Concern with piccolo bass strung E-C

wdinc01 · #1 03-01-2010, 12:36 AM

I just won an auction for a five string bass that I want to tune E-C, piccolo. I plan on using it for jazz, and solo stuff.

However, I was hoping to get a general consensus. Anyone have experience with such a thing? I was planning on using Zon stainless steel strings. My only concern is that the C is a .09, and I'm worried that it may break often. Would it be better (i.e. cost me less strings) if I tuned it B-G?

Thanks in advance

LaklandBass · #2 03-01-2010, 12:40 AM

.09? i would think that E-C would use .028-.100 or something around there

wdinc01 · #3 03-01-2010, 12:56 AM

Piccolo bass. It's tuned up an octave.

http://store.zonguitars.com/ultrason...1-1-1-1-1.aspx

jasonmasters · #4 03-01-2010, 08:53 AM

I just use D'Addario Extra Super Light gauge 4-string sets (35-95) then buy the extra string for 3 bucks on juststrings.com (I use a wound .30)

wdinc01 · #5 03-03-2010, 12:34 PM

You use the extra lights and tune it up piccolo? I'm not sure if you guys are understand what I'm trying to do

LaklandBass · #6 03-03-2010, 12:37 PM

So let me get this straight. Its a bass that is strung E-C and tuned up a whole octave?
Im pretty sure thats called a guitar.

odin70 · #7 03-03-2010, 12:40 PM

09..is it possible to play with a string like that?

wdinc01 · #8 03-03-2010, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaklandBass

So let me get this straight. Its a bass that is strung E-C and tuned up a whole octave?
Im pretty sure thats called a guitar.

I'm pretty sure there's been many debates about this, same as whether or not an extended-range bass (i.e. anything Jean Baudin plays) is still a bass. I don't want to argue with you about it, but you could say that is, it's like a guitar, but you use bass techniques to play it.

fivestringgecko · #9 03-03-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdinc01

I'm not sure if you guys are understand what I'm trying to do

I've got a Peavey Cirrus 6-string that I took to a local luthier to get strung up with piccolo strings, so I understand what you're saying for sure.

I currently use D'Addario's piccolo bass set (EXL280) for the E A D G and a .070 for the low B, but the high C-string is a tad complicated... the luthier put on a .012 gauge (I think) string which is actually a B string from a D'Addario 12-string electric guitar set. I'll have to double check the gauge and string set for you when I get home, though. He used the ball end from one of my old bass strings on the end of the C-string because the ball ends on the electric set weren't big enough for the bridge (I can post a pic if you want, too). I know it sounds weird, but that's what the luthier put on and it's been working fine.

To answer your question, a .009 C-string might be a problem if you're used to playing aggressively on a regular bass. If you've never played piccolo before, it's quite different (obviously) so it'll take a little getting used to. However, I didn't find it too difficult to make the adjustment and can jump back and forth between regular/piccolo basses without trouble. The only time I've broken a string on my piccolo bass was the last time I was messing with altered tunings, and it was actually the A-string because I tuned too far the wrong way.... duh.

lol

Thanks for the tip on the Zon strings though, I might just have to give them a try next time I change strings.

5sg.

fretlessrock · #10 03-03-2010, 08:46 PM

You want to tune piccolo. You want to do it on a 34" scale instrument. The long scale will generate a relatively proportional increase in tension over a 25" guitar. What is the concern? Too light? I've used the Zon 4 set to run a fretless 4 in piccolo and there was no problem with inadequate tension, and if you can't hang with unwound strings, compromise on the tuning and maybe capo up.

wdinc01 · #11 03-03-2010, 11:33 PM

Yes, I'm just concerned with the C string snapping a lot. I suppose I could just go heavier and tune down a few steps, which I would be fine with if I were more fluent with music. I plan on doing some jazz duets with my buddy, who would be playing a bass strung normally.

ehque · #12 03-03-2010, 11:42 PM

0.09 is like the E string of a light guitar set.

Probably should have no problems playing it. At least replacements will be cheaper if breakage is a concern.

wdinc01 · #13 03-03-2010, 11:57 PM

Theoretically, yes. But I'm not sure if a regular guitar string would be long enough.

I think if it breaks too often, I'll just switch to B-G

ZolkoW · #14 03-04-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdinc01

Theoretically, yes. But I'm not sure if a regular guitar string would be long enough.

I think if it breaks too often, I'll just switch to B-G

most guitar strings are quite long, I used a Daddario single string (.030") for my 35" bass, and it was long enough.
wouldn't reach the next peg on the headstock, but the C peg, yes.
(It's a shame that Daddario longscale BASS STRINGS are too short for 35"

)

fivestringgecko · #15 03-04-2010, 08:33 AM

Sorry for the delay...

I double checked on the C-string the luthier put on my Cirrus. He actually used a .014 B-string from a D'Addario EJ38 12-string set.

A quick note, my Peavey is a 35" scale bass and the piccolo strings I've got on there are all considered only long scale. No problems. It's the normal bass strings that cause trouble... the low B- and E-strings in particular, they're tapered at the neck end (NOT the bridge end). On my other 35" scale basses with normal strings, I do have to order super longs.

5sg.

fivestringgecko · #16 03-04-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdinc01

Theoretically, yes. But I'm not sure if a regular guitar string would be long enough.

I think if it breaks too often, I'll just switch to B-G

Out of curiosity, have you found a 5-string piccolo set that has B-G strings? That would work PERFECT for me... get the B-G set and add the C-string from the 12-string set!

5sg.

edpal · #17 04-28-2010, 07:59 AM

Yeah, I know, 7 week old thread. I have actually done what you are talking about but I went the other direction:
D string from a 4 string set(.075) for the E, which is only being tuned up one whole step at that point. Then a piccolo bass set for the other 4. Little adjustment to action and intonation and it was a snap. Sure, it's into guitar range but the heavy strings give a cool sound. I'm using piccolo strings on my 12 string bass too for the octaves, with the lower 4 strings from a 5 string set for the drone(bass) strings. I play with a guitarist who is strictly a strummer, so it is nice we have "another guitarist" - LOL. He enjoys the extra sonic cover too.