Drop down requiered...not happy ...dr drop down strings

[petrus61]

I'm one of those tune down and goers.

1985 Epiphone P bass, D'Addario Chromes, 50 - 105, 1/2 step down, not a problem.
Haven't gone down to C on this one yet. Probably won't, action is already super low.

2012 Ibanez SRX2EX2, D'Addario Chromes, 50 - 105, 1/2 step down, not a problem.
Same bass dropped to C, still sounds good but my playing style and lower action dictates higher action or I'm digging into unwanted fret buzz from the lower tension if I'm not mindful of my playing and ease up with the fingers. Intonation probably needs to be adjusted as well

2018 Ibanez SR400EQM, D'Addario Nickels, 45 - 105, half step down all the way to drop C, not a problem for any of it. But I also keep the action a little higher on this one. And the intonation doesn't seem to be a problem dropped down. This goes along with the dedicated setup train of thought. If you're going to do anything lower than half step, have your bass set up for it.

IME, even a half step more often than not calls for a complete setup and more importantly, a commitment on the part of the guitarists to do the same. It’s much easier to simply down tune on a bass (disregarding intonation) than it is for guitar.

Unfortunately, many guitarists think that learning the song at standard pitch and simply tuning down for the performance is all there is to it, and it’s often readily obvious because of the flabby sonic mess that comes as a result to that approach. The amplified frequency points all need to be considered as the guitars encroach even further into the range of the bass. Unless everyone is on the same page, it can get messy.

 

[Clark W]

IME, even a half step more often than not calls for a complete setup and more importantly, a commitment on the part of the guitarists to do the same. It’s much easier to simply down tune on a bass (disregarding intonation) than it is for guitar.

Unfortunately, many guitarists think that learning the song at standard pitch and simply tuning down for the performance is all there is to it, and it’s often readily obvious because of the flabby sonic mess that comes as a result to that approach. The amplified frequency points all need to be considered as the guitars encroach even further into the range of the bass. Unless everyone is on the same page, it can get messy.

Yes! I can now blame the guitarist, at least one of them, for when things get messy. Two guitarists I jam with have guitars specifically set up for 1/2 step, those guitars are rarely tuned to anything else. They're also being used by guys who do nothing else for a living but play guitar, a lot. A third is all over the place with his tunings on his guitar but he has a day job. Coincidence? I think not.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

We noticed that it is much easier for our singer (female) when the songs (no cover) are played droped down. I don't like to drop down at all! I would tune down the whole bass because I don't want to think all our songs completely new. I think the bass sounds totally crap compared to the normal tuning :-(
I bought DR drop down tuning strings ... does not help. Are you tuning down your bass (not only e string)
Are you happy with it??

In the last few years or so, I’ve played with at least three or four different groups that tune down a half step. I have found it’s for more practical to have one instrument that just stays tuned down. So, what I did was have my luthier do a set up on one of my Fenders, and told him to do the setup with this in mind. The bass sounds and plays great (AVRI Precision) and it just makes it infinitely easier.

I should note that it’s strung up with D’Addario medium gauge roundwounds

 

[sotua]

Dunlop drop tuning strings were great (I had a 4 string tuned to BEAD with at 120 E string), but I haven't seen them in a while.

 

[sawzalot]

I use a Hipshot D-tuner to drop to D. Works fine for me with regular 100 (or 105)-45 sets.

 

[tekhedd]

I've been (A)DGCF since the 80s, because I like the extra range. With the right strings it's like playing a short-scale bass that goes down a bit farther.

I've been using a balanced Kalium set, 112/82/61/45 (or thereabouts), with considerable success.

Hope this helps

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I do own a very cool 5 string but I don't want to play a 5 string, Iam a 4 string guy. The problem is a complete song set. 4 string drop down sounds bad (for me) , 5 string would mean learning every song new. This would take me a looong time cause we play this songs for a while... concerning the strings... I play d'addario pro steels usually and jst wanted to note, that the DRs do not sound "better" than normal strings tuned down in my opinion!

Well when you drop your tuning, you usually have to re-set up your bass. I'd suggest using a heavier guage string set then you're used to, and giving it a quick set up. You might find, after playing on it a while, that you do like it. Tuning down isnt really bad, just different.

 

[mikeswals]

When I played in lower tunings, I bought the next higher gauge string set in the same brand I was using before. Works perfect for me.
BTW, my standard tuning gauge set is round core 40-100. I like bounce in a string.
You may need to experiment with some of the stiff hex core strings out there, like DR Lowriders, XL's, Fodera, Picato if you can find them.

