Cover Band Tunings / Multiple Basses / Etiquette

[Turtle71]

As this band hasn't gigged yet, consider the Digitech Drop just to be in sync with the other players. Although, 30 seconds doesn't sound long to swap out basses you probably want to keep those switches to a minimum.

The band has gigged before, but not with me, and yeah that's why I've been looking at the drop, so we're all playing with the same pedal and presumably the same latency.

As far as the bass switches, I'm sure I'd be under 15 seconds especially since I'll ultimately (as mentioned above) be using dual wireless systems, so it would be grab bass, bang button, make boom noise.

I'm currently running a single wireless, so I just switch basses keeping the same strap, with strap locks it's not really that bad.

 

[Bringindafunk]

I went through the exact same journey as you when I sat in for a series of gigs with a friend's cover band a few years ago. I started with the digitech drop pedal but found it had serious difficulty tracking the lower notes so I ditched it and just brought a 2nd 4-string.

Since that experience I've started playing 5-strings and highly recommend that as others have already said. Unlike the guitarists we're just playing single notes and not chords so we can simply learn the lines in any tuning all the way down to low B. There are also tons of different neck profiles and string spacings so that you should be able to find something that is just as comfortable as a 4 string neck.

 

[Al Rivera]

I totally get what you're saying, and this is the exact reason I spent the last 5+ years playing a 5er, but I still keep coming back to the ol' 4 string, it just feels like home.

I understand I'm getting "paid for the job" but I'd still prefer to use the tools I want to use, and enjoy using, it's not really any different than when I was an auto technician, I bought and used the tools I preferred, if my employer said I had to use a different brand/type of tool, they would quickly be my previous employer.

As far as the detuners, I haven't had any real issues with them so far (trying desperately to find nearby wood to knock on).

I play both 4 and 5 string basses,some types of music I play doesn't require a 5 string. The right tool for the right job.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

OK, so a short (or long) question…Advance Sorry to the TL;DR folks.

So, I just landed my first cover band position a few weeks back (established act, with great musicians), we don’t have anything on the books until late spring, so I have some time to get up to speed with the songs and gear needed…which segues into the questions.

Those of you that gig regularly in cover bands, do you bring multiple basses for different tunings? Or do you bring something like the Digitech Drop pedal to accomplish this? Both guitar players in this band use the Drop pedal, and “suggested” I get one, but I have no experience with those pedals to “simulate” a lowered tuning.

I have multiple basses, so that’s not a worry, but what’s the etiquette for switching basses for different tunings? All of the songs we play are in one of four tunings…either standard (or standard w/ drop D), then ½ step down (or ½ step w/ drop Db).

Basically I’ve been using 2 basses, one in standard, and one a ½ step down, then use Hipshot Xtenders for dropping the E's. I’m pretty fast making the switch between basses, and I’m pretty sure I can accomplish it in less than 30 seconds (while the BL entertains the crowd).

In my original band it was easy, we'd just cluster the same tunings on the set list to facilitate fewer guitar swaps...with the cover band, that isn't quite as easy, some songs just simply don't go together despite the same tuning.

So what do you veterans do?? Multiple basses?? FX pedal for alternate tuning??

I play a 5 string tuned down a half step and we play everything a half step down. That way there is no switching needed.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

The band has gigged before, but not with me, and yeah that's why I've been looking at the drop, so we're all playing with the same pedal and presumably the same latency.

As far as the bass switches, I'm sure I'd be under 15 seconds especially since I'll ultimately (as mentioned above) be using dual wireless systems, so it would be grab bass, bang button, make boom noise.

I'm currently running a single wireless, so I just switch basses keeping the same strap, with strap locks it's not really that bad.

The problem with switching basses, for me, was that we call a lor of audibles/do requests so a lot of the time I don't know what we're playing next until 1 second before the song starts. Also, no one is going to tailor a set list around my bass tuning needs. I went 5 string and haven't looked back.

 

[two fingers]

OK, so a short (or long) question…Advance Sorry to the TL;DR folks.

So, I just landed my first cover band position a few weeks back (established act, with great musicians), we don’t have anything on the books until late spring, so I have some time to get up to speed with the songs and gear needed…which segues into the questions.

Those of you that gig regularly in cover bands, do you bring multiple basses for different tunings? Or do you bring something like the Digitech Drop pedal to accomplish this? Both guitar players in this band use the Drop pedal, and “suggested” I get one, but I have no experience with those pedals to “simulate” a lowered tuning.

I have multiple basses, so that’s not a worry, but what’s the etiquette for switching basses for different tunings? All of the songs we play are in one of four tunings…either standard (or standard w/ drop D), then ½ step down (or ½ step w/ drop Db).

Basically I’ve been using 2 basses, one in standard, and one a ½ step down, then use Hipshot Xtenders for dropping the E's. I’m pretty fast making the switch between basses, and I’m pretty sure I can accomplish it in less than 30 seconds (while the BL entertains the crowd).

