E-C Tuning...True or False?

[J_Funk_77]

I had a friend tell me that if I was to take a 5 string and tune it to E-C. That I would have to make all kind of adjustments. I cant even rember all of this as he was just going on and on about not doing it to his Fender American Deluxe Jazz I was borrowing.

Recently I discovered Evan Brewer and I really really really like what he's doing when not playing metal/hardcore.

 

[Ayce]

Depends on what you want.
When I first took up 5 string, I looked at both, and decided I liked the low b more than c, mostly due to playing country/rock at the time. I suspect if I had been playing jazz/blues, I may have gone the other way.
Of course, no matter which tuning you use, you will have to make adjustments for intonation, etc, but once done, that should be it.
That was back in the eary 90's and ERB's (6+) were few and far between.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Intonation
New nut
Truss rod

 

[Dave W]

Intonation
New nut
Truss rod

Exactly. If you think that is a lot of adjustments, then the answer is yes.

 

[Ayce]

Well yeah, it is something you only do once.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Intonation
New nut
Truss rod

Yep, this.

I can't really blame the guy for not being overly exited for You to convert his bass to an "alternative" tuning though.

Depending on the bass, it can be a pretty big undertaking, but on most it's about 1 hour max. And the conversion back (and forth) is obviously faster if You already have the proper nut in hand .

Regards
Sam

 

[mikezimmerman]

Depending on how the current nut is cut, you may not need a new nut--many folks don't when they switch back and forth. I would only think about a new nut if you find that the strings are buzzing at the nut or the first fret after switching to the lighter E-C set and adjusting the truss rod and bridge saddles.

The critical thing you'll need, of course, is new strings for E-C tuning. If you tried turning up to E-C with the existing set, that would certainly cause problems. Maybe that's what your friend is worried about.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Im have one other question. Why a new nut and is there a certain one to look for?

A new nut is likely necessary, and definitely a good idea. If you look at a nut, the slots are cut different sizes, which correspond to the string diameter. In switching to E-C tuning, the strings are going to be smaller diameter than B-G tuning. What can happen is that the nut won't hold the string securely, and can buzz as a result. You can buy a new nut anywhere, but you most likely won't be able to find a pre-cut nut for what you want. If you walk into a store, if they have a pre-cut bass nut, it will be 4 string, medium gauge string for P or J nut width. You'll need to have a shop cut the nut and use nut files to make sure the grooves are the right size for the strings you are putting on.

 

[bassmonkeee]

A new nut is likely necessary, and definitely a good idea.

I've changed tuning from B-G to E-C on five different five string basses over the years and had to change the nut on exactly zero of them. They have had nuts made of corian, graphite, plastic and bone. And one of them was a compensated nut on a Bongo. In a lot of cases, it's a needless expense that will make it difficult to switch back.

I had no problem with buzzing or with strings sliding around in the nut slot. And, I used the basses tuned that way for years and recorded with them without any issues.

So, you MAY need a new nut for some reason, but by no means is it necessary or a good idea in all cases. All you need is a new set of strings, and the ability to adjust your intonation and truss rod.

You are actually increasing the tension on th neck going from a low B to a high C, so you will probably need to tighten the truss rod a little bit.