5 String Bass Setup Advice

[zacharybass76]

Hi,
For one of my bands, I need a bass that's tuned a specific way, and I'm trying to decide how to set up one of my 5 string basses. Basically, I need the bottom strings tuned to B, F#, B. Should I set it up where I leave the B at B and tune the rest of the strings UP a whole step, or should I drop the B to a G#, the E to a B, and everything else DOWN 1.5 steps? Which set up is easier to accomplish? Or does it even matter? Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris Chong]

I think that depends if the songs requires you to constantly play the open B string riff.

If the guitarist is chugging on the low B for most of the riff, might as well keep the low B for unison lines. If the riffs are written using a drop B tuning ( B F# B x x x) and is impossible to play on a normal tuning bass ( BEADG), then yes follow the guitarist’s alternate tuning.

 

[zacharybass76]

I think that depends if the songs requires you to constantly play the open B string riff.

If the guitarist is chugging on the low B for most of the riff, might as well keep the low B for unison lines. If the riffs are written using a drop B tuning ( B F# B x x x) and is impossible to play on a normal tuning bass ( BEADG), then yes follow the guitarist’s alternate tuning.

Thanks for the response. I'm gonna follow that tuning for sure. I'm just trying to decide whether it's better and easier to set up the bass with me tuning the strings up a step, or by tuning the strings down 1.5 steps? Is it bad for the neck to tune the strings up one step?

 

[tb-player]

I’m not sure it matters. Whatever you decide, you’re going to need to adjust.for it. If you go lower, you may need to switch to higher tension strings. If you go higher, a lower tension or lighter gauge string may help. And, of course, a good setup. Personally, I think I’d keep the B and tune up.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I don't know why you wouldn't just leave it tuned in standard BEADG tuning.

You'll have all the notes you want, that is unless you need to be chugging along on open strings.
That's the great thing about having the low B.

I'd ignore the guitar tuning, open strings are not that magically different.
Hey that sounds like Lucky Charms. LOL

 

[zacharybass76]

I don't know why you wouldn't just leave it tuned in standard BEADG tuning.

You'll have all the notes you want, that is unless you need to be chugging along on open strings.
That's the great thing about having the low B.

I'd ignore the guitar tuning, open strings are not that magically different.
Hey that sounds like Lucky Charms. LOL

I have other basses that I leave in B E A D G. I want this tuning for convenience. But thanks for the advice.

 

[zacharybass76]

I’m not sure it matters. Whatever you decide, you’re going to need to adjust.for it. If you go lower, you may need to switch to higher tension strings. If you go higher, a lower tension or lighter gauge string may help. And, of course, a good setup. Personally, I think I’d keep the B and tune up.

That's what I'm leaning towards as well. Thanks for the response.