In my original band it was easy, we'd just cluster the same tunings on the set list to facilitate fewer guitar swaps...with the cover band, that isn't quite as easy, some songs just simply don't go together despite the same tuning.

So what do you veterans do?? Multiple basses?? FX pedal for alternate tuning??

Simple. Ask if they'll cluster songs for you. If not, get the pedal.

I can see why they wouldn't want to cluster songs for each gig.

1) The "flow" of the show.

2) Last second changes. If you get a request written on a $100 bill, or your best singer doesn't have the "big note" at the end of a show, or technical difficulties pop up (busted drum head forces you to do an acoustic song for example), they need to he able to quickly call a song and move along without waiting for you to grab another bass.

3) Sound guy doesn't want to hassle with three or four basses that sound nothing alike.


Simply put, if they insist on your getting the pedal, amd you refuse, you might not be the best fit for this band. If they're cool with clustering songs of a given tuning together, proceed with your plan.

In other words, this is nothing we can help with until you find out THEIR willingness (or lack thereof) to do it your way.

Just out of curiosity, how many basses would this require you to bring?

Best of luck with it.

 

[Dynomuttasaurus]

Hmmmm, tough one. The cover band I'm in does five different tunings. We take the approach you mentioned by clustering songs and using two instruments - one standard and one 1/2 step down with an A/B box. A quick twist of one peg gets down to the drop tunings quick. That just leaves one oddball tuning that I set during a break so it's ready to go when it's time.

That said, the only reason this works with two basses swapping in and out is because the guitarist is doing the same thing. I think it would be very different if one of us always needed 30 seconds and the rest of the band is waiting.

 

[Altitude]

Most of the professional cover bands I’ve been in don’t leave enough time between songs to switch instruments. I suppose you could build the time into the set plan, but you’d be adding baggage. Or play a 5 string.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

5(+) string basses. Until you start dropping below B, you're covered.
All my basses have at least 5 strings - even the electric upright...

If my gig requires notes below E, even if it’s just one song, I play the entire gig on my 5 string. If I needed a note lower than a B, I’d buy a pedal. Pedals are cheaper than basses the last time I checked.

 

[juancaminos]

I used to re tune, then I brought different basses. In the end I just learned where to play the different tuned songs on one bass.

 

[Turtle71]

I can see why they wouldn't want to cluster songs for each gig.

I didn't ask, I just looked at my song list and realized some of these songs just don't go together, despite being the same tuning...I'm not saying they won't cluster tunes, we haven't discussed it, and I'm not saying I won't buy the Drop pedal (or play a 5er), I was more inquiring from the gigging pros what's an acceptable level of instrument changeovers etc...

... Sound guy doesn't want to hassle with three or four basses that sound nothing alike.

The 2 basses I'm going to be gigging are identical P-Basses, same year, same necks, same electronics, just different colors, This shouldn't be an issue for the sound guy I wouldn't think.

Simply put, if they insist on your getting the pedal, amd you refuse, you might not be the best fit for this band...

They didn't insist, they just said they both use them, and like them, and I should go check one out. I've known 1 of these guys a long long time, so there's nothing like a "you do this or else" thing going on, these guys are chill and fun to jam with...so long as you do the required homework, which I'm totally cool with.

Just out of curiosity, how many basses would this require you to bring?

Two, one tuned E standard (I use a Hipshot Xtender for drop D), and the other bass is all 1/2 step down (also using an Xtender for the Db)...No other songs requiring any other tunings.

 

[Gustopher]

I used to bring two basses for different tunings, but we recently changed to keeping everything 1/2 step down (with the 2 exceptions using a drop c#). For the drop D (c# because we are tuned 1/2 step down already) I just do it by ear and bring it back after the song. I am pretty good at it and it only takes me a couple of seconds to get down and back. I hate switching these days, so I only bring a second bass and leave it in the car for a backup (sometimes I don't even bring that! lol)

 

[wintremute]

I highly recommend the Digitech Drop. You don't want dead space in between songs, and switching basses takes time where music could be playing. I suggest using one bass and and the Drop.

Our band streamlines things by doing:
All E songs are played in Eb.
All Eb songs are played in Eb.
All D songs are played in Db.
All Db songs are played in Db.

 

[two fingers]

I didn't ask, I just looked at my song list and realized some of these songs just don't go together, despite being the same tuning...I'm not saying they won't cluster tunes, we haven't discussed it, and I'm not saying I won't buy the Drop pedal (or play a 5er), I was more inquiring from the gigging pros what's an acceptable level of instrument changeovers etc...



The 2 basses I'm going to be gigging are identical P-Basses, same year, same necks, same electronics, just different colors, This shouldn't be an issue for the sound guy I wouldn't think.



