Wasn’t sure where to put this, but if I wanted to configure one of my 4-string basses to use C-G-C-F tuning, should I use different strings to compensate? What gauge should I use for such tuning, if anything different from the medium-light 45-105 flat-wounds that I have now?
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Hail Branden!
Yes - you should use different strings… I think.
I love tuning my bass to all sorts of weird things.
You’ll notice - if you tune the medium-light flats down to this tuning - that you’ll have a very different level of tension on all the strings, with the E string getting decidedly floppy (going down those 2 whole steps).
Sometimes this sucks if you want it to sound punchy and tight.
Sometimes this sounds amazing, if you want it to sound kinda slinky, rattly, and sludgy.
Another thing to note -
Is this bass going to stay in this tuning all the time?
Will you ever tune it back to standard??
If you’ll tune it back to standard, definitely leave normal strings on there.
If it’s a dedicated, full-time open C bass, I’d switch strings and do a full setup.
A set of 110-55 would work well, but if it was for sludgy metal, I might want the 110 (or even a 120) for the E, and then 50s on the top.
…
Well, now we’re deep in the “try some things out” stage of the thing.
But I think the questions above are the most important ones to know the answers too before you start buying different strings.
It’s gotta be for metal, right?
Some Baroness/Sleep riff-lord type of music? I’m stoked for you.
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Thanks Gio. Great advice there and some stuff to think about. Yes, it’s for a song by Three Days Grace, “Animal I Have Become.” I’m not sure I want to dedicate a whole bass to this tuning, but I can at least put beefier strings on one of them so I can drop tune it when needed for this and other songs. So, looks like a full setup is in order with some new strings. 
Thanks!
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Glad it’s helpful.
Have you tuned the flats down to the new tuning yet?
If it’s just for one song, I’d probably leave everything alone, and just deal with the slightly (or greatly) slinkier feel on everything.
I love being able to bend the hell out of the strings when they’re loose like that!
But, if you have the time and energy - a beefier set of strings and set up would be a much more intentional way of doing it.
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I have standard gauge rounds on my bass and it handles drop C just fine. I actually just learned that song a few weeks ago, and IMO you want the strings to clank around to get the right tone. I would just tune down and hammer the strings with a pick it’ll probably sound great
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Will definitely try it out and let you know. Good to know our strings can handle 2 whole steps down. I didn’t want to harm my bass or anything, and I’m still new to working on my it myself. I didn’t want to attempt a new set of strings and a setup without help.
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