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Is it my tuning?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by cap, Dec 5, 2001.

  1. Dec 5, 2001 #1
    cap

    cap

    Aug 8, 2001
    Hickam Hawaii
    I recently switched from the tuning EADG to BEAD because i like the deeper sounds but cant afford nor do i want a 5 string cause i dont use the G very much. but when i tuned it like that i noticed that the D wasnt picked up very well....everything sounded a little quieter but the D was really quiet....and my B sounds really punchy. Im going to get new strings for a 5er soon but will that solve my problem or is it the pickups? I use a washburn XB-100 if that makes any difference
     
  2. Dec 5, 2001 #2
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    Get strings with proper gauges and adjust the pickup height 'til they give an even sound.

    Next week: get a 5'er;) ;) :D
     
  3. Dec 5, 2001 #3
    ThunderStik

    ThunderStik Guest

    Jun 25, 2001
    Claremore OK.
    You should reset your string height also (action).
     
  4. Dec 9, 2001 #4
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    stuff you should have done with your bass to tune it to BEAD:

    • Use something around 65-130 strings because you need thicker strings when you tune lower. These are the same gauges that the lower 4 strings of a 5 are.
    • You'll probably need to adjust your neck relief since the strings have a different amount of tension than regular ones.
    • Adjust your action so the strings are at a proper height off the fretboard
    • Adjust your intonation. With different gauge strings, they wont be in tune on higher frets. The 12th fret note needs to be the exact same note as the 12th fret harmonic and also the open string tone for each string. If they're not, you need to set your intonation properly. This doesnt affect playability, but is required to be in tune.
    • Adjust your pickup height. If your strings are too quiet, raise the pickups. All strings should have an even volume. If the pickups are too high, they will hit the pickup or the magnetic field generated by the magnet in the pickups will be too close to your strings and make it hard to stay in tune.