What do you think of the idea of using this tuning exclusively:

Blazemourne · #1 03-13-2009, 01:59 AM

E-B-E-A (Solo tuning except using a low E string instead of F#) and reading at concert pitch?

Jake deVilliers · #2 03-13-2009, 09:18 AM

It seems to work okay for Edgar.

anonymous12251111 · #3 03-13-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazemourne

E-B-E-A (Solo tuning except using a low E string instead of F#) and reading at concert pitch?

It really depends what kind of music you play. If you're an orchestral musician then this tuning would make no sense at all, and your sound would not resemble an orchestral double bass. Perhaps if you told us what you're trying to achieve we could guide you in the right direction. Transposing is great but at some point you're going to have difficulty sight reading.
Best of luck.

Blazemourne · #4 03-13-2009, 12:31 PM

Would it make no sense for an orchestral musician merely because everyone else does not do it? I guess what I am looking for is a single all-purpose tuning. Switching between two tunings or getting two basses is really cumbersome. I also find the sound of a solo tuned bass to be superior to the sound of an orchestral tuned double bass. Having a low E instead of an F# eliminates the range problem.

Nathan Parker · #5 03-13-2009, 01:02 PM

What kind of music do you play that you are needing to switch between tuning so often? I've never had a problem with standard tuning. But, I only play jazz, so my experience is limited.

JoeyNaeger · #6 03-13-2009, 01:34 PM

I doubt it would be worth the trouble. That "superior" sound you like so much with solo tuning isn't going to be nearly as useful in a bass section. Until you can get used to the tuning, you're going to have to transpose -everything- you play that isn't solo tuning as well. Lately, I've given up on solo tuning as it is way to much of a hassle.

Blazemourne · #7 05-03-2009, 10:05 PM

Hmm I see, but I am willing to get use to it and read at concert pitch.

thewhale · #8 05-03-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazemourne

Would it make no sense for an orchestral musician merely because everyone else does not do it?

It's not just because everyone else does not do it, it's that no one would want to do it. Years of evolution has given us this tuning. This is the sound that works for a bass section in an orchestra. If you want a brighter sound that speaks easier like you would get with solo strings, join the cello section--that's what there for. It's not that modern double basses just happened to decide to tune E A d g, but that years of experienced has proven this to be the best tuning for our role in the orchestra.

T-Bal · #9 05-04-2009, 10:48 AM

OP: disregard the naysayers. This kind of thinking is bad for progress. If the tuning works for you and your bass, then you should go for it. Only way to know is to try it!

Paul Warburton · #10 05-04-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bal

OP: disregard the naysayers. This kind of thinking is bad for progress. If the tuning works for you and your bass, then you should go for it. Only way to know is to try it!

+1.
If Red Mtchell (5ths tuning jazz heavy) and Joel Quarrington (5ths tuning legit heavy) paid ANY attention to "naysayers"..... Blah, bla blah.
I say go for it.

Filling in your PROFILE would be a wonderful thing for you to think about, if you want help around here though.