Down tuning question

[green3101]

I'm not sure if this should go here or in the basses forum - apologies

So, I often play a lot of songs in normal, down a half step, drop D and Drop C#

I have one main bass i use. Would constantly tuning between these tunings harm my bass' neck in anyway?

Thanks

 

[knumbskull]

That’s not too drastic, so you should be fine unless your bass has a really weak neck.

It’s not ideal in theory, as there will be changes in tension, but in real world use i’d be very surprised if it caused a problem.

oh and like 6 guys are about to jump on this thread to tell you to get a fiver

 

[green3101]

That’s not too drastic, so you should be fine unless your bass has a really weak neck.

It’s not ideal in theory, as there will be changes in tension, but in real world use i’d be very surprised if it caused a problem.

oh and like 6 guys are about to jump on this thread to tell you to get a fiver

thanks mate, appreciate it. I'm wondering if i should use my bass whammy or HX Stomp to pitch shift for those songs

Ha! i don't doubt it. Unfortuantley i'm not in a position to get a fiver. Plus i love my 4 string stingray far too much to not play it

 

[jeff62]

oh and like 6 guys are about to jump on this thread to tell you to get a fiver

Nah. I agree with you.

This won't be a problem. Just get the right string set that doesn't get too floppy when you are tuned down and set-up your bass to work with it.

 

[Roxbororob]

Nah. I agree with you.

This won't be a problem. Just get the right string set that doesn't get too floppy when you are tuned down and set-up your bass to work with it.

Yep Ive been doing it on my main precision for years.

 

[socialleper]

Nope. A half step is pretty minor. You might mess up your intonation, but it won't damage anything.

 

[JimmyM]

Not at all. I have Hipshot Xtender keys on my two main basses for that express purpose, and I have never run into a neck problem.