Musicman & Intonation ?

[smo]

Hi,

Just like to say thanks for the help I've received here previously

I started a thread over at the EBMM forum with this same question, and as yet haven't had a definitive answer.
Could anyone here help me please?

I like to play 4 bangers - down tuned to C, F, A#, D#.
Been doin it for over 10 years no worries, albeit I've had to be selective about basses and strings.
Please no "get a 5'er" talk

But now I'm looking at getting a Musicman Stingray or Sterling.
Now - being a 34" scale bass;
Can they down tune to C and keep excellent intonation?

Thanks all,
smo

 

[Dave W]

Any bass can be tuned down and keep good intonation if it's set up properly. This has nothing to do with it being a 34" scale instrument.

The 34" vs. 35" argument usually has to do with keeping good tension on a low B or low tuned strings.

 

[droskobass]

they will "keep their intonation" if you adjust the intonation.

If you plan to play in a drop tuning, intonate the bass in that tuning, (just my two cents)

also most importantly, reintonate the bass if you change string guages.

 

[73jbass]

You'll have to go with heavy gauge strings to keep proper string tension and intonation.I think drop C is out of limits for a standard .105 dia E string.Go with at least a .115 or even120 which puts you in the 5 string range.There is someone that makes a 4 string set with a .115 E string for dropped tunings,just can't remember who it is.You'll also need the nut recut to acommodate the larger diameter strings.The reason you were getting all the "just get a 5 string" replies is it's easier to get a 5 string and tune it up 1/2 step with minimal or no other adjustments to do.But it's your bass,have at it!

 

[triarii117]

Just keep it in that tuning for a while. Sounds like the strings may need to readjust.

I think drop C is out of limits for a standard .105 dia E string.

I was able to tune my P-Bass to drop C on standard gauge and it stayed in tune fine.

I think Rotosound makes sets with a .115 E string.

 

[Ric5]

It is a myth that only a 35" bass can be tuned that low.

I have 14 5 string basses and all of them are 34" or 33 1/2" all of them have a good low B string.

So 34" will work fine for your low C.

Use a 5 string set of strings and discard the G string.

 

[smo]

they will "keep their intonation" if you adjust the intonation.

Ummm. Yeah.
I've been playing bass for quite a while. I knew that already.

Any bass can be tuned down and keep good intonation if it's set up properly.
The 34" vs. 35" argument usually has to do with keeping good tension on a low B or low tuned strings.

Alright - I understand the whole "shorter scale = floppier strings" thing.
But does 34 to 35 really make much difference in tension?

Use a 5 string set of strings and discard the G string.

Yep. I do that already. My nut is cut, I've had my main axe setup for C a looong time ago.

The main prob I've had - is that my P-bass seems completely unable to achieve perfect intonation on the low C, and it is 34".
I've tried many different string gauges and brand.
I have lived with it tho, still plays well, just that it's a few cents out when waaaaaayyy up the neck.

I was just wondering if a Musicman would suffer the same?
Anyone out there play a Sterling or Stinger and tune to C?

 

[Dave W]

Alright - I understand the whole "shorter scale = floppier strings" thing.
But does 34 to 35 really make much difference in tension?

It really depends on the bass. I've got a few 35" 5ers, and a few 34" 5ers. All of them have a very good low B.

I've played a few 34" and 35" scale basses that left a lot to be desired as well.

I hate to say you need to try them to find out what the tension is like, but unfortunately it's the truth. FWIW, one of my 34" scale basses with an excellent low B was a Stingray 5. I've had my Stingray 4 tuned to D pretty regularly and it was fine. I normally use a 5er though, so it didn;t really make much sense for me to continue to do that.

You can also try a higher tension string, basically anything with a hex core. I love DR Lo-Rider Stainless Steels personally...I use them on everything. If you're playing metal, hard rock, or anything like that...you'll enjoy the tone the SS gives you as well.

 

[smo]

okay - i may just try that.

thanks for all the inputr here guys.

 

[Ach]

I've tuned Stingray BEAD.
Sounds ok, no floppy.

 

[sengamc]

I have an EBMM Bongo, been tuned to BEAD for a couple of years now.
I had it set up for the 130 from a 5'er set of Ernie Balls,
Tuning and settings stable except for a little Summer/winter tweaking, tuning great, feel bang on.
Oh, and it's a lefty too.
Nodd