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08-05-2011, 07:04 PM
| | | | Can you tune a bass up?
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So yeah, wasn't quite sure where to post this, but here goes. So my band's got this one song that is in a really awkward key for me. In order to play the right notes (and let them ring properly) I've been using a capo on the second fret. We just were in the studio though and the capo makes the whole line sound like crap. We go back in tomorrow, so I need another way to play that line. Would it be possible to tune up the strings two half steps, or is that too much tension on the neck? Any other ideas about what I could do? (and yes, I have spent weeks trying to find another way to play the line, cause using a capo sucks, but as far as I'm aware, there isn't.) Thanks yall |
08-05-2011, 07:13 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2008 Location: Detroit, MI | | | What exactly is the issue with the capo? Perhaps you haven't positioned the capo properly or the capo doesn't have enough tension... I assume there is a droning note of sorts.... Or else this really wouldn't be that much of an issue... Regardless- a good idea is to only tune up the string(s) that is being droned, and figure out how to play the line again..
If that doesn't cut it than just tune the entire dang thing up.. It's gonna feel very different under your hands and I'd suggest having someone adjust the neck for you (assuming you don't know how) so that the neck doesn't have too much bow and make it harder to play..
If this solution works and the string tension is too much than try using lighter gauge strings (40-100 if you're a 4-string kinda guy) and that should let the strings oscillate a bit more.
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08-05-2011, 07:13 PM
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Endorsing Artist: SWR Amplifiers | | Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia | | | It'll probably work just fine.
Consider restringing one gauge lighter first - so if you normally play 45's, try it with 40's. |
08-05-2011, 07:14 PM
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Endorsing Artist: SWR Amplifiers | | Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia | | | (I guess great minds think alike) |
08-05-2011, 07:23 PM
|  | Real Basses Have 5 Strings! | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado | | Quote:
Originally Posted by gtyuh  So yeah, wasn't quite sure where to post this, but here goes. So my band's got this one song that is in a really awkward key for me. In order to play the right notes (and let them ring properly) I've been using a capo on the second fret. We just were in the studio though and the capo makes the whole line sound like crap. We go back in tomorrow, so I need another way to play that line. Would it be possible to tune up the strings two half steps, or is that too much tension on the neck? Any other ideas about what I could do? (and yes, I have spent weeks trying to find another way to play the line, cause using a capo sucks, but as far as I'm aware, there isn't.) Thanks yall | Dude ... just use your fingers to fret the notes. You are not playing a guitar and 6 note chords.  |
08-05-2011, 07:26 PM
| | | | Maybe you could post this question in every forum instead of just three.
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08-05-2011, 07:26 PM
|  | Spiritual Advisor to Muppets Everywhere | | Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis | | | You remember the Japan Earthquake.
Yep It was tune up on board a submarine.
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08-05-2011, 07:36 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Durham, NC | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Ric5 Dude ... just use your fingers to fret the notes. You are not playing a guitar and 6 note chords. | This. A capo on a bass?
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08-05-2011, 09:58 PM
|  | <---Shinola Shite--^ | | Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manitoba, Canada | | | Is this a bass line you wrote? Cant you Drop it an octave? If your guitards are telling you no we want it high, tell them that you are a bass player, not a soprano! Lol.
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08-05-2011, 10:41 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sydney Australia | | Will you guys have some heart for crying out loud! Bass players have never been cookie cutter, let the guy do something different. It's a one off for a reecording. What if Stanley Clarke never tried picolo bass coz he said... Quote: |
I'm a bass player, not a soprano!
| YES. you can tune it up for just a little while.
In fact I just tried it on my P bass (F# B E A) and it was fine. No dramas. Just do it for the song and then tune it down again.
Love to hear a sample of it when you get it mixed. 
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Last edited by reverendrally : 08-05-2011 at 10:44 PM.
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08-05-2011, 11:08 PM
| | <---Shinola Shite--^ | | Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manitoba, Canada | | Quote:
Originally Posted by reverendrally Will you guys have some heart for crying out loud! Bass players have never been cookie cutter, let the guy do something different. It's a one off for a reecording. What if Stanley Clarke never tried picolo bass coz he said...
YES. you can tune it up for just a little while.
In fact I just tried it on my P bass (F# B E A) and it was fine. No dramas. Just do it for the song and then tune it down again.
Love to hear a sample of it when you get it mixed. | You conveniently cut out my LOL on the quote mister.
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'74ish Ampeg V4B, 115/210. * '75 Gibson G3. *Epi Tbird. *Squier: VM Jazz, CV 50's P. *Squier VM Jazz Assoc. *MBC 641. Squier owners club
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