Question:
> My band plays in a fucked up tuning where the lower E string on a bass is > tuned down to C#.
"fucked up"? Hmph! Downtuned step-and-a-half just happens to be my favourite tuning 
It was used extensively on most of Black Sabbath’s earlier albums and really adds some weight to the music… Anyway, enough of my rambling. > My question is: > I’m having trouble keeping tension on the string so that I can hit a solid > note, the string is "slapping" around. > I would like to know whats the best thing to do to keep the lower E tight > during playing, is there a setting, bridge > or saddle that will work, is there a different kind of string???
You may need to raise your action, but more importantly you need larger strings if you’re going to be playing downtuned a lot – I used a string set with .110 E once that handled downtuning well, as well as staying in tune longer. Even so, I’m currently playing with .45 G, .60 D, .80 A, .105 E strings in C# tuning (and a .130 B) and they sound fine – maybe adjusting your technique a little is what is required! BTW, for anyone who just picked up on the fact that I’m playing a 5-string and still screwing with the tuning – I don’t normally, but having the beast tuned E B F# C# B opens up some interesting possibilities =) Chris
Response:
My band plays in a fucked up tuning where the lower E string on a bass is tuned down to C#. My question is: I’m having trouble keeping tension on the string so that I can hit a solid note, the string is "slapping" around. I would like to know whats the best thing to do to keep the lower E tight during playing, is there a setting, bridge or saddle that will work, is there a different kind of string??? Thanks. Gary