4 string bass for Eb tuning...

[Sam Dingle]

fender mexican p bass

 

[bigcupholder]

You could tune every string on your current bass down half a step and It should keep its setup just fine.

I alternated EADG and DGCF with the same strings on a Squier for years. It's a bit looser a whole step down, but adjusting the attack was sufficient. Half a step down is nothing.

Unless you need to alternate mid gig or you're planning on using both tunings a lot and want a second bass for the convenience, you don't absolutely need another bass for half step down.

 

[darwin-bass]

34" scale tuned down 1/2 step is the tension of a 32" scale bass. Works fine.

 

[Acoop]

Why not just buy a D-tuner and install that. ... You'll get two extra notes and you don't have to commit retuning a bass for just for one note. ...

 

[burgerdj]

If you like your current bass, get one nearly identical and drop the tuning down a half step. You may want to consider different strings if you are concerned about tension.

My new band does this and it drives me nuts. I tried using my five string but just couldn’t get my head around the difference in positions, particularly when cheating off of watching the guitarists’ chord shapes.

 

[rashrader]

Yeah, if you want it to feel like your current 4 String in E standard tuning, just bump up the string gauge to a matching tension in D flat standard tuning. Problem solved.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Just curious, but why EB? You got to be playing with horns..LOL!!!

The reason I ask, when tuning to EB, the only thing you are giving up on standard tuning is the top note on your bass. You can still play in the key of E on a bass tuned to EB, right? Buying a bass for a few songs is a pretty big expense. Like already posted a Drop pedal is more than suitable and will not break your budget.

I keep two basses tuned down a half step (Eb). At least three of the artists I work with use this tuning. Trust me, it infinitely easier to do it this way and just use my other basses for standard tuning for other gigs.

 

[HolmeBass]

I guess short of any other guidance, I’d try to find a price point bass that was similar to your main bass in feel and output volume so it’s really easy to switch between them. Would come in handy for Ab too, and maybe a few other keys.

The other option is to switch to 5-string but that’s really a different kettle of fish.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I keep two basses tuned down a half step (Eb). At least three of the artists I work with use this tuning. Trust me, it infinitely easier to do it this way and just use my other basses for standard tuning for other gigs.

I spent 7 years playing a drop tuned E to D on just my E string…now that was easy..LOL! Then I went a bought a 5 string and went back to conventional tuning. Talk about brain cramps!!

 

[Gearhead17]

...how is a capo not the obvious answer here. ??

You would have to tune down one full step, then capo the first fret. Not too helpful. Capos are great to shift up a note.

 

[4stringfarley]

only basses i've ever had issues with drop tuning are short scales. Half a step should be fine on those. I use drop C d standard on 34" scale basses all the time with no issues other than wet noodle strings, easily countered by heavier tension strings

 

[devnulljp]

You don't *need* a second bass for Eb standard. You could instead purchase a Digitech Drop pedal. Each option comes with pros and cons.

Or, you know, just tune it a half step down. It's not rocket science and won't upset your intonation by enough so you'll notice. I tuned 1/2 step down in my main band decades ago to accommodate the singer. Only had the one bass so just tuned back up whenever I played with anyone else in standard.

 

[lfmn16]

The same bass you'd buy for regular tuning.

 

[lokikallas]

You don't need 35" scale, but it is nice. Otherwise just bump up the gauge of strings a bit.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Then how about a P bass for your second?

I have a P for EADG and a J for DGCF.

I use a neck through Schecter Stilletto, that has a very thick neck profile for drop D tuning. I bought a reverse Telebass head stock, because I read long ago that the longer string travel after the nut would be beneficial, but later found it didnt matter, I wanted it more for looks than that benefit anyway! I use it for Eb tuning, seems to help the tension but IDK. they do need a truss rod tweak for "dropped" tuning. I mention the stilletto cause the neck construction is so stiff, sturdy. it hardly ever moves at all!

 

[cnltb]

Hello all,, I'm looking to buy a second bass to keep in Eb tuning....Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..On a lower price line budget, but want to have as many options as possible to explore...Thanks!!

Just set it up properly and you should be fine with most any 4 string bass.

 

[slagheap]

You should be just fine. I have a bass that I use with a group, I practice at home in EADG and then play with them a half step down with no issues.

THIS.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Any bass that works for E tuning will work.
What bass would you like for a second bass?

 

[Lackey]

I guess I still don't understand.... why not tune to Eb (or D) and capo up if needed....

My hunch is that this is the most logical approach, nay, TOO logical for TalkBass.

 

[Lackey]

You would have to tune down one full step, then capo the first fret. Not too helpful. Capos are great to shift up a note.

Yes I understand how capos work..... so how is this not the easiest approach? If you need to buy a whole new bass for bloody Eb, you must play it pretty frequently - so why not tune to it and capo up to E when needed..