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Drop C - Digitech drop or a proper setup?

G

Gord

Jan 10, 2004
458
102
40
Calgary, Alberta
cera.bandcamp.com
#1
Hello!
I just joined a band that plays in Drop C. I just threw on new strings and got it set up to Drop D. I bought one of the Digitech Drop pedals, and I love it. I'm wondering - is there any downside to it? I find just dropping it down the one step is totally fine. My question, would it be better to have a properly set up 4 string Precision bass that plays in drop D, that the pedal brings down to Drop C, or should I throw away one of the strings, buy a B string, and get it re-set up in Drop C? Would there be tension problems? Floppiness?

I'm just wondering - this pedal makes it seem a little too easy!
 
#2
I think the Drop is great, but you'll probably hear a few naysayers. If you're already happy with it why ask others to talk you out of it?
 
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#3
There is a tiny bit of latency with The Drop, but you might not even notice.
Some complain it sounds artificial, but I think it's just confirmation bias. They believe it should, so it does, to them.

Some claim the farther you drop from the original pitch the worse it sounds, & I also have not experienced this, but I normally drop 3 half-steps at the most.
 
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#4
Gord said:
I just joined a band that plays in Drop C. I just threw on new strings and got it set up to Drop D. I bought one of the Digitech Drop pedals, and I love it. I'm wondering - is there any downside to it? I find just dropping it down the one step is totally fine.
Click to expand...

If you're happy with how it sounds and the people you're playing with are happy with how it sounds then stop over thinking it.

You could get thicker strings and do it without the pedal too. To see if you like it even better than the pedal. But you don't have to.
 
#5
Im not sure if its the same circuit as the riccochet but when i tried dropping with that it was awful. So im in the tune your bass to C camp. But if you're happy then that is all that matters.
 
#6
I vote tune your bass to C. What happens if your Drop pedal craps out on a gig, or you forget the power supply?

Or (crazy thought) use standard EADG or BEAD tuning, which believe it or not, many players have had great success playing in the key of C.
 
#7
Gord said:
Hello!
I just joined a band that plays in Drop C. I just threw on new strings and got it set up to Drop D. I bought one of the Digitech Drop pedals, and I love it. I'm wondering - is there any downside to it? I find just dropping it down the one step is totally fine. My question, would it be better to have a properly set up 4 string Precision bass that plays in drop D, that the pedal brings down to Drop C, or should I throw away one of the strings, buy a B string, and get it re-set up in Drop C? Would there be tension problems? Floppiness?

I'm just wondering - this pedal makes it seem a little too easy!
Click to expand...
I’ve seen a few big touring bands use them to reduce the number of guitars and basses they bring on the road. Like instead of bringing 6 guitars/basses to have a number 1 and a backup for three tunings they just bring two guitars and use the drop to change tunings. For gigs I say go for it. For recording though I would use a bass setup for that tuning
 
#9
Hey everyone - thank you for the responses.
I do love the pedal, but I do think it's getting returned. I realize this is sort of a band-aid solution, because as mentioned, once it comes time to record - the tiny amount of latency will be a problem. I actually really love the sound it gives, after passed through a few pedals. I also had zero problems tracking all the way down to one octave. Super cool pedal, but I spoke to the guy I always bring my bass to, and he said he'd throw some 50-115 strings on it, and set it up to C for me. I think long term, that works best.

Still, what an awesome pedal. I could definitely see it being useful to reduce the number of basses!
 
#10
The drop sounds really cool, and I didn't realize people took at as seriously as they do. It's probably fine live, and even better for the kind of player that doesn't do a lot of stuff below their regular tuning.

When it comes time to record you may hear those little imperfections, so it may be worth setting up to C for that time - if for nothing else than your own satisfaction.
 

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