4 string bass for Eb tuning...

[bigcupholder]

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..

Putting a capo at the first fret would be confusing to me, because everything is one fret off from where I'm used to playing it. It's really not necessary to use a capo for this since he can retune all the strings half a step and then not have to relearn anything. You really don't need to adjust the setup for a half step difference, so retuning is all that's required.

 

[Gearhead17]

Putting a capo at the first fret would be confusing to me, because everything is one fret off from where I'm used to playing it. It's really not necessary to use a capo for this since he can retune all the strings half a step and then not have to relearn anything. You really don't need to adjust the setup for a half step difference, so retuning is all that's required.

In addition, tuning a bass to DGCF is not too helpful unless the band is tuned to this at all times. In addition, it typically requires thicker strings.

 

[Gearhead17]

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.

My hunch is that you are one of the FEW that think the capo would be the better approach.
If it works for you, then by all means continue on!

 

[Lackey]

My hunch is that you are one of the FEW that think the capo would be the better approach.
If it works for you, then by all means continue on!

hehe, well, a B string works for me, but trying to brainstorm minimal solutions for this post since a 5th string doesn't seem to be an option due to a preference for open string playing.