stupid tuning question

[chadrock]

Hey, I got a question for ANYONE out there w/ a little advice. I play in a band where the guitar is tuned to the equivalent of a 'dropped d', the problem being the low string is a Bb, and everything follows accordingly from there. Rather than tune my bass to match (to escape the muddiness of it all) I have learned to play our songs in a different position, tuned A-D-A-D-G(five string equivalent to dropped d). Lately I've had some problems (as far as new songs are concerned) and was curious if ANYONE had ideas as far as a new tuning scheme, or involving different basses or effects that could help me. My bass is a piece............ a fender mb-5, so I realize I may need something new. Any advice for my current sitch?

[therealting]

Not sure if this is the most ideal forum for this question, but anyway...

What is the guitar tuning? If I understand you correctly, it's Bb F Bb Eb G C (down two whole tones, lowest string dropped a further whole tone). That's an awfully low tuning for a guitar, but again, anyway...

If that is the case, why not tune your bass Bb F Bb Eb Ab? This is a semitone higher than standard tuning, except with the B-string dropped by a whole tone. This should actually sound less muddy than your current tuning.

[chadrock]

yes, that does seem to make alot of sense......initially, I decided to start w/ that tuning because it was convenient, it is my other bands' tuning. would a different gauge string help w/ the higher action when using your suggested tuning?????

[therealting]

The best way to correct the higher action is by giving your bass a proper setup, or having a tech do it for you.