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How low can I legitmately go..?

IPYF

IPYF

Mar 31, 2011
1,254
158
#1
Shifted from accidental post in the Double bass forum...embarrasing

So. I currently play in a metal band, using my Spector Legend Custom 4 String tuned to straight C (CFA#D#). I'm running through a GK1001rbII into a Trace 1048H.

A local music emporium is going out of business and to this effect, they have a completely insane deal going on a Spector Euro 5 String, which retails at over 3k now going for $1700. I am quietly toying with the idea of extending my finances to buy this bass.

I have a few qualms though so I wanted to approach you cats to see if I could clarify a few things.

The biggest issue is that I'm not willing to alter my 4 String tuning as I'd have to relearn 2 albums worth of songs. If I were to roll to a 5 string I'd effectively need that low string to come to the party and be implemented as a low G. I just want to know if this is a possible thing to do sensibly, and whether a Spector Euro could be effectively used in this manner.

I know that 'anything is possible' and of course I'd have it set up professionally with the correct gauge strings, but If I'm going to do this I'd need to be sure that this would be a worthwhile move, as opposed to a 'Mine goes to G' party trick style of affairs. I'd want the extra low notes to be defined, intonated correctly and not just low mud so I could get use out of having them there. There's no way in hell I would be willing to acquire an expensive professional level instrument just to wreck it by adapting it to do something that it wasn't intended for.

Let me know what you think.
 
#9
IPYF said:
I know that 'anything is possible' and of course I'd have it set up professionally with the correct gauge strings, but If I'm going to do this I'd need to be sure that this would be a worthwhile move, as opposed to a 'Mine goes to G' party trick style of affairs. I'd want the extra low notes to be defined, intonated correctly and not just low mud so I could get use out of having them there. There's no way in hell I would be willing to acquire an expensive professional level instrument just to wreck it by adapting it to do something that it wasn't intended for.

Let me know what you think.
Click to expand...

No "wrecking". You just need to get your 5er set up with a low F# string rather than a B string and up-tune it to a G. An F# is one standard tuning for a 7 string bass. F#,B,E,A,D,G,C. (other common tunng for a 7 is B,E,A,D,G,C,F.)

I bring this up because part of the big deal revolves around finding strings for the low notes. While F# strings are not super common you CAN get them, even if you have to get a 7 string set and throw the rest away.

Which brings us to setup. Since you are having it done, that is good. And an F# string should sound pretty good and intonate fine on G. But you need to be aware the nut will have to be filed and if you ever go back to standard BEADG 5er tuning you'll have to get a new nut to go back to original strings. But this is a very minor repair deal and certainly will NOT "ruin" an expensive bass. Since a B string is very low tension anyway, you should have no neck issues save perhaps a minor truss rod touch up (part of the setup you're paying for)

What I would NOT do is try to down-tune a B string to G. The metal dude who I bought my first 5er from showed me his "awesome" tuning he used on that bass which was to down-tune the B to E an octave below the E string. Personally I was then and remain skeptical of this sound.

But I see no real serious problems here once you find a place that stocks F# strings. However, selection will be limited.
 
#11
either go light strings (125 ish) and tune up, or incorporate a new entity to your playing known as extended range. low G is low, but its not completely unreasonable. i often record a doom metal band that plays in drop G. realistically, most 5 string players (myself included) dont wail on that extra string all day. its there when we need it. sometimes lots, sometimes never.

or if all else fails, dont buy a thing you dont really need.
 
#13
Well look it's probably not a good idea, or a bad idea.

I hadn't considered the nut which was a fair oversight. I don't think I could bring myself to file the nut on a good Spector just for those extra low notes.

I'm wouldn't be so worried about the frequencies, cab etc. I'd be keeping off the low string for the most part, and I don't think I'd be really use much below the A# so the frequency response of the G wouldn't be a huge issue.

The only reason I'd consider doing this would be to have a vastly better working Bass than the Legend Custom which I could then reset to Standard for home use. Honestly it sounds like I'd be better off doing exactly the opposite, keep the Custom for gigging and have a nice Euro for home, set up the way it was intended.

And I think $1700 is a pretty good price for a Euro in Australia. If you know of a store around Melbourne that would do that kind of price any day of the week I would want to have them on speed dial.
 
#16
#19
Alex webster tunes to that and does it on a spector euro you should be fine. Plus its long scale and neck thru so its gonna be the perfect bass to do it on! Might need to change the intonation a bit if its gonna be a permanent fix and possibly get someone pro to sort the truss rod out
 
#20
"I hadn't considered the nut which was a fair oversight. I don't think I could bring myself to file the nut on a good Spector just for those extra low notes"

I dont know what the nut is made of onthose basses, but it is a cheap, easily replaceable piece that you should setup up to fit this awesome idea you have.
 

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