Tuning Down 5 string 1 step - frets 1-4 unplayable

Sp3ktral · #1 03-10-2009, 03:58 PM

So I've been experimenting with tuning down my 5 string one step...mainly for being able to play along with some technical metal stuff that would just be much easier tuned down .

however my issue is that when i tune down a full step it makes pretty much all my notes from open to 4th fret unplayable. they are just a buzz with little to no tonality.......

so what do you think could be the problem here? truss rod? action? i can't tell.

i LOVE the setup of my bass in standard tuning and all my notes sound while in standard.

please help!

mikezimmerman · #2 03-10-2009, 04:01 PM

Probably the truss rod needs loosened a little to get a bit more relief. Tuning down lessens the tension on the neck, so the truss rod ends up over-compensating.

Mike

Sp3ktral · #3 03-10-2009, 04:02 PM

WOW thanks for the quick reply.

anyone care to agree or disagree?

Captain_Arrrg · #4 03-10-2009, 04:04 PM

Sounds like your neck needs some relief (truss rod) possibly paired with some saddle raising.

Fliptrique · #5 03-10-2009, 04:07 PM

I actually tuned a whole step down (ADGCF) today to work on a new song we`re creating. No problem, I did do a really slight turn of a truss rod, but that`s all my stingray needed.

If your neck is really, really straight and action way low, then yeah, you`re in trouble. Proper setup, stiffer stings (hibeams maybe?) and a higher gauge will help.

EADG mx · #6 03-12-2009, 12:45 AM

If this is permanent I'd look into heavier strings. You will likely want to tweak the setup after changing strings anyway.

lug · #7 03-12-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikezimmerman

Probably the truss rod needs loosened a little to get a bit more relief. Tuning down lessens the tension on the neck, so the truss rod ends up over-compensating.

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sp3ktral

WOW thanks for the quick reply.

anyone care to agree or disagree?

agree. I give this a 97.6257% chance of being spot on correct.

Solarmist · #8 03-13-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikezimmerman

Probably the truss rod needs loosened a little to get a bit more relief. Tuning down lessens the tension on the neck, so the truss rod ends up over-compensating.

Mike

+1 - I had to do the same thing to my 4-banger tuning down to DGCF, and I also went to a larger string gauge by .005 per string too.

**Laklandlover** · #9 03-19-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sp3ktral

WOW thanks for the quick reply.

anyone care to agree or disagree?

I agree I tune down a whole step too. you got to tweak the truss rod

Sp3ktral · #10 03-19-2009, 10:09 PM

truss rod has been tweaked and it is a vast improvement. thanks for the help.