for some reason I removed my E string this morning and I couldn't believe what an effect it had on the bass:
The A string went sharp by a semi tone, the D only a tad sharp and the G was hardly effected
The resonance, response and volume of the bass had increased a great deal. arco seemed richer with doublestops having more definition and yet merging into one coherent sound more.
The D and A strings had raised by nearly 2mm, more so the A (although thats a drop in the ocean compared with my normal string height)
the whole bass just seemed "better" apart from noticing that a rather annoying affliction of my E string (stopped notes lose all fundamental and sound choked) had now transfered to my A string. This seemed to go away when tuning the A string up a semi tone (that was never the case with the E)
I've read before that some peoples basses have an improved sound when strung up with only 3 strings. I've never noticed this when playing without my G though.
what are the implications of this?
Is this an indication that my bass likes much lower tension?
Does this mean my sound post should be moved when strung up with 4 strings?
Should I transpose all my bands music up a fourth?
comments, tips and discussion welcome.
Thomas
