Noob question: Drop D?

[Nogitron]

I find there are quite a few times that I'd like to play a low D, but I don't have the time to tune down and back up again ... I've heard of drop D tuners, but ... what exactly -is- a Drop D tuner, and how do they work? I assume they bring your 4th string down to D, but can they tune it back up again? is it fast and accurate? Does it ruin the tuning of the other strings with the consistent loosening and tightening of the tension? Are they worth their cost?

[JustDavid]

Tune your E down to D. Now press down on the string between the tuner & the nut until the pitch returns to E. That's essentially all the device does, but it has to do it very accurately & repeatably.

The device is built into a tuning machine, & can switch between the two tunings.

They are fast & accurate & would affect other strings very minutely, perhaps immeasureably.

Worth it? That's up to you. If you really hate the delay drop-tuning puts between songs when gigging, it might well be worth it to you.

Edit: I was off about the mechanism. It doesn't press/release the string, it rotates the tuner's shaft to achieve the tension change.

[Mofo-Kang]

You can see John Entwistle messing around with one (going back and forth between notes) in his solo in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVl39LBZGMw

[CrazyBassist19]

u takin lik a Hipshot Bass Xtender for switching between 2 tunungs like From E to D?

[René_Julien]

Just want to throw this in.

How it works:




If you pull the lever the tuning mechanism rotates. (about 25 degrees from what I can judge)

Thus loosening or adding more tension, going from E to D or D to E. With a quick flick of the lever.

In the picture: the upper plate with the tuning mechanism on it can rock back and forth, the plate where it's mounted on is fixed to the headstock.


I love these things. Almost all stuff I play is in DADG or EADG.

[CrazyBassist19]

yeee. heres the vid of how to install and troubleshooting ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krL94H-wwDw

ull learn sumthin.. lol XD

[Steve Bennett]

I've used one on a P-bass for years. Once you get the hang of tuning, and there is a specific right way to do it, it is precise and efficient. I've used mine to get one low D in the middle of a song, then flipped it back up to E for the next note. A fine piece of equipment, and well worth the money IMO.

[Nogitron]

Awesome guys, thanks for all your help. I'll look into it and see if I can find one within my budget!

[CrUiSeR]

Is a ExFactor within your budget?
It's the best, most easy and might I say elegant design;
no need to transpose.

[JustDavid]

Thanks. My description was wrong: I've just edited it.