DADG Tuning???

[RunngDog]

I'm planning to get my first
EUB shortly and have been considering 5-string vs. 4-string. The only real advantage to the 5-string for me would be access to the low D on the B string -- useful since a lot of the Celtic music I play is in D. But I'm wondering about the alternative of simply tuning the E string down to a D (perhaps using a higher string gauge to compensate). I realize this might complicate life on that low string, what with a full 5th interval to the A, but I'm curious if anyone has tried this tuning with any success?

[Mike Goodbar]

I de-tuned my E-string occasionally on orchestral pieces that required a low E-flat or D (but not on the classical-era stuff that routinely goes down to low C etc), and I've found that it really isn't that hard to get temporarily accustomed to it.

I've used that tuning it more on the electric bass, and I even installed one of those D-tuner gadgets to make it easier. Depending on what kind of EUB you buy, maybe Hipshot makes a D-Tuner that would work.