouble with not enough tension on the neck of my Stanley Clarke bass, but Chromes and Rotosound Monel flatwounds are significantly higher tension, though not so much as to be uncomfortable.  You may think that flats on an Alembic is weird, but I'm really really happy with them! I can still get plenty of bite with the bridge pickup filter.

[JimmyJ]

Nick,
Loosening the truss rod and/or raising the bridge might help the e-flat tuning work better with your normal strings.  If it still feels too loose then grab a heavy set of High Beams which are 50 - 110 and use them for the special occasion.
I'm a 5-string guy but often prefer an open low e-flat to a fretted low e-flat and I'll tune down - rattles and all - for the song.
Jimmy J

[briant]

What scale bass are you using that 45-105 are floppy in Eb?
 
I use Elixer 45-105 strings on my Essence (34 scale) and switch from E to Eb to D (and back) every night with my hair metal band.  I don't experience any floppy string issue.  Just lots of aquanet and bad clothing choices.

[afrobeat_fool]

LOL!!! I've been trying different things all day, Brian. I tried Jimmy's idea and tuned down my 5 string essence, but as it is a frettless, it sounded better natural. I've been using my 4st fretted essence, in rehersals, and playing in the mid range of the neck. Transposition is no prob, but the sound on the recordings is definitely deeper. I've played around with my Fender J and 71 Tele(original P stock). Tuning down on those short scale basses is better. I wonder if I put a Fender thru the SF-2... I'll get back to ya.

[sonicus]

HI Nick.  when I did an SRV thing a while back  the B E A D tuning worked well . If I remember correctly it was around 1991 or so and I used Ernie Ball flat-wound strings tuned B E A D   130/100/80/65 gauges .I strung them on a 1971 Fender Precision with an Ash body and a maple neck. That was my SRV BOOM BOOM  Bass. lol___.
 
(Message edited by sonicus on April 06, 2010)

[afrobeat_fool]

My sonic brother, you are going to love this. I took the flatwounds off my 5st fretless and put them on my 71 tele, ash body maple neck. Tuned them B E A D. Then ran it thru the SF-2.  Boom Boom is right! Just got back from practice and the Man was stoked! He turned up his dual showmans a full notch. I put in ear plugs. Thanks all for the input. I really learned a lot from you all.
 
 
Nick

[sonicus]

I am really glad that it was successful  , Cool!  
 
 Wolf.

[edwin]

I love those old Tele basses! They have a killer tone.
 
But two Dual Showmans? (Showmen?) For a rehearsal? Keep those ear plugs handy!

[sonicus]

Nick .  
           How did the tour go?
 
      Wolf

[David Houck]

Another suggestion that I didn't see mentioned would be to put a 32 set of strings on a 34 bass.

[afrobeat_fool]

Hi, Wolf! Yeah, things went well enough. I got Paid!!!!!! Seriously. I remember why I haven't done one of these road gigs for a while. Sleeping in a short bus, and sometimes at impromptu houses, wreaks my back and makes me surly. Not to mention my old Tele bass breaking down on me. Trying to find places to resolder old connections, and replacing pots. Lets face it, most basses are not as well built or designed as Alembic's. My SF-2 was quite the plus on this trip. It performed quite well and there were moments when my Fender sounded good.  
  The guitarist/singer/bandleader blew up an old Fender showman in Yakima. Praise Jebus. He had to suffer thru most of the shows with only one Showman, and a twin reverb. Poor guy.  
   We played well and got a lot of queries about when we would be back thru.  
   Dave, what would a set of shorter strings have done on a long scale bass?  
   Now I get ready for my Mass Transit gigs for the Pacific NW. Some cool parties a few bigger events and, dare I say it, the transformation into a new Portland Afro-beat band. My old one has finally breathed its last breath and it's time to take the audience from the last one and give them something new to dance about. I am also going to be singing this summer, as well as playing bass. Some of the tunes I have chosen are Tales of brave Ulysses (Cream), Burning for you (B.O.C.), and Gallows poll (Maiden). Wish I could do some Zep, but my voice just can't hang.
 
 
Nick

[sonicus]

Nick,  
 Yes the road can eat you alive but it looks like you have got it down. That's great that you have got all that work lined up _ and singing while playing Bass as well; that's something I still have to learn how to do well.
 
         I have had a few recording gigs lately , one that might pan out  OK  for sound tracks for a reality show . I have been ask to work on some demo projects and also some Substitute  Bass Player live gigs .   I will possibly put a new  Band together and do some cover and original material in it . It will definitely have a San Francisco Sound  Jam band twist to it with a bit of Jazz & Blues & Reggae influence as well : it will have a little bit of everything in it.  This seems to be important to me .
 
 
       Sonic Regards ______