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Low Tunings (G/F# Standard)

glasser_cannon

glasser_cannon

Jun 4, 2013
77
20
31
York, PA
www.reverbnation.com
#1
So the guitarist in my band just recently started writing in G, F#, and F; basically bass tuning, and I've been having problems making the bass sound tasteful. Does anyone have any tricks that could help me out? Scale lengths, string gauges, tuning down vs tuning up, different bridges to accommodate thicker strings, etc.

I've read on a couple of forums that swapping my bridge for a Hipshot A Style Bridge will hold thicker strings and that using the Rotosound Drop Zone 66LH+ will hold a low F#, but I haven't found anything as far as pickups, EQ, or scale length (what brands have the longer scale lengths) for proper intonation.
 
#2
You need big ole thick strings to start but without an appropriate cabinet you will be fighting an uphill battle. Even with the right cabinet it is still an uphill battle. Those type of ranges are not really within human hearing... prepare for the can of worms I just opened.
 
#4
What of music? Are you playing 4 or 5 string?

I don't think you need to go that drastic. If you play 4, I would go to 5. Or tune BEAD and make those extra low notes work for ya.

I have heard strings that deep on this dude's 18 string. Mud is what people will perceive it as lol.

I play in G pretty often and don't need a LOW G to rock the house. BEADG ftw.
 
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#6
You certainly need a top-loading slotted bridge to enable the use of very thick strings.
You will need at least a .175 for F-G to maintain a minimum practical tension of 30 pounds Link Removed
Since you're in USA do try Kalium Strings they are apparently excellent at big gauges. Rotosound, D'Addario and Warwick also do .175s.
35" scale helps but is not essential.
The fundamental of F is humanly audible but most cabinets don't reproduce it, however the 2nd harmonic is the most important one and has much higher amplitude than the fundamental, the harmonics of low notes are what carry the tone so don't worry about the fundamental.
 
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#7
ixlramp said:
You certainly need a top-loading slotted bridge to enable the use of very thick strings.
You will need at least a .175 for F-G to maintain a minimum practical tension of 30 pounds Link Removed
Since you're in USA do try Kalium Strings they are apparently excellent at big gauges. Rotosound, D'Addario and Warwick also do .175s.
35" scale helps but is not essential.
The fundamental of F is humanly audible but most cabinets don't reproduce it, however the 2nd harmonic is the most important one and has much higher amplitude than the fundamental, the harmonics of low notes are what carry the tone so don't worry about the fundamental.
Click to expand...
In your personal opinion, what sounds better to you? Tuning down to F# or just playing it up the octave, the same as the guitar? Also, what heads/cabinets are better at reproducing the low F#?
 
#8
I like both depending on context. What's important is how it sounds to you and your band. If you are able to go an octave lower you have the choice of either approach. Perhaps you could buy a single quality .175 (ie Kalium) just to find out if you like tuning that low. F0 isn't actually that extreme in the ERB world. I would experiment with EQ to let the harmonics carry the tone instead of worrying about reproducing the first 2 harmonics.
I have no knowledge of heads and cabs, the ERB guys use high quality specialist amplification, but i'm sure that's not necessarily essential for a reasonable sound, first step is a good string.
 

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