F#-G tuning a bass

unatratnag · #1 11-14-2005, 07:59 AM

I started a side project and a lot of the ideas i'm coming up with involve F#-G tuning on my Carvin 6 string.
I decided to get crazy and order F# string from Conklin and I'll get a 5 string set when it gets here.

I guess step 1 will be see if the F# fits, I'll probably have to file down the nut if it doesn't work as many have sugguested. Offhand, does anyone have any recommendations/precautionary steps to take when doing this?

other question, is that since Carvin basses have string thru body design, does anyone know if the Conklin snakeskin string will be long enough or should i cancel/contact conklin immediately?

Sandman1278 · #2 11-14-2005, 06:40 PM

the bridge on carvins are optional thrubody, you can always feed the string through the back of the bridge, that is unless you have an older carvin and dont have this bridge http://www.carvin.com/products/singl...r=SF6C&CID=BKT

unatratnag · #3 11-15-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandman1278

the bridge on carvins are optional thrubody, you can always feed the string through the back of the bridge, that is unless you have an older carvin and dont have this bridge http://www.carvin.com/products/singl...r=SF6C&CID=BKT

Thanks, interestingly enought mine's a 2005 and i got the Piezo package, and for some reason they have a different bridge and can't go through the back....*shrug*

anyways, i emailed bill, he said should be ok as long as it's 34 inch, but it might be close to the nut. So the string is on its way.

Anyone have recommendations still for how to handle the filing? Did anyone do this before and just use a nail file or something?

Sandman1278 · #4 11-15-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unatratnag

Thanks, interestingly enought mine's a 2005 and i got the Piezo package, and for some reason they have a different bridge and can't go through the back....*shrug*

anyways, i emailed bill, he said should be ok as long as it's 34 inch, but it might be close to the nut. So the string is on its way.

Anyone have recommendations still for how to handle the filing? Did anyone do this before and just use a nail file or something?

ahh peizo, thats why, ;-)

knuckle_head · #5 11-15-2005, 03:15 PM

I would suggest that you remove and save the existing nut (so you have it in case you change your mind) and completely replace it with a nut intended for your F# string.

You will have to alter the center point for all 6 strings and the F# will need more meat under it than is left from your B string.

You're gonna have a ton o fun if the bass is up to being tuned this low!

Daleb · #6 11-17-2005, 09:23 AM

I just did this exact same mod on my bass.

I've got a Peavey Grind NTB6, but the setup on it reminds me a lot of Carvin's basses. With standard tuning I went strings through the body, but the mono-rail style bridge also let me string it through the back of the bridge without going through the body. I haven't got a lot of playing time in on it yet, but it seems to have worked out pretty well.

My biggest problem was finding an appropriate string for the F#. At .150 the Conklin string is a bit on the light side, but people do use it. The other problem that you have on your bass though is that if you tried to go any heavier than that you probably won't be able to thread it through the body of the bass. (you may run into that problem already with a .150)

I tried to save the original nut, but it was glued down so tight it broke when I took it off. I had bought two replacement nuts from Carvin before I started though. The replacement nut fit perfectly and the modification was easy. I just used an exacto knife to scrape out the sides of the slots a little bit. Take it slow and don't touch the bottom of the slot at all. You'll need all the clearance you can get with the heavier strings.

It did take a bit of trussrod and saddle adjustment to get everything into playing shape again, but after I got it all adjusted my action is now actually lower than it was before.

I really just did this literally last week and tonight will be my first chance to play it through a PA with plenty of power and big subs.

I hope this all works out well for you. Oh...and just a tip. Pick up a set of the Dean Markley SR2000s (the Will Lee set). This should match your string from Conklin perfectly. (they're the same strings)

troll · #7 11-30-2005, 11:27 AM

Nice to find this thread so I don't have to start it myself.

I intend to try something like this as well.

What F#'s have you tried and what other strings are you mixing it with?

I certainly don't want to buy a 20 dollar or more single string and have to buy another 50 dollar set (conklins sit's) just to have it matched... So what other strings compare that can be had off the shelf?

I'm considering trying it on my 5 to see if I like it. If I do, I'll pick up a 6 instead, as was my original idea. Glad to see I'm not alone.

Daleb · #8 12-02-2005, 09:01 AM

My only experience in this area is with LaBella SuperSteps strings. I purchased my F# (a .170) from an individual who had them specially made by LaBella. I got a matching 5-string set of LaBellas off the shelf from BigCityStrings.com.

I had also been pursuing getting a set from Warrior instruments, but they ended up being out of stock on their F# (also a .170) and had to get some more made. They were going to sell me a set for $40 USD. They've also been a bit hard to deal with. I sent them an email over a week ago telling them to cancel my order and I haven't heard anything back from them yet. They should have their stock replenished by January if all goes well.

Sorry I don't have any better solution than that to offer you. The high price of the Conklin sets put me off too.