Solo tuning other than the obvious

[rprowse]

I recently acquired somo solo doms for my solo arco jazz project. After settling in they're sounding great and are fun to play on. Obviously they're not going to be great in a 'play with other people' situation but what a sound! Why does this 'tone up' make such a difference?

[rprowse]

Yes, solo tuning is certainly nice for playing on your own.

[rprowse]

I disagree.

[rprowse]

Originally Posted by rprowse

I disagree.

But how can you? You're me.

[rprowse]

Solo playing certainly makes for a lonely life... and a lonely thread.

[kontrabass]

Originally Posted by rprowse

But how can you? You're me.

Haha.

[rprowse]

Originally Posted by rprowse

Why does this 'tone up' make such a difference?

Well, it seems to. Why?

[Johnny L]

Originally Posted by rprowse

Well, it seems to. Why?

I don't have any experience with solo tuning right now, but I've been experimenting with 5ths tuning (CGDA low to high). It's been fun so far, and it feels like my bass has a different sort of tone also.

I think the tone difference is mostly because the harmonics and open string ring is different. I was using Helicores for orchestra tuning and I'm still using Helicores for 5ths tuning too...so I'm not dealing with a drastic string change.

This may be what you're experiencing too with solo tuning. Your bass is going to speak with different harmonics in that tuning also.

I don't know there may also be some issues re: string tension that may affect your bass tone also, but I don't know a whole lot about that stuff.

[rprowse]

String tension is about the same. I guess A is just a bit brighter than G. I love the sound I'm getting with a really loose bow.

[robobass]

Well, you're using lighter strings and tuning them higher (not to mention you're playing the music a step up). Of course your sound will be brighter. If you really fall in love with the sound, you may want to learn to transpose the whole step and leave your bass like this always. It's been done. But, you lose your low E and F. Most people miss them too much to switch. I love solo tuning. I use it sometimes for free jazz. But, I just don't have the energy to learn the transposition, and I like my low notes.
Robobass

[rprowse]

I did the transposition on my tenor bass guitar, but I don't want to do it with solo tuning. I think I'd prefer just to drop my strings down, or change them for jazz gigs. I've spent too much time learning tunes, etc. in EADG.