Bass sounds better when tuned to Db?

[1958Bassman]

I was playing along with random music two nights ago and some tunes weren't tuned to A440. I normally do not tune this low and I don't normally check to find out if it would sound better because I generally like the sounds I get. However, tuned to Db, the resonance from all strings is completely different from what I hear when tuning to E and that leads me to the question- does this mean I need to use heavier or lower-tension strings? The bass is an Ibanez SR 400FL.

Knowing that the resonant frequency of a string depends on the length, mass and tension, changing the tension has caused the resonance to change, as would increasing the mass. The sound seemed to resonate more 'purely', for lack of a better word. It seemed to be a bit muffled when it was tuned to E.

Unfortunately, I don't remember which brand of strings are on it- I had been using D'Addario flat wound and decided to try these again- they're round wound with plain brass ball ends and black silk, but aren't some generic crap, as had been mentioned in another thread. I have a set of GHS Pressurewound, but those are near my other bass and when I looked at these with my glasses and a magnifier, they appeared to be round wound. Pretty sure they aren't Nickel, because my fingers don't turn black.

Any rocket surgeons who could add some insight?

 

[Vinny_G]

Forgive me but I'm not sure I fully understand.

A440 is the international pitch standard, it has nothing to do with the tuning you're using. If you are in A440 when you tune in E standard, you're still in A440 when you tune your instrument a step and a half below.

A song composed in the key of Db can be played on any bass without having to detune it.

If you like the sound of your instrument when you loosen the strings, it may just mean that you prefer more flexible strings.

 

[Seashore]

Lighter string gauges in E standard might be nice to try, but tuning three half-steps down is going to give you a different vibe no matter what. A whole step higher than the usual low B on a five, more clarity with most of the depth in my experience. FWIW I love that tuning, it was my personal favorite for years before I joined one band in C standard and another in E.

 

[Yahboy]

Been drop tune the broken in tone Labella 760FL from E to D, there are dramatic change!
The stiff fretting/plucking feel become smooth and better comfort. From Dry vibe to Bloomy-Wet tone.

 

[1958Bassman]

DOH!

I wrote Db but I was tuning to Eb.

I realized this as I was driving yesterday, so that was great........and at a completely useless time.

 

[ixlramp]

does this mean I need to use heavier or lower-tension strings?

If you prefer the sound when tuned a semitone lower, and therefore at lower tension, you need a string set that has lower tension in E standard. This is done by using the same string product but in slightly smaller gauges. Reducing gauges by .005 is approx equivalent to a semitone of detuning. So try the next lighter string set in whatever you are using now.
You absolutely do not need to change brand or string line, as many are likely to incorrectly advise on this forum.

Knowing that the resonant frequency of a string depends on the length, mass and tension

'Pitch' depends on string vibrating length, string mass and tension. 'Resonant frequency' has nothing to do with this.

changing the tension has caused the resonance to change

The sound seemed to resonate more 'purely'

'Resonance' has only one meaning, it means the sympathetic vibration of one object caused by the vibration of another object.
Also, 'resonance' does not mean 'tone' or 'vibration'. Sorry to be pedantic, i am the rocket surgeon you asked for =)

 

[1958Bassman]

If you prefer the sound when tuned a semitone lower, and therefore at lower tension, you need a string set that has lower tension in E standard. This is done by using the same string product but in slightly smaller gauges. Reducing gauges by .005 is approx equivalent to a semitone of detuning. So try the next lighter string set in whatever you are using now.
You absolutely do not need to change brand or string line, as many are likely to incorrectly advise on this forum.

'Pitch' depends on string vibrating length, string mass and tension. 'Resonant frequency' has nothing to do with this.


'Resonance' has only one meaning, it means the sympathetic vibration of one object caused by the vibration of another object.
Also, 'resonance' does not mean 'tone' or 'vibration'. Sorry to be pedantic, i am the rocket surgeon you asked for =)

Yeah, details. It has been a long time since I was in a Physics class........

I'm not locked into a particular brand- I have used D'Addario, GHS and whatever the fretless came with, although I tend to use D'Addario for most of my strings. I just don't remember if they mentioned the brand when I bought it- they still look like they're new-ish and don't feel like they're dead.