Is it possible to tune a bass up?

[gtyuh]

So yeah, wasn't quite sure where to post this, but here goes. So my band's got this one song that is in a really awkward key for me. In order to play the right notes (and let them ring properly) I've been using a capo on the second fret. We just were in the studio though and the capo makes the whole line sound like crap. We go back in tomorrow, so I need another way to play that line. Would it be possible to tune up the strings two half steps, or is that too much tension on the neck? Any other ideas about what I could do? (and yes, I have spent weeks trying to find another way to play the line, cause using a capo sucks, but as far as I'm aware, there isn't.) Thanks yall

[waynobass]

Originally Posted by gtyuh

Would it be possible to tune up the strings two half steps, or is that too much tension on the neck?

Don't do it, the neck will immediately snap in two, or maybe even shatter into multiple pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lowfreq33]

You can do it, but you'll probably want to get a lighter gauge string set for going up a whole step.

[kb9wyz]

Originally Posted by waynobass

Don't do it, the neck will immediately snap in two, or maybe even shatter into multiple pieces!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total lie. This it what happens with one half-step.

Two half-steps causes a wild explosion that takes out three city blocks.

[Mound of Sound]

[Rage1331]

It's probably possible, but I wouldn't recommend it without finding at least some .045 - .095s first. I know that GHS makes .030 - .090s, that would be your best bet.

[meowmeow]

Tuning up? That's crazy. You're a bass. You'd be better off tuning down 10 half steps.