Constantly changing tuning

[lexxmexx]

I play in a few bands and some of them require me to downtune half a step while some play in standard tuning. I have only 1 bass now so have to constantly changing the tunings to suit different bands.

So my question is will this hurt the bass or strings in anyway?


Additional info:
This is a 5 string bass btw and there are several occasions where the same songs were played in the different bands. So, I don't think I will want to learn the same song in 2 different keys and also sacrificing the open strings can cause some speed reduction in my fingers

[bwoodman]

No, although if you're tuning the bass down a few steps on all strings, you'll lose that tension required to keep the neck straight - meaning the neck will bow forward and affect the action. The solution: get a five string bass - seriously. I play in a project where the guitarist tunes to several different open tunings including down to Eb for some songs and it doesn't matter to me because I have a 5. I have several 4's but I hardly ever play them on a gig because I like the extra range on the 5. I would get annoyed be having to be retuning all the time anyway!

[ErebusBass]

Buy one of these: www.rondomusic.com
Keep one bass tuned to standard and the other down a half step.

[CrispyDelicious]

Dude, just install a hipshot d-tuner on your bass. Problem solved with the flip of a switch.

[CrispyDelicious]

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...oduct_list&c=6

[ErebusBass]

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

Dude, just install a hipshot d-tuner on your bass. Problem solved with the flip of a switch.

Sounds like he'd need to install four of them, which would be very expensive if its even possible.

[Pilgrim]

I vote to add an inexpensive second bass. There are plenty of good ones around.

[DeluxeRed]

Just down-tune the low E (to hit the lower Eb or D you might need), then learn to play the rest one-half or one step lower. The low string is the only thing that really needs to change.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

Just down-tune the low E (to hit the lower Eb or D you might need), then learn to play the rest one-half or one step lower. The low string is the only thing that really needs to change.

Good idea!

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Good idea!

You'd think so, but no. The sort of music that is written for down-tuned instruments is a nightmare to play with just the E detuned, been there-done that. Better to down tune the whole thing. I have a bass for just that, with heavy-ish strings as well, 50-110. Works great. I keep my others in standard tuning.

[J. Montgomery]

My band tunes down 1/2 step to making things easier on the singer. I learn the songs in standard tuning, and then detune when we practice or play gigs. I retune my bass at least twice a week, going back and forth between standard and 1/2 step down.

[Rick Auricchio]

Originally Posted by bwoodman

No, although if you're tuning the bass down a few steps on all strings, you'll lose that tension required to keep the neck straight - meaning the neck will bow forward and affect the action.

Loosening the strings would cause the neck to bow backward, reducing relief, lowering the action, and causing fret buzz.

I think the buzz would occur below the fifth fret. I never remember for sure; I just check everywhere when setting up my basses.

[anonymous02282011]

All twelve notes are there on the fingerboard.

If you're tuning down for affect, I'd just tune the E string down and make the necessary shifts across the other strings. It's a bit of work on the fretting hand, but do able I"d imagine.

Another option to check out anyway . . .

[TheSilverKnight]

Keep it tuned a half step down and then spend 5-10 dollars on a capo when u need to play standard capo at the first fret and 1 becomes 0 with out affecting you at all.

Alternatively since its a 5 string u can keep it standard and the capo at the 4th fret and your B becomes an Eb open(which gives you a nice new suprise high end you can use to do something other then play the rhythm during solos)

Neither of these should cause any issues unless you only have 20 frets and need to play in the really high range which is doubtful if you are playing anything dropped down a half most music written that way ever goes past the 9th fret on any sting unless you are doing one sting octaves.

[TheSilverKnight]

Just wanted to know if my reply helped you or not seems this died after I posted.

If it did help I find it surprising of all the talented and informed Bassists on here that my a guy who can barely play anything consistently after 4 years as a bassist and I come up with the Musically most sensical solution.

Makes me feel smart or at least that 3+ years of computer programming classes out of the box thinking hasn't worn off.

[ehque]

TSK, that's quite an ingenious solution.

[HogieWan]

he's not talking about changing tuning during a show, just with different groups.

It's not that hard to change the tuning and it won't affect the bass or the strings

[anthowl]

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

Just down-tune the low E (to hit the lower Eb or D you might need), then learn to play the rest one-half or one step lower. The low string is the only thing that really needs to change.

this.

Originally Posted by HogieWan

It's not that hard to change the tuning and it won't affect the bass or the strings

incorrect.

[chump stain]

I agree with getting an inexpensive second bass. Lately with the bands I've been playing with, I go from 1 and a half steps to 2 steps down. And things are holding up fine. I haven't played with anyone in a while who still uses standard, and when I do, I usually usually play 1 step down. I just fret E at the second fret. I have a 5 string for when I'm at chruch or something, where I know we'll be in standard.

[TheSilverKnight]

Originally Posted by ehque

TSK, that's quite an ingenious solution.

Thanks.

Personally the only bass I have where I can change tuning all day and not have it eventually affect the strings as far as I can tell is my acoustic. Plus why change the tuning when it takes half as much time to pop a capo on and doesn't require matching reference tones or plugging into a tuner.