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Drop E Tuning Bass Help

Oxygen Destroyer

Oxygen Destroyer

May 1, 2014
4
0
36
#1
Hello there all, I have a few questions regarding my bass desires for this incredibly low tuning. As of now, the band that I am in are playing in Drop E tuning. The bass that I have at the moment sounds just fine to me. It's an ESP D5 suited with a set of .182 Circle K strings (Kalium). I am playing through an Ampeg 8x10 cab and an Orange 500 watt Terror Bass head. However, the ESP D5 doesn't quite fit my preference. It is, by all means, a wonderful bass. But I enjoy the look and feel of vintage style fenders. I've had my eye for quite some time on a Modern Player Telecaster Fender Bass(butterscotch finish). My concern is wether or not it'd be up to par for such a low tuning with such heavy strings. Seeing as it's only a 4 string bass, of which I also prefer. I'm fully aware that'd it'd have to be modified to fit the strings, but my question is...is that too far of a stretch for a bass like that to be strung so heavily? I'm one for aesthetics and think the Telecaster Bass is absolutely beautiful...as well as a good and affordable entry into the Fender world. Any thoughts, concerns, or help regarding this post would be most appreciated! Thank you very much!
 

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#2
Well, just a thought based on the tuning you play in and your desire for that Tele bass, have you considered just tuning your bass in standard? I know Meshuggah plays in Drop E on 8-strings and drop A on some of their 7-string songs, and their bassist just uses a 5-string with the low B tuned down to A and the rest in standard, and for the Drop E songs he uses the low E and he uses the A string for the 7-string songs. Just an idea
 
#3
Arkazail said:
Well, just a thought based on the tuning you play in and your desire for that Tele bass, have you considered just tuning your bass in standard? I know Meshuggah plays in Drop E on 8-strings and drop A on some of their 7-string songs, and their bassist just uses a 5-string with the low B tuned down to A and the rest in standard, and for the Drop E songs he uses the low E and he uses the A string for the 7-string songs. Just an idea
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Ah, yes! That's definitely something to consider. Although I fear doing that wouldn't give that large wall of hate sound hitting the crowd me and the guys are shooting for. I'm sure tuning up would also make me stand out easier sonically. The thing is, with the set up I have now, you might not be able to pick out note to note on those top frets so much...but it definitely puts out a nice audible sonic doom vibe that's nice and mucky. Of which I like...a lot. Hardships. Hardships I tell ya'. Thanks for the idea!!
 
#6
Arkazail said:
No problem, it's something I've noticed as tunings get lower. Also, Glasscloud is a very good example of this, their guitarist plays in insanely low tunings, Drop E and double drop D on 8-strings, and Double drop A on 9-strings and they jsut sound gigantic. Their bassist just uses a 5-string tuned down a full step
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Glasscloud...they're great. Perfect War is a banger. They're guitars sound so grimey and mean. Our music isn't crazy technical. I'm most likely not ever going to utilize all 5 strings on my ESP. I'm hoping with proper adjustments and modifications that Tele bass will work out. It's just too damn sexy for me not to try. As long as it can hold Drop E OKAY I'll be perfectly fine with that. When we play live we're more focused on energy than accuracy...so if I can flail around and get some punchy sludge through my rig I'll be golden. If I can do it with the Tele, that's ideal.
 

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