down tune to convert long scale to short scale?

[DannyShem]

Is it reasonable/doable to down tune by 2 steps and then capo at the second fret to effectively turn a long scale bass into a short scale bass?

 

[BruceWane]

Sure, that works. Fret markers will be a little confusing.

Of course you could try this approach.......

 

[JRA]

Is it reasonable/doable to down tune by 2 steps and then capo at the second fret to effectively turn a long scale bass into a short scale bass?

sure. is this to get the experience of a short scale (somewhat) before a purchase?

 

[DannyShem]

sure. is this to get the experience of a short scale (somewhat) before a purchase?

In fact, yes, I am thinking of replacing my long scale with a short scale. So this would be a way of trying it out (not many short scale left handed basses in music stores in my neck of the woods). Actually, if it works out, I would consider just keeping my current bass (ESP B-50 left-handed).

 

[Groove Doctor]

In fact, yes, I am thinking of replacing my long scale with a short scale. So this would be a way of trying it out (not many short scale left handed basses in music stores in my neck of the woods).

It's the perfect way to find out if you like short scale. Your strings/setup may be not perfectly suited, but you'll get an accurate feel for dimensions.

IME tapewound strings take downtuning very well. I've detuned La Bella tapes 5 semitones (made it BEAD) and they feel and sound the most consistent.

 

[JRA]

In fact, yes, I am thinking of replacing my long scale with a short scale.

got it! i say go for it...a good way to "try before you buy!" i think that if you like the overall feel of your impromptu SS you would want to look at a 'real' SS: so that string tensions are correct, side dots/frets, etc. also: a SS instrument would keep everyone else on earth from asking "why do you always use a capo on your bass?" (in case that's important to you!)

let us know how things work out for you!

 

[KeithAlanK]

If you want to keep running like this, a heavier gauge string set would help keep the tension where you like it.
Hopefully you have enough adjustment range in the truss rod to handle heavier strings.

 

[Abner]

In fact, yes, I am thinking of replacing my long scale with a short scale. So this would be a way of trying it out (not many short scale left handed basses in music stores in my neck of the woods). Actually, if it works out, I would consider just keeping my current bass (ESP B-50 left-handed).

Yes, heavier strings will do it, but I recommend you ditch the capo and join the D-standard club.

-Alex

 

[Showdown]

If you down tune 2 steps, then put a capo at the second fret (one step above open), then you would be in D, not E. Are you possibly confusing 2 frets with 2 steps? A fret is a 1/2 step.

Or am I reading the OP wrong?

 

[DannyShem]

If you down tune 2 steps, then put a capo at the second fret (one step above open), then you would be in D, not E. Are you possibly confusing 2 frets with 2 steps? A fret is a 1/2 step.

Or am I reading the OP wrong?

You are correct, I meant was 2 frets.

 

[Liam Wald]

A fret is a 1/2 step.

Or am I reading the OP wrong?

Except for B to C and E to F ??

 

[Abner]

Except for B to C and E to F ??

Nope. Still a half-step.

 

[Liam Wald]

Nope. Still a half-step.

Yes, you are correct.

 

[Abner]

Yes, you are correct.

Woohoo! What do I win?

 

[Liam Wald]

Woohoo! What do I win?

You have won and will soon be receiving a two octave arpeggio.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I used to do this with a guitar I had tuned C#.
It was a double-locking vibrato system, which are a bear to re-tune, so I'd just capo it for anything higher than C# standard.

 

[Abner]

You have won and will soon be receiving a two octave arpeggio.

Awesome! That will come in handy at today's practice.

I used to do this with a guitar I had tuned C#.
It was a double-locking vibrato system, which are a bear to re-tune, so I'd just capo it for anything higher than C# standard.

Capo certainly more important when chords are being played.

 

[Liam Wald]

Awesome! That will come in handy at today's practice.

Sorry, hate to disappoint but I won't be able to send it until tomorrow as I will also be needing it this afternoon.
If you like, I could send you a major triad to get you by.

 

[Stevorebob]

When I play 5-strings above the 5th fret, I sometimes think I should be playing a short scale...

 

[Abner]

Sorry, hate to disappoint but I won't be able to send it until tomorrow as I will also be needing it this afternoon.
If you like, I could send you a major triad to get you by.

I'll wait, I've got a dozen of those already.