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

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

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.

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.

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.