De-tuner effect pedal for bass?

ashtray · #1 10-20-2008, 05:48 PM

My band has decided to play certain songs 1/2 step lower. They are random throughout the set list, and the lead singer often calls audibles and changes the next song based on his mood. Bringing an extra (3rd) bass and setting it up for Eb tuning is just a pain (would have to put heavier strings on it, etc). Switching between basses takes time, and too much downtime between songs is unprofessional. (last time I was approached at a break by a bassist who inquired if I was having trouble with my bass b/c I kept switching it out - ugh!)

SO - I'm looking for a simple effect to downtune my bass 1/2 step. Hopefully it would be true-bypass to not effect my tone when I'm not using it - and it should also be just a small stomp box design so it doesn't take up much space.

I have a Boss GT-3 that has a harmony effect on it. I can set it to 1/2 step down, and 100% wet - but I'm afraid even with everything else off, the tone won't be the same running through the unit the whole time. Also, what a pain to have to bring and plug in that big unit to detune for 4 songs the whole night!

Ok - so, does the pedal I want exist, and work well for bass frequencies?

Thanks!!

Deluge Of Sound · #2 10-20-2008, 05:50 PM

What about the Hipshot detuner?

http://store.hipshotproducts.com/car...oduct_list&c=6

Not a pedal, but it'll sound much more natural (and be much easier to deal with.)

But I have to ask: Why don't you just tune down half a step? You don't really need heavier strings to tune half a step down, and you can play all the songs you'd normally play...

ashtray · #3 10-20-2008, 06:32 PM

We play a lot of songs in E and A. I have learned a bunch of runs that involve open strings. If I tuned down and just played that bass the whole night, I'd have to "re-learn" all the songs again playing up 1/2 step - which would effect my runs. Plus... I'm lazy!

A d-tuner would only get me so far (1 string). And a 5 string bass doesn't solve the problem of needing to re-learn a bunch (ok, just 4-5) songs in a different "key". (We play "All Right Now", "What I Like About You", etc.... songs that work well with open strings. Did I mention I was lazy?)

With the guys in this band, it's always possible they will say "let's try this 1/2 step down" for any given song too... pressing a footswitch would be much easier than actually learning stuff.

kevteop · #4 10-20-2008, 06:35 PM

Well... What does your guitarist do? Presumably he's got to detune or switch guitars too?

My advice would be to tell your band to stop dicking around when you're supposed to be putting on a show. Even if you did find a harmoniser pedal that would lower your notes by a semitone, chances are it wouldn't sound nearly as good as your bass.

Deluge Of Sound · #5 10-20-2008, 06:39 PM

Right, I sympathize. You could try the Boss PS-3 or the PS-5, but I've never used either pedal, so I can't really recommend them. You can find a bunch of clips of both on the wiki, though.

Also, its the nature of octave/detuning pedals to sound different than if you actually tuned the strings down or up. I'm sure you know that, but I figure its important to point it out.

ashtray · #6 10-20-2008, 06:58 PM

My band mates are less than sympathetic. They feel taking 5 minutes between songs is fine. 1 guitarist would have to switch his guitar - until he figures out how to use that feature on his floorboard. The other guitarist already has the feature programmed in, and can do it on the fly with his setup.

I'll check out the PS-3 and 5... do they work for bass frequencies as well? thanks!

niftydog · #7 10-20-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray

I'll check out the PS-3 and 5... do they work for bass frequencies as well? thanks!

Sure, they'll work, but nothing that I've ever experienced sounds even half acceptable on bass for anything other than a wacky special effect.

Thunderscreech · #8 10-20-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray

My band has decided to play certain songs 1/2 step lower. They are random throughout the set list, and the lead singer often calls audibles and changes the next song based on his mood. Bringing an extra (3rd) bass and setting it up for Eb tuning is just a pain (would have to put heavier strings on it, etc). Switching between basses takes time, and too much downtime between songs is unprofessional. (last time I was approached at a break by a bassist who inquired if I was having trouble with my bass b/c I kept switching it out - ugh!)

SO - I'm looking for a simple effect to downtune my bass 1/2 step. Hopefully it would be true-bypass to not effect my tone when I'm not using it - and it should also be just a small stomp box design so it doesn't take up much space.

I have a Boss GT-3 that has a harmony effect on it. I can set it to 1/2 step down, and 100% wet - but I'm afraid even with everything else off, the tone won't be the same running through the unit the whole time. Also, what a pain to have to bring and plug in that big unit to detune for 4 songs the whole night!

Ok - so, does the pedal I want exist, and work well for bass frequencies?

Thanks!!

Why not re-tune a bass E-flat, and use a 12-string guitar capo (made for wider necks and more string tension) on the first fret when you have to play in standard?

rratajski · #9 10-20-2008, 08:22 PM

I'm going to be honest, not brutal...

1. Tuning down a 1/2 step for a song or 8 isn't going to f your bass up. Love your instrument more. It's a lot more satisfying...

2. How long does it take to hit standby, unplug your bass, put it down, pick up your spare, plug in, and fine tune????? Um, it can be done in less than a minute and a half.

