Double Bass 5ths tuning curious

[Cmmcm12345]

I have been a fourths-tuning guy for many years. My teacher and my grand-teacher tune in fifths, so I am very interested in taking that plunge too, although it has never been pushed on to me. Just wondering about any changes to the setup that may be needed…I know how to change my own strings, is it just a simple change
Of strings, or is a trip to a luthier required as well?

 

[AGCurry]

I would just go ahead and do it. Visit the luthier if and only if there are related problems. What's the worst that could happen?

 

[Sam Sherry]

Just wondering about any changes to the setup that may be needed…I know how to change my own strings, is it just a simple change
Of strings, or is a trip to a luthier required as well?

It's a simple change of strings unless you need to enlarge a nut slot.

Or, as always, unless your soundpost falls down.

All the best with your quest!

 

[bpclark]

I tried 5ths tuning with both the Spirocore Red Mitchell set and and Dominants. No problems except the C was a tight fit in the tailpiece (especially the Dominant). It did all work without a visit to the luthier. Also, I found that I had to raise the bridge a fair amount as the C would buzz against the fingerboard much more easily than the E. I have since changed back to 4ths although may switch back again since I am missing extended range.

 

[bigmatteo]

Hi to all
one week ago, i switch in fifth one of my bass, i recomend to put on a new bridge and upper nut,
i need to finish to bring in tune my strings, now i play two tone down of regular CGDA tuning. but the first thing that i see is a more broad vibration on the c string, i use the Pirastro Obligato 441090 set on my bass, and work fine with bow.

I recomend a new upper nut becausethe string in fifth have different diameter compared to a fourth set.

On my bass also reshape the fingerboard a bit, change the bridge, because i bought this bass to play it in fifth, in both bow and pizz situation !

happy playing

Matteo

 

[Cmmcm12345]

I took the plunge, and got and installed a set of Obligatos. It was a tight fit doe the low C in the tailpiece, but nothing major. So far, I am in love... the tone, resonance and the feel. Now, to reprogram my left had and brain after 32 years of playing and thinking in fourths...

 

[Cmmcm12345]

And good cello books to start off with? Of course there is a lack of literature, except Joel Quarrington… which I am working out of, just looking for some well regarded Cello material to go along.

 

[msmartt]

As a bassist playing in 5ths for Years, this is an interesting concept. What are the benefits in tuning in 4ths? Is the more common with Arco?

Michael

 

[g-dude]

I would just go ahead and do it. Visit the luthier if and only if there are related problems. What's the worst that could happen?

Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies. Rivers and seas boiling. Forty years of darkness. Earthquakes, volcanoes…the dead rising from the grave. Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria.

 

[Cmmcm12345]

Less position shifts is common one. Plus back centuries ago, materials to build a stable, playable string wasn’t really possible until steel strings came along, so smaller strings with a decent cross section of range was developed. That is my guess.

 

[bigmatteo]

Hi Cmmcm12345,

i use the Dennis Masuzzo's book ,in a month i can manage scale and arpeggio in all key,
for the next month/year, i plan to begin the the Quarrington's books; of theese i begin only to
read the write parts because i need to translate some word for understand what joel said.

One is complementary to others, because you dont find Natural Minor scales In the in the Quarrington
books you find it in masuzzo book !

good studies

matteo