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4-string players with Drop D tuner input please

RSalvador

RSalvador

Lakland 44-94 - Markbass LMT 800 - Schroeder 1212L
Nov 19, 2005
202
15
Springfield, MO
#1
I have switched from 5-string to my Lakland DJ4 as my main bass. Having the low B was nice, but I'm am totally enjoying playing 4-string and have adapted all the tunes I play for the 4-string.

I've noticed that a lot of 4-string players have the Drop D or Extended Range tuner. I'm trying to figure out if I want to add that mod.

How do you use the Drop D tuner?

How was learning to effectively use it?

Is it worth adding just to be able to hit the low D?

What are the reasons you have the Drop D tuner and what is the thinking behind it for you.

Input is appreciated.

Thanks
 
#2
How do you use the Drop D tuner?
I use the Drop D Tuner because I play in a rock band with one of two songs where I need to play a low D, it saves a lot of time having to tune up/down between songs. It's also very useful to be able to quickly flip to a low D in the middle of songs and then flip back to an E; I'd prefer to play with my thickest string as an E unless it's absolutely necessary, to avoid confusion.

How was learning to effectively use it?
Yes, very easy. I've found the easiest way to switch mid song is to play an open string and then use your fretting hand to flip it. It is possible with some practice to re-tune mid song if you're playing in open/first position.

Is it worth adding just to be able to hit the low D?
Yes, I'm guessing that's why most people have it, although you can tune it lower/higher than that. It's also useful for being able to play in Eb.
 
#3
RSalvador said:
How do you use the Drop D tuner?

How was learning to effectively use it?

Is it worth adding just to be able to hit the low D?

What are the reasons you have the Drop D tuner and what is the thinking behind it for you.
Click to expand...

1. As in the instructional video, to tune up to pitch (E), it has to been done by a certain procedure. It's basically tuning slightly below pitch, clear tension with lever, so that basically tension is equal between pitches (I lack the terminology to explain. Again, refer to the video on their website).

2. It took some getting used-to, to get a feel for how to tune it to pitch, beyond that, there's nothing to complicated...perhaps setting up the D, as it takes some getting-used to.

3. Yes, it's worth it to be able to get that low D. I figure if upright bass players can have a low C extension, so can I.

4. For me, I never even attempted drop D songs until I got the tuner. Even now, it's still such a hassle to detune (unless the bass has an onboard tuner, or there's a tuner pedal).

There are other possibilities, like for dropping to an even lower note, or leaving it at pitch, and clicking it back, (sort of like a whammy bar). The most obvious use, is to gain access to a few more/different harmonics.

I find it invaluable, now that I have it.
 
#5
It's a great addition to a 4 string bass and it can be set to go lower than a D.

Using it is incredibly easy (at it looks cool to if you flip the lever with your plucking hand !!).

The only problem is that the string sometimes doesn't come back exactly to pitch. But if you remember to stretch the string in properly when you string up and lubricate the nut with pencil lead or vaseline, it'll be fine.
 
#6
I keep meaning to get a drop d tuner, but never seem to get around to it.

Certain songs need a drop D tuning. Many Pink Floyd songs, for example Another Brick in the Wall Part 2, are in drop D. IMHO It's just not the same played on a five string.

I also play Blur's Song 2 (the "woo hoo" song) in drop D.
 
#7
Way back when I played 4 bangers, I always used the Hipshot D tuner. Now I play only fiver's, and the thought has crossed my mind more than once to use one on my B string. (I am certain others are doing just that).

It is no big deal getting used to, and you will appreciate the extra low notes. Especially after playing a 5. Staying in tune was never an issue for me.

Mark
 
#9
Thank you very much for your input. Sounds like a worthwhile addition. I don't do any songs now in Drop D but have a few where it would be nice have the low D. I gather once I have it and learn more of how and where to use it I'll feel the same as many of you being glad you have it.

Thanks again.
 
#10
The new band I just started playing in played in all their songs in Dropped D but I play most of the songs in standard tuning and a couple of the songs in Dropped D.

For me, it's all about how the song feels and 4-5 of the songs feel better in Dropped D and the D-Tuner is a great thing to have when one sone in in D and the next id in E.

In my other band, one of our songs, I use the D tuner in the song. I like to play the verse in E and the Chorus in D.
 

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