Do you sit down when you play too? Why not play simulcast from your house? Why not just record your songs on a looper and have the g****rists hit play?

I'm just messing with you...Tuning 1/2 a step down takes less time than switching basses and you'd only be changing your finger placement by one fret...

EHX's BMS or HOG will do what you want, but you'd have to spend a few bucks.

Sahm · #10 10-20-2008, 08:37 PM

Honestly, it doesn't take that long to detune four strings a half-step each. The more often you do it, the quicker you get at it. It's like anything else, your muscle memory kicks in, and you start detune with one quick twist of the wrist. Now, if everyone else in the band is goofing around, that's a separate issue.

ashtray · #11 10-20-2008, 09:16 PM

I think everyone forgot I'm lazy...

Ok, I tried my Pandora PX-3 (not the bass version). Hey, I had it laying around! Sound was not acceptable by any stretch of the imagination. The GT-3 was much better, but also much larger. Will A/B my GT-3 later vs straight to amp sound and see how much I lose with the GT-3 on bypass, and then w/ just the pitch down on.

I don't want to manually tune down every time. I don't trust my tuner for quick tuning (it lags and is finicky about finding the low E sometimes), and I don't want the audible sound of me retuning. Changing basses is a better option than that.

I played with my bass tuned down 1/2 step, and didn't like it. I use 45-100 gauge, and it just didn't feel right, nor did my notes chime out like they do when tuned normal.

The capo idea isn't bad... why didn't I think of that?! But still it requires me to re-think my hand position on the fretboard for the other 25 songs that are in standard tuning.

As for changing basses - it's quite possible, but still it takes time. And space. I always bring a backup bass to all my gigs - I guess I could just tune that down 1/2 step, and not have a backup "ready" in standard tuning. That would help.

EDIT - SHOULD I TRY TO FIND A USED GT-6B???

Gashaponcito · #12 10-20-2008, 09:51 PM

changing bass is not that hard... you can use somekind of switch pedal....
http://www.ehx.com/products/switchblade
this one wouldn't work for what you want but you can get an idea

JimmyM · #13 10-20-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray

My band mates are less than sympathetic. They feel taking 5 minutes between songs is fine.

Your band mates are idiots, then. Dead air at a club = death.

warwick.hoy · #14 10-20-2008, 10:42 PM

I like the D-Tuner Idea, although it really doesn't answer your question concerning a pedal. I personally believe that a pedal is not the answer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY4Ra2KOyas

D-Tuner on each key. I don't know much about these contraptions though. Are they adjustable? My thought was that they only Detune a whole step. I may be wrong though.

Although this isn't contributing in an FX sense, I'm curious as to why; after putting together a 25 song set, has the band decided to start writing a 1/2 step down. I like Eb better than E myself. I'd consider transposing all those old songs into the new tuning scheme. Easy for the instruments, maybe not so much for the singer.

Deluge Of Sound · #15 10-20-2008, 10:43 PM

Tunable to any note from "E" to low "C".

As taken from here:
http://www.bestguitarparts.com/guita...tender_Key.htm

and that Manring clip, while very impressive, makes my ears recoil and my soul burn.

neaderhiser · #16 10-20-2008, 11:12 PM

If you are talking about 4 to 5 tunes a night I personally don't think an effect is the answer. It's called an effect for a reason, it effects the sound.

I feel there are only two viable options:

1- install a d-tuner on the low E and lower it a half step so you have the low Eb that you want.

2- don't fuss with anything and play the song in Eb. period!

As to your laziness, these suggestions should feed into that quite well, not to mention not having to set up, haul, fix and fuddle with extra gear. Also not to forget that extra cords, etc. just mess with the tone of your axe.

Cheers, and good luck.

ps.- if you decide an effect is what you need don't forget that many moons ago Digitech made a devise, the IPS33b that can shift, but is also very useful for micro tuning effects

dancehallclasher · #17 10-20-2008, 11:15 PM

Playing a lot of songs in Eb is the best reason to own a 5-string bass, IMO. Think about it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Your band mates are idiots, then. Dead air at a club = death.

Absolute truth. If the audience is finished applauding and you're not starting the next song, you're doing something wrong.

nad · #18 10-20-2008, 11:22 PM

This thread drove me to drink earlier this evening.

JimmyM · #19 10-20-2008, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dancehallclasher

Playing a lot of songs in Eb is the best reason to own a 5-string bass, IMO. Think about it...

Back when I played a 5er, I played in a band where we did 4 or 5 songs that the guitarist insisted that we tune down a half step because "that's how the originals were recorded." So I'd use my 5-string, and he used to get angry at me because I didn't have a bass that was tuned down. Can you believe that?! I asked him his reasoning, and he said, "Because I'm tuned down." He was a douche and that incarnation of the band didn't last long.

Thunderscreech · #20 10-21-2008, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtray

I think everyone forgot I'm lazy...

The capo idea isn't bad... why didn't I think of that?! But still it requires me to re-think my hand position on the fretboard for the other 25 songs that are in standard tuning.

Rethink hand your position? It's one fret!

If you that lazy, why not just play rhythm guitar?