Will B or C tuning work on Shortscale bass?

stranded horse · #1 01-30-2010, 12:17 PM

Will there be some major issues? I was looking into buying an EB-0 or EB-2, because I think their sound migh work nicely with stoner rock, but I'm not sure if they still sound nice if tuned to C or even as low as B
I was also wondering if it might benefit from flatwounds. Because flats tend to be stiffer, they might work nice with low tuning. Anyone got experience with this?

Any help appreciated!
regards

walterw · #2 01-30-2010, 03:30 PM

down-tuning a short scale is going to be an uphill battle. i'd look elsewhere for something to play drop-tuned music.

maybe a tele bass if you really want that mudbucker tone? it would be full-size at least and could handle drop-tuning.

stranded horse · #3 01-30-2010, 03:55 PM

But what about my theory with the flatwounds? Can anyone confirm that?
Which are the fattest shortscale strings anyways? I can't find anything above .105

Edit: Found shortscale flatwounds that are supposed to have a very high tension: Rotosound RS88S .115 and La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass Strings 760FM which are .109

Would these work with C-F-A#-D# tuning? Or at least D-G-C-F?

mech · #4 01-30-2010, 05:38 PM

IMHO a .105 set on a short scale will never work tuned down to B or C.

The Rotosound RS88S .115 tuned DGCF may work but I have no experience with them.

If you can find a set short enough, use a 5 string set (.130-.070) and toss the G. Nut slots will need to be widened, etc.
Search for 4 string basses strung BEAD for more details of the setup.
mech