My band plays in eb so I use de tuned carvin 5 string for most songs. When we have guests sit in I use my 440 tuned P bass.
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I use different basses
- Thread starter Randy Tupper
- Start date
Hi Randy,
Let's see those basses!
Do you need to de tune a 5 string to play in eb?
Let's see those basses!
Do you need to de tune a 5 string to play in eb?
Technically you don't but he might just be tuning to Bb standard (Bb Eb Ab Db Gb), the open Eb is handy, just my thoughts
Sure. A classic rock cover band I was inbyears ago tunes half step down. Easier for the 2 aging singers. I never even bothered to reintonate. Honestly couldn’t even tell.
The one tuned to Eb is still tuned to 440 Hz.
Get one of these:
Get one of these:
440? Pfft I only tune to 392Hz 
(for those wondering, 392Hz is G4 which implies I downtune a full step)
(for those wondering, 392Hz is G4 which implies I downtune a full step)
I use a 5 string in standard tuning to play in a band where the guitars tune down a whole step.
Just curiosity...why would you detune a 5 string bass down a 1/2 step to play in Eb?
You can keep the standard tuning but it's a bit odd to play that way.
Does that work really well? No delay?The one tuned to Eb is still tuned to 440 Hz.
Get one of these:
Yea you'd be surprised how long your bass will stay intonated when doing minor tune downs like that, as long as you make sure the relief/action is where it should be, those will affect the intonation a lot more
- Aug 21, 2003
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I keep a few 4 strings and 1 5 usually a half step down.
Eb. Reason #856 I only play 5's....Though I don't tune down. I try and avoid open strings when possible, tough sometimes they are necessary.
Pedaling open Eb and Ab most likely. Tons of riffs are written on guitar with open strings.
You'll find a lot of gospel cats tuning down to either A standard or Bb standard, reason being they'll use the lower notes more often , especially that low Bb.
I guess it depends on the band you are in and the music you play. I play mostly with rock/blues/rockabilly bands. Most of our tunes are in E, A, C, D and G. I don't use a lot of open strings, but I don't want to have to transpose back and forth from standard tuning to 1/2 step down. Just me, but I want to concentrate on making music, not transposing, no matter how easy it is. It's just one less thing to think about.
