Detuning a bass on the fly

carlthegroover · #1 10-16-2011, 08:52 AM

Hey, I was wondering if a bass can be detuned on the fly? Sometimes I need to go from standard EADG to BEAD. Is there a pedal or some other gadget that can convincingly achieve this?

I was thinking about just setting one of my basses to have a BEAD tuning, but I'm not sure if it's worth it since I only play a few songs that require a different tuning.

5 stringers are not an option for me. Tried them, didn't quite like them.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find a thread that answers my question.

Ric5 · #2 10-16-2011, 08:56 AM

That is why I play a 5 string bass ... no detuning needed ever ...

For you I suggest you bring 2 basses to your gig ... one tuned normal and one tuned BEAD.

Or try playing all the time in D standard ... DGCF

Here Entwistle detunes in the middle of a bass solo ... but only one string.

John Entwistle bass solo - YouTube

Floyd Eye · #3 10-16-2011, 08:56 AM

You cannot go back and forth between these tunings without needing a TR adjustment. Also you would need different strings really for each tuning. Sorry to say it, but you need to get over your fear of 5 stringers and just get one and practice. Ibanez makes some nice, inexpensive models with super thin necks to aid in the transition.

cjmodulus · #4 10-16-2011, 08:58 AM

You would loose a lot of tension doing that big of a detune on the fly. Even if it didn't cause neck issues, the strings would be pretty darn loose. You could remedy the looseness with a thicker gage string, but I'd recommend 2 basses if you don't want to use a five string.

**pacojas** · #5 10-16-2011, 09:01 AM

funny question,... (sorry)

the guys are right!!!

bassteban · #6 10-16-2011, 09:05 AM

IMO you'll benefit most by deciding which option works best for you:
1. 2 basses
2. 1 bass, tuned BEAD & play up the neck for more *standard* stuff
3. Go 5er
As stated, going from EADG - BEAD *on the fly* is very unlikely to be really possible, w/o some major setup issues.

walterw · #7 10-16-2011, 01:10 PM

there's an app for that.

carlthegroover · #8 10-16-2011, 08:22 PM

I realize there would be problems with tuning down PHYSICALLY in the fly. I've tried it already and the strings are way too floppy.

Isn't there like a detuning pedal of some sort? If there is, does it sound good?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

You cannot go back and forth between these tunings without needing a TR adjustment. Also you would need different strings really for each tuning. Sorry to say it, but you need to get over your fear of 5 stringers and just get one and practice. Ibanez makes some nice, inexpensive models with super thin necks to aid in the transition.

Well, right now I prefer to get as comfortable as possible with four strings, regardless of the tuning. I like their slimmer necks better. I don't want to justify not using a 5-stringer enough, but now I prefer to get better in one type of bass rather than just jump to a 5-stringer with my current level.

As for "fear", I don't think it is that. I already own a 5-stringer (Yamaha), but the problem IS that it has tight spacing. It makes me noticeably clumsier.

That's why I'd like to have basses with standard tuning that can be "detuned" with effects (if that doesn't sound like crap). Or, as some have said, I change the tuning of one of my 4-stringers into BEAD.

carlthegroover · #9 10-16-2011, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

funny question,... (sorry)

the guys are right!!!

Do you mind telling why is it funny? I'm just not experienced enough in effects to know this stuff. In fact, I have never dwelled into the world of bass effects.

carlthegroover · #10 10-16-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

there's an app for that.

Oh, yeah, I've seen that before. Is it only for guitar or does it work with bass as well? Do you know if it's good enough in terms of sound and tone?

atomicdog · #11 10-16-2011, 08:28 PM

Entwhistle video: I like the bass cam

Floyd Eye · #12 10-16-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

I realize there would be problems with tuning down PHYSICALLY in the fly. I've tried it already and the strings are way too floppy.

Isn't there like a detuning pedal of some sort? If there is, does it sound good?

Well, right now I prefer to get as comfortable as possible with four strings, regardless of the tuning. I like their slimmer necks better. I don't want to justify not using a 5-stringer enough, but now I prefer to get better in one type of bass rather than just jump to a 5-stringer with my current level.

As for "fear", I don't think it is that. I already own a 5-stringer (Yamaha), but the problem IS that it has tight spacing. It makes me noticeably clumsier.

That's why I'd like to have basses with standard tuning that can be "detuned" with effects (if that doesn't sound like crap). Or, as some have said, I change the tuning of one of my 4-stringers into BEAD.

I think you should get some heavier strings ( buy a 5 string set and just use the BEAD) and set up one of your 4 strings for BEAD tuning. You will likely need to file the nut a little ( wider, NOT deeper) and adjust the truss rod.

ffutterman · #13 10-16-2011, 08:35 PM

Unless I'm missing something, why not a double-stop Hipshot detuner? I don't have personal experience with them, but rumor has it you can tune the stops to E (up), D (mid), and B (down)

Edit: I misread it and thought you were looking for BADG for some reason. I guess you could get a chunky headstock, 4 detuners, and mess up your truss rod, but that seems like a lot of trouble instead of just getting an alt bass or a 5-er

JP Morin · #14 10-16-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

there's an app for that.

The bomber seems to be a cool device... seems to sound's better than the traditionnal digitech whammy... On the u-tube video htat seems to do great with basses... but I would give it a try to see how it react with the lows fo a bass...

jgroh · #15 10-16-2011, 08:47 PM

Yeah, why not a Hipshot detuner? Or if you want the low notes but only for a few songs try an octave pedal with no clean blend. Wax on wax off.

carlthegroover · #16 10-17-2011, 06:38 PM

I have another question: if I get the heaviest possible gauge for the E string (and E string only), and detune it to B (but still have the choice of going back to E), could it work? Is it less floppy? Does this mess with the truss rod or something else or it's fine?

squiresuzuki · #17 10-17-2011, 06:41 PM

I can't believe someone hasn't mentioned this yet...

MORPHEUS DROPTUNE.

mr.black · #18 10-18-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squiresuzuki

I can't believe someone hasn't mentioned this yet...

MORPHEUS DROPTUNE.

yeah the morpheus sounds cool just jamming, i'm not sure it'll go over well in a live setting especially for bass. on the site gus g from ozzy's band says he used it to "record" not live and thats a guitar with distortion which hides a lot.
i can recommend DR DDT strings designed for drop tuning, if you can bear it, set your action a bit higher while in standard tuning then they can handle a 2-step drop without being crazy loose.

carlthegroover · #19 10-19-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squiresuzuki

I can't believe someone hasn't mentioned this yet...

MORPHEUS DROPTUNE.

They say it is pretty expensive. And is it for guitars or for basses as well?

I saw an octave pedal (Octabass) which seems to kind of work, though the tone isn't the greatest IMHO. Anyone has used this pedal to a bigger extent? Would it work with, say, overdrive or distortion as opposed to clean tone?

jabsys · #20 10-19-2011, 03:45 PM

What about a pitch shifter?