Help me with my rig - drop C tuning

[Incarnate365]

Hello friends. Here's my story - I play in a metal/hardcore band and so far my rig consists of this-

Ernie Ball StingRay ->
Sunn Coliseum ->
Ampeg SVT810

I love this set up, but here's my problem. We play in drop C (C, G, C, F) and I feel like the 8x10 isn't reproducing those low notes. It sounds almost farty to me, like I'm causing the speakers to distort to soon or something. I'm not sure, maybe it's just me, but I know the speakers are in fine working order, so they're not blown out. Like I said, it just sounds muddy and farty.

Were currently on tour now, but I'm thinking of selling/trading my 8x10 when I get home. What would you guys recommend I look at as far as cabs go? I'm not opposed to mixing and matching. I was thinking 2x15, or maybe 2x12, or even 4x10 + 1x15? I really have limited exposure to any bass speaker that isn't a 10". I have an old Fender Bassman 2x15 at home, but I don't know if I really wanna take that on the road.

So please, any info or help would be appreciated. I know you guys are the ones to ask. Thank you.

Jake

 

[scrotimusprime]

I bet you could go 4x10 with a 1x15 and get a decent sound out of your bass. A couple things tho -

First, make sure you've got thicker strings on your bass with that tuning. My "e" string is turned to c# and I think its a .115 (i play a 5string though, get the ken smith metal masters).

Second - and you might want to play with this - but make sure your cab has a horn in it. I find that its easy to lose definition when you go low but a little treble goes a long way. I like to use the extra clank and all that to layer on top of the tone to make some of the really low stuff easier to hear. Really helps no the recording too.

Just some ideas...

-c

 

[Dogbertday]

Deffinately play with the EQ and try some heavier gauge strings. Maybe take the bottome 4 of a 5er and tune it up... or just a set of heavy 4s

 

[spode master]

I recommend Bi amping with a capable Sub.

Why not go to a 5 string it goes lower.

I have a rig that I'm building right now that is intended for true sub bass response.

Just search my name for threads started, and you will witness the majik!

 

[Incarnate365]

I definitely don't wanna get a 5 string. The bass isn't the problem, it's the cab. To be honest I don't even know what gauge strings I'm playing right now, but I'll try some thicker ones once I get home and can get a set up.

No tweeter on the Ampegs either.

Anyone have any advice on cabs?

 

[scrotimusprime]

I definitely don't wanna get a 5 string. The bass isn't the problem, it's the cab. To be honest I don't even know what gauge strings I'm playing right now, but I'll try some thicker ones once I get home and can get a set up.

No tweeter on the Ampegs either.

Anyone have any advice on cabs?

I've got an ampeg 4x10 + 1x15 setup i've used for years. I don't remember the model numbers specicially but they are decent mid quality cabs imho. They each include a horn, metal grate, i don't think ampeg specifically makes these anymore but i'm sure you could find some. I got mine maybe 5 years ago.

Btw - a 4 string is always a problem (i know i'm going to get shot for that one)

 

[mrkreuzschlitz]

I doubt its your cab doing that. I've seen touring bands use Ampeg 8x10's in drop B, surely it'll handle drop C. Heck, I know it will.

Try changing strings out and getting it set up.

 

[spode master]

Are you able to intonate a 4 string when its Drop tunned to a low C???

 

[msquared]

Definitely get rid of the Ampeg cab. There is so much better stuff out there. You need to let us in on what your budget is, and how often you play without PA support.

Consider going with thicker gauge strings than the standard four string set. You don't need a five string if you can just get a BEADG set and leave the G off. It'll require some nut adjustment to do it right, but it'll help a lot.

 

[scrotimusprime]

Are you able to intonate a 4 string when its Drop tunned to a low C???

seems to me like that tuning if he doesn't have awesome strings is just going to be super floppy

 

[Daywalker]

A friend on mine plays in a metal band in drop-c, he also uses a 4-string stingray and an ampeg 810E. Only difference in his set-up is that he uses an SVT-CL with his. It gets PLENTY low, and sounds massive. Maybe switch out your head?

 

[pedro]

Are you able to intonate a 4 string when its Drop tunned to a low C???

I'm interested in the response.

 

[spode master]

seems to me like that tuning if he doesn't have awesome strings is just going to be super floppy

Not only that he may not have enough adjustment available on his bridge to intonate.

You would actually have to move the bridge down, notice how most modern 5+ string basses have individual bridge pieces

 

[GeddyisGod]

I'm interested in the response.

Easily. I've been doing it for nearly 10 years. Never used anything heavier than a .105.

Try this; Cut your lowest frequency. Most guys have a tendency to Boost the lows, and that eats up 10s real fast when you start cranking the volume.

 

[pedro]

Easily. I've been doing it for nearly 10 years. Never used anything heavier than a .105.

Try this; Cut your lowest frequency. Most guys have a tendency to Boost the lows, and that eats up 10s real fast when you start cranking the volume.

We tune down a half step to accomodate our singer/guitarist and I do it under protest. But why would you tune down a third?

 

[GeddyisGod]

We tune down a half step to accomodate our singer/guitarist and I do it under protest. But why would you tune down a third?

There's really no point in explaining it. The kind of music I like is tuned this way. The kind of music I play is tuned this way. It's a metal thing.

 

[scrotimusprime]

Not only that he may not have enough adjustment available on his bridge to intonate.

You would actually have to move the bridge down, notice how most modern 5+ string basses have individual bridge pieces

yea, my btb has the individual bridge - i always thought it just looked cool tho

Me <- amateur

 

[pedro]

There's really no point in explaining it. The kind of music I like is tuned this way. The kind of music I play is tuned this way. It's a metal thing.

So its a traditional thing.

 

[GeddyisGod]

So its a traditional thing.

In a sense. Heavy metal isn't as heavy when played in standard tuning.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I'd try the heavier strings, first. And, you can do that before you get home.