high F tuning on a 5-string

[seidwolf]

I have an Ibanez SR-706 for handling the majority of the work, as I love its tone and articulation, except for my top most end.

A thought is to take my older Ibanez BTB 405 (presently tuned to a high-C) and going up one more string, to a high-F, and changing the nut to stainless steel for brighter tone.

I have a string set; Dean Markley SR2000 7-String Bass strings; that I had planned to use (dropping out the B and E).

What are your thoughts? I'm especially curious as to possible challenges/risks.

Regards,

 

[Darren Michaels]

Ever think of tuning EDGCF? Leave the E (make it a light gauge) and put a Hipsthot detuner on that string. Ditch the B and the A. The E string with the detuner will cover the notes you lost from having no B and A strings. Now you have some girth down low AND extended treble range with the new C & F. Happy things soon follow.

 

[Dr Steve Lawson]

there shouldn't be any problem with changing the string gauge, except possibly a rattly nut, but as you're wanting to swap that, that should fix it. Sounds like a fun project.

But I really like Darren's suggestion too - sounds like a good way to come up with a load of new ideas

 

[Michael Manring]

Cool ideas, guys! In general, I find most bass guitars to be pretty tough compared to acoustic instruments and they can accept a very wide range of string gauges and tunings. I'm all for experimenting!

 

[Aidonius]

I've got a sr505 tuned ADGCF. I use the d'addario piccolo set for the A, D, G and F, and a .32 single for the C. The nice part about having such small strings is that the action can be really low. I had to adjust the truss rod a bit to compensate for the lower tension on the neck.

I think F is the highest the top string can go. It seems very close to breaking. You can also change the tuning on all the other strings without them wobbling around, though the low string will get a little loose if tuned all the way back down to an E.

I really like that tuning, as it opens up a whole bunch more chordal stuff without sounding really muddy. I think it's because the strings are a bit thinner, so they are a bit clearer sounding, as well as having fewer overtones.

 

[rashrader]

It is this type of thing that makes me want to tune a 5'er in 5th's (CGDAE).

I know, it would completely throw off what I know... I have a four string on the way. I might start there.

 

[Aidonius]

You should do it, I think that it would definitely open up some interesting chordal possibilities above the octave.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

It is this type of thing that makes me want to tune a 5'er in 5th's (CGDAE).

I know, it would completely throw off what I know... I have a four string on the way. I might start there.

It isn't that complicated to play in CGDA. My theory class helped a lot for the transition ... and seriously it give much more range than on 4 strings than it will with 5 in standart.