How often do you tune your bass during gigs

[odin70]

I tend to tune up between every song. Is this normal or is there something wrong with my bass?

 

[GKon]

I can typically tune once just before we start, then I'll check it about 15 minutes later, after my hands, the bass and the strings are all warmed up.
Then I'll check it again about and hour or so later and it's still just fine until the end of our 2 to 2 1/2 hour gig.

 

[quickfix]

I tend to tune up between every song. Is this normal or is there something wrong with my bass?

That's excessive. If you're saying that your bass really needs to be tuned between each song, then your bass is screwed.
Do you bend notes during a song? If that's the case, and the notes are going flat, you need some nut work as the strings are being pinched and held in the slots.
I check my tuning fifteen minutes after I get to an event. Once it's warmed, or cooled to the room's temp it will stay tuned for the whole evening. I know it stays in tune because I check it every time we take a break.

 

[BassChuck]

I play theater gigs. I tune before curtain, and then during intermission. Usually it doesn't need that second tuning, but I just feel better knowing I'm in tune.

 

[kenbert]

My bass tends to go a little sharp when it cools down between sets then I just run my fingers up and down the strings before we start playing again and it comes right back in tune.

 

[Turock]

My bass tends to go a little sharp when it cools down between sets then I just run my fingers up and down the strings before we start playing again and it comes right back in tune.

Yep, I do too.

 

[odin70]

I do not bend notes, but i think i need to file my nut. Its not totally out of tune but enough to irritate me.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Sounds like you have the curse of perfect pitch. Good luck. Do what ever you have to I know it drives you crazy...

 

[Febs]

I play theater gigs. I tune before curtain, and then during intermission. Usually it doesn't need that second tuning, but I just feel better knowing I'm in tune.

Same here. I always have a tuner available, so I'll make adjustments during the show if necessary, but it's rarely necessary.

 

[lz4005]

If you need to tune between every song there's a problem with your bass.

I usually have to do a minor touch-up about 15 minutes in as the bass warms up, then only on breaks after that.

 

[DWBass]

Just once.

 

[elgecko]

Just once.

Me too!

 

[Lownote38]

Never more than once unless the bass gets knocked against something.

 

[DavC]

when gigging , I would check tuning right before every set ...

hot lights and other temp changes will wreak havoc , ... but that's unavoidable ...!

 

[Not yet]

Before every set or occasionally between songs if somethin sounds off....which is usually my technique

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I check my tuning before every set. It's usually very close, if not spot on, unless there's been a temperature change.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[bass12]

I tune before each set (I also put by bass in its case between sets and that means there's more chance of the tuners moving). The only times I'll tune between songs is if my strings are new and they haven't settled yet.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I have very stable instruments, but I do use a D-Tuner on my 4 string; So I check tuning when I use the D-Tuner and when I swap instruments - rarely any other time.

 

[lfmn16]

I warm up for about 15 minutes before the gig starts and tune right before I go on stage. I rarely tune during a set.

As others have said, if you have to tune between every song, there is something seriously wrong. What a momentum killer!

 

[Brother Goose]

I probably tune more than needed- check it every few songs. Or i'll chime through my harmonics and listen for anything that is off...

My basses are very stable and hold pitch better than their owner!