The answer is, in general, MODULUS. I've tuned my quantum 5
eyebrow:
) down and it doesn't break a sweat. I actually like the way it feels and would like to 'learn' it eventually. The answer to the quote above is, obviously, FRETLESS MODULUS.
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Good Bass for tuning one whole step down?
- Thread starter ShredTilYerDead
- Start date
The answer is, in general, MODULUS. I've tuned my quantum 5
eyebrow:) down and it doesn't break a sweat. I actually like the way it feels and would like to 'learn' it eventually. The answer to the quote above is, obviously, FRETLESS MODULUS.
- Sep 8, 2008
- 161
- 8
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: S.I.T. Strings, Nordstrand Pickups, WB Gear,
To the OP....Obviously at this point you are aware that you need to increase your string guage, and more than likely require a setup. Most of my basses need to be intonated, and usually need a truss rod adjustment after I make drastic changes in string size.
There is nothing wrong with a Jazz bass in low tunings, I do it all the time....I have a MM Jazz tuned to C, and a 79 P tuned to B.
You haven't mentioned anything about your playing style (pick/fingers/etc.), but you may find a mild change in your technique may go along way. I personally find that adjusting my right hand placement can make all the difference when tuning down.
As an example, in standard tuning I love the sound of a P bass being played fingerstyle right over the neck....However, I rarely if ever play like this in lower tunings because I find I lose all note definition. In lower tunings I almost always play close to the bridge.
There is nothing wrong with a Jazz bass in low tunings, I do it all the time....I have a MM Jazz tuned to C, and a 79 P tuned to B.
You haven't mentioned anything about your playing style (pick/fingers/etc.), but you may find a mild change in your technique may go along way. I personally find that adjusting my right hand placement can make all the difference when tuning down.
As an example, in standard tuning I love the sound of a P bass being played fingerstyle right over the neck....However, I rarely if ever play like this in lower tunings because I find I lose all note definition. In lower tunings I almost always play close to the bridge.
Let's take a look at the actual O.P.
I believe that possibly looking into a different bass would be coverd by any suggestions. Yup, possibly using a different bass is covered there pretty well in my opinion.
I didn't see anything about the op playing in drop Bb , did you?
You are making an awful lot of assumptions about the o.p's band here. You could also use an alternate tuning with a 5'er, and possibly/probably acomplish this too , all with better string tension, or use the 4 lowest strings of a 5 string set on your 4. Lot's of options here.
Not that I see a ton of 5 string players, but on the few occations that I did, it was a J based instrument, and I didn't even notice at first. Not intersted in reading the country thread, so I'll keep moving along here.
Seems like a lot of good advice here to me guy. A bunch of possibilities have been covered not limited to , Heavier strings, longer scale length, propper set up, and ERB'sTuning down is not rocket science but for a lot of people here don't use it/try it so they're not very knowledgeable about it yet try and give advice which is usually off-kilter and off-base and not helpful, just like here.
Haven't seen any of that in this thread, and personally about 90% of the playing I do is with a pick, and 100% of it is done on a 4 banger, and 50% of that time is detuned a half step
Kewl about playing the detuned 5er, and I didn't see anyone critiquing your playing here. ?? Where did that come from?And on top of that, many 5 string players (myself included) still downtune. I play my NS5 ACGCF or GCGCF. But yeah- I'm just probably not "good" enough to do it the "real" way.
As stated above , and in my original post you responded to , a 5er is just one possible option. I haven't seen one person, not even Spade2you suggesting a 5'er as the only option.
Usually if Spade and I agree on something (we don't all that often, and he's a good guy) it's PAINFULLY obvious! LOL!!
Regarding the OP: Heavier string set, .110 or .115 for the E/D -string (I prefer .110, enough tension but not too bulky) and the rest of the set will most likely set accordingly. I use Dunlop .110 - .50 set (nickel plated), the tension in D-standard is pretty even across the strings. Active pickups IME will give a bit more punch, but it's more a matter of taste than anything else. My current P-bass has a passive Lindy Fralin pickup and I like it's punch a lot.
...and the old argument about detuning vs. ERB's... I'll give you my 2c about this:
For me downtuning is the way to go because 98% of the time I double the guitars (not one, but two distortion filled half-stacks). In our genre of death metal this means a lot of (palm muted on the guitar) notes on the open D-string + playing between the frets 5-10 on the G-string. Skipping between the open D and e.g a 5th chord octave up (fret 7, and around it), which is common, is a lot easier than constantly fretting the the B-string and skipping strings in a lower position.
On the other hand, we have this cover gig coming up which is mainly old rock/pop songs. I checked some of the basslines and a standard tuned 5-string would be easier to play than a 4-string because I have more freedom and can play around with the notes around root a lot more, because they are not locked in with the guitar. Heck, a five string might even be more fun, because I can change positions more freely.
So IMO they both (detuning & an ERB) serve their purpose, but you always have to consider the context.
Sorry about the rant.
...and the old argument about detuning vs. ERB's... I'll give you my 2c about this:
For me downtuning is the way to go because 98% of the time I double the guitars (not one, but two distortion filled half-stacks). In our genre of death metal this means a lot of (palm muted on the guitar) notes on the open D-string + playing between the frets 5-10 on the G-string. Skipping between the open D and e.g a 5th chord octave up (fret 7, and around it), which is common, is a lot easier than constantly fretting the the B-string and skipping strings in a lower position.
On the other hand, we have this cover gig coming up which is mainly old rock/pop songs. I checked some of the basslines and a standard tuned 5-string would be easier to play than a 4-string because I have more freedom and can play around with the notes around root a lot more, because they are not locked in with the guitar. Heck, a five string might even be more fun, because I can change positions more freely.
So IMO they both (detuning & an ERB) serve their purpose, but you always have to consider the context.
Sorry about the rant.
+ a million.
Besides, as many tunings bands are using, does that mean we should get another bass or reconfigure for each tuning?
+ a million.
Besides, as many tunings bands are using, does that mean we should get another bass or reconfigure for each tuning?
I have two basses that I bring to shows. One is tuned to E standard and one is tuned to D standard. I drop to D on the former and C on the latter when necessary. Most people bring two basses to shows, anyway, so I don't see the big deal at all.