They didn't insist, they just said they both use them, and like them, and I should go check one out. I've known 1 of these guys a long long time, so there's nothing like a "you do this or else" thing going on, these guys are chill and fun to jam with...so long as you do the required homework, which I'm totally cool with.



Two, one tuned E standard (I use a Hipshot Xtender for drop D), and the other bass is all 1/2 step down (also using an Xtender for the Db)...No other songs requiring any other tunings.

Sounds like you should be good to go. (For the record, every scenario I presented came with an "if". And I never suggested they wouldn't go for your idea. I just offered reasons why they MIGHT not go for it.)

Either way, seems like your all set. Hope it works out!

 

[2112]

I used to haul 4 basses to every gig to cover all our tunings. Then I smartened up and got a Drop pedal and Hipshot detuners. The bennies:

• I only take 2 basses to the gig... my primary and a backup.
• Spent far less than I would have buying a new fiver or sixer.
• The setlist doesn't have to revolve around me.
• No more hassles with changing basses between songs.
• No problems with inconsistent string tensions or floppy strings.

Is a Drop pedal perfect? Nope... there's a little bit of tone suck that seems to increase the more steps you go down. And it's a digital pedal, so tracking can become wonky depending on the signal you feed it. But it works great for me. It might for you, too.

 

[Levin Hannaford]

A/B pedal is a quick easy fix.

When I play slab gigs with a Celtic rock band, I need to switch between standard tuning and an Eb tuning. It is about a 50% mix and because of the set list, I end up changing basses every 2-3 songs. I keep both basses plugged in, with straps on, ready to go and I can change basses in a matter of seconds. FWIW, I always let the sound folks know ahead of time, so we dial in both basses through the mains during soundcheck.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

I used to haul 4 basses to every gig to cover all our tunings. Then I smartened up and got a Drop pedal and Hipshot detuners. The bennies:

• I only take 2 basses to the gig... my primary and a backup.
• Spent far less than I would have buying a new fiver or sixer.
• The setlist doesn't have to revolve around me.
• No more hassles with changing basses between songs.
• No problems with inconsistent string tensions or floppy strings.

Is a Drop pedal perfect? Nope... there's a little bit of tone suck that seems to increase the more steps you go down. And it's a digital pedal, so tracking can become wonky depending on the signal you feed it. But it works great for me. It might for you, too.

I agree with the observation about the Drop being a little bit of a tone thief, although that’s really hard to hear in a mix and is barely noticeable if you just drop a half step. The further you shift, the more pronounced the effect on tone.

What is easy to hear is when I forget to set it back when we play a song in regular tuning, so we still try to batch our songs in different tunings to minimize changes.

 

[ga_edwards]

4 strings, Hipshot xtender and various tunings saved as snapshots on my helix.

I always bring two basses to each gig, but it’s pretty much a backup solution. I prefer to play one bass all night and keep dead space between songs to a minimum.

I’ve had 5 strings and a 6 string (the 5 was my main bass for years). All arguments aside, I simply prefer to play 4 strings basses. And IMHO there is a difference between drop D and playing a 5 string.

 

[DRBP]

well, i gotta reply here because this is really close to my current scenario. i am with the OP, i love playing a 4 string. i can play a 5 great, but i really feel at home on a 4. and i play for the fun of it, this isn't my living. so i play a 4 and a 5 on stage. our band is great with compromise so- we try to cluster the songs a little to minimize switches (band compromise) AND i will gladly play a 4 string tune on the 5 if needed to prevent interruption and keep the flow going. like going from the penultimate tune into our closer. (my compromise) i do use a digitech drop for a couple things but it doesn't track a bass as well as a guitar no matter what anybody says. but it works well enough when needed and the vast majority of audience will never hear it.

i have a minimal pedal board and use a preamp pedal to equalize the gain between the two basses so there are no issues for the times we have a sound guy. i actually play corded most of the time and i can switch basses in 15 seconds flat. sometimes that is during the intro of a song where there is no bass part or done at same time as one of our singers is strapping on rhythm guitar. so we work on that stagecraft to minimize unwanted flow disruption. sometimes the lead singers are bantering with the crowd anyway so no problem.

i would say see what the band says and be ready to compromise and be flexible. if you HAVE to play a 5 and don't really want to maybe the gig isn't for you. if you just really want to GIG then maybe playing a 5 all night is well worth it. (it would be to me) and likely there is some middle ground there if you have some honest conversation.

sorry for the long post. best of luck and have tons of fun playing!

 

[LBS-bass]

If a set requires notes below low E, I bring a five string. If there are lots of songs that need it, I'll just play that. If it's only one or two songs, I'll switch, because I also am more comfortable on my four strings.

But for regular old key changes I just play the songs in the requested key. It's not usually that hard to transpose with a bass because there is nothing to stumble over except occasionally open strings. A major third is always the same distance from the root, same with all the other intervals.

Another compromise that might suit the OP would be a second four string tuned to BEAD.