G&L Fallout short scale bass: Down-tuning a short scale bass with heavier strings

In this unsponsored follow-up video, we will see whether the use of heavier strings will result in better tone, better note definition and less string flabbiness when down-tuning to E flat standard (Eb - Ab - Db - Gb) and D standard (D - G - C - F) tunings.
Link to Part 1: • Down-tuning a short sc...
The bass today is the G&L Fallout short scale bass (Tribute series)
The strings to be used today are D'Addario XL nickel roundwounds gauges 100-45 (light, pink pack) vs. 105-50 (medium, orange pack).
In the playing examples for both the Eb standard and D standard tunings, the first pass will be with the 100-45 set, followed by the 105-50 set. The bass was re-setup to best accommodate the respective string gauges.
Settings on the bass: Volume 100%, Tone 100% with pickup switch in the middle (split / single coil mode) in order to get the most high frequency information from the bass itself.
The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go (my usual GK800RB model settings).
No EQ or compression was added in post. No level matching, identical recording chain and settings for all passes.
00:00 Intro
00:27 Background
01:30 Finding heavier strings
02:19 Comparison setup
03:13 Eb standard track
04:41 D standard track
06:07 Assessment
jonathanwong.bandcamp.com

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

As always good info, definitely heavier strings is the ticket. . . personally prefer pure nickel.

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching and sharing! On this particular G&L, I would also need wider nut slots with a 110 heavy set. The 105s were ok in general.

[@MrSparks54]

Good stuff Jonathan. I have that exact bass and I would like to try the down tuning but I much prefer flatwounds. Thanks!

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching!
The same principles will apply to flats…but unfortunately the gauge options for short scale flats are even more limited. I ‘think’ Pino Palladino used Labella flatwounds on his D standard- tuned Precision bass (D’Angelo era).

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also happy Thursday ❤😊

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words!

[@MrDanalaimo]

Thanks!!! Saved for future reference

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching!

[@cici4753]

Thanks for another great video. Definitely the 50-105 for the heavier genre!!

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks so much for watching! Imagine what a 110 set would do!

[@cici4753]

@@jonathanwong458music Oh ya that's what I'm using right now, DDT 110's. They sounded good! BUT...... lasted about a week and they're dead... 😂😂😂 I'm going to try EB Cobalt Flats 110 next, though I don't know if they come in short scale.

[@jonathanwong458music]

@@cici4753 Looking on the Ernie Ball website, the Cobalt flats only come in 105-45 for short scale. Depending on the type of tuners you, you might be able to put long scale flats on (the larger the tuner post, the better) but you will risk string breakage on stiffer and larger flatwounds like a 110.
I've tried Cobalt rounds on a few basses. They sound really cool with overdrive and fuzz. There's something the high mids that lends itself well to being driven. But clean, I found something hollow in the rest of the mids. Not sure why. Best of luck finding the right strings!
ca.ernieball.com/guitar-strings/bass-strings/slinky-cobalt-flatwound-electric-bass-strings/slinky-cobalt-flatwound-short-scale-electric-bass-strings

[@MisterNobody-mq8ww]

Thank you for the great video, it really helps and there is not much info out on the topic. I am newbie, (asked the question about down tuning on your G&L video). I bought a G&L Tribute, it came with scratches everywhere. I almost immediately packed it up because it should never have left the factory, but started playing and love it. I am not going to keep this one, but once returned I am thinking of getting the Plex Pro setup from Sweetwater. You get to choose your own strings as part of the setup, I am nervous getting heavier strings as I have not tired them before. I play E standard, E flat standard, and Drop D at about equal ratios. What do you think of a newbie with heavy strings and general playability? Thanks for your help and answering the question last time.

[@jonathanwong458music]

String gauge is a very personal choice. There are a few videos from others talking about how the gauge affects the tone (which is all true) but I think the more important factor that is near impossible to accurately portray across TH-cam is how YOUR fingers react to the string and the resultant tone. I have experimented endlessly with gauges and string companies and there is always a compromise in the end. For instance, I find heavier strings in general to rob the tone of complexity, overtones and richness, but in exchange, you get a bigger fundamental and a boomier low end. In contrast, thinner gauge sets can sound anemic and thin on the bottom, but you get this more 'wirey' type tone that some players absolutely loathe! The thing is, I can hand the same bass to a buddy and it can sound like a whole different instrument! Fingers and skin absolutely affects the tone!
The expensive answer (unfortunately) is to experiment to find what feels best first. I say that because if the string does't feel nice under YOUR fingers, it matters less what it sounds like, because you won't like playing it. And if you don't like how it feels, it will mentally and psychologically really affect your playing in the end.
The gauge will affect certain physics and string orbit, especially for downtuning, but you have to like how it feels first.
In terms of tuning and versatility, it's always easier to have a down-tuned bass you can play up on, instead of a regular tuned bass that you constantly have to tune down. Having said that, some songs need an open E to play 'properly'! As an educator, I'll say it's important to learn E standard tuning. Not that it's right or wrong, it's just more common and easier to play with other people.
But I think you need to assess what your needs and goals are. If you mostly play lower tuned music, then down-tune away! Eb standard is such an awesome tuning, but my brain never got used to it. I like the tonality, but I just can't relax my brain with it....but that's my brain's shortcoming!

[@user-gr9cb3sh7o]

To use thicker gauge strings on this bass (whether downtrend or not), will surgery be needed on the nut?

[@jonathanwong458music]

That’s a great question! There will be some variation depending on who at the factory did the nut slotting, but on this particular G&L, it accepted the 105 set without issue but it likely will not accept a 110 set - would need the nut slots widened. Thanks for watching and asking!