 

[Fingerer]

I bought a set strings for a 5er and put them on my 4 string. I just kept the G in my emergency string box. Definitely helps with the tension, but the thicker strings take a little getting used to.

 

[kcducttaper]

I play a 5-string and never have the need to drop the B even lower. The low B is already at 32Hz, which is borderline too low for most PA's already. I just learn the song and get cozy changing keys on the fly.

If that doesn't float your boat, I've also got a Digitech Drop pedal that works surprisingly well. I've actually bought one, sold it, then bought it again. It tracks surprisingly well at 1-4 semitones. Anything lower than that starts to get a little bit 'stale', but it'll get you from E-standard to D or C standard just fine.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/digitech-the-drop-polyphonic-drop-tune-pitch-shifter-guitar-effects-pedal?rNtt=digitech drop&index=2

Here's a quick demo on guitar, but it works just as well on bass.

 

[wmhill]

Playing a 5 string doesn't mean you don't have to tune down like the rest of the band.... it will not end well.

 

[kcducttaper]

Lol. Your first post on this thread is just criticizing other player's suggestions without providing any yourself. Classy.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Playing a 5 string doesn't mean you don't have to tune down like the rest of the band.... it will not end well.

View attachment 3470341

My lowest note is low B. Apparently, you don't know how a 5 string works!

 

[Mushroo]

Playing a 5 string doesn't mean you don't have to tune down like the rest of the band.... it will not end well.

View attachment 3470341

Yes, but you certainly could tune your 5 string to match the other musicians in the band. There are plenty of 5 string players who use alternative tunings.

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I look at them as two separate, but related, skills: Knowing when and how to use alternate tunings is a useful skill. And being able to play all keys in standard tuning (whether EADG 4-string, BEADG 5-string, etc.) is a useful skill. Many players go their entire careers without needing either of these skills, other players can get by perfectly well with only one of these two skills, and then there are some players who use both of these skills on a regular basis.

 

[wmhill]

My lowest note is low B. Apparently, you don't know how a 5 string works!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know how a five string works. try some open string riffs (like slither/ velvet revolver) when the rest of the band is tuned down. Been there and done that with folks think because they have the lower notes it'll be ok. I've sent guys packing for the same offense.

 

[wmhill]

Yes, but you certainly could tune your 5 string to match the other musicians in the band. There are plenty of 5 string players who use alternative tunings.

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I look at them as two separate, but related, skills: Knowing when and how to use alternate tunings is a useful skill. And being able to play all keys in standard tuning (whether EADG 4-string, BEADG 5-string, etc.) is a useful skill. Many players go their entire careers without needing either of these skills, other players can get by perfectly well with only one of these two skills, and then there are some players who use both of these skills on a regular basis.

The OP was trying to avoid tuning down- that was the point of the post. Obviously, you can tune any bass down- the string number has nothing to do with that.

 

[Mushroo]

The OP was trying to avoid tuning down- that was the point of the post. Obviously, you can tune any bass down- the string number has nothing to do with that.

True, but he's also trying to avoid using his 5-string (see post #5).

Also see my comment in post #7, that it is totally possible to play all 12 keys in standard EADG (or BEADG) tuning. Basically, I agree with you.

 

[lokikallas]

You lose techniques that involve hammer on and pulling off of open strings and string skipping if you "just use a 5". In broadway musicals you might be able to get away with it, sure, but not hard rock.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know how a five string works. try some open string riffs (like slither/ velvet revolver) when the rest of the band is tuned down. Been there and done that with folks think because they have the lower notes it'll be ok. I've sent guys packing for the same offense.

Try playing some Thelonius Monk and get back to me.

 

[Mushroo]

Try playing some Thelonius Monk and get back to me.

Let's say for example that you've learned Thelonius Monk's "Straight No Chaser" in the key of F. But the night of the gig, the singer has a sore throat, and would rather sing in the key of Eb. I believe @wmhill is simply pointing out that you could detune your bass to DGCF, play the song in F using your regular fingerings, and it will sound in concert Eb. Having this skill means you can accommodate the singer's request, without any mental gymnastics or changes to your technique. Or another skill that many bassists have, is to keep the same tuning, but transpose the music. Either approach is valid in my opinion/experience, and versatile bassists can do both.