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Need opinion on this...

IG_Tristan

IG_Tristan

Apr 12, 2014
32
8
PHL
#1
Okay. So I am in a band were me (bassist) and the guitarist have to tune our instruments a half lower to compensate with the vocalist. No problem with that, but here's the thing, the songs that we are trying to play are tuned in standard.

I only have one bass. We often learn the songs by ear. So we learn the song first on its original (standard) tuning and then when rehearsal comes, we go down by half a step. My question is, will my bass be alright if I change / re-tune most of the time? Will it not break or something?

TIA!
 
#3
I'm fairly certain it'll be fine. I've seen a few people use capos on their bass, if you don't like tuning down a half step. They have capos made specially for basses, but the one I use on my guitar works just fine. But yeah, I don't think it'll be a problem.
 
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#4
Hi.

If You didn't have an Ibanez which usually have very slinky and flexible necks, I'd also say no problem going back and forth.
With Ibanez, the neck will be fine, but the action and therefore the intonation may change more than one would like.

If I had to do what You have to, I'd setup the bass for 1/2 step drop and use a capo like Hypnotaize there suggested when learning the tunes.

Regards
Sam
 
#9
Only have one bass? Maybe pick up a cheapo bass (always good to have a backup), and have one tuned standard, one 1/2 step down? I just picked up an amazingly good Squier P for $75 (for a friend). I usually have less problem stepping down with a 5 string (without re-tuning). I'm guessing your bass will be OK. Also guessing you strings won't last as long????
 
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#10
walldaja said:
You have a pretty sad singer if they force the band to lower a half step. Most folks can sing an octave and a half, moving the scale a half step doesn't get you much at all.
Click to expand...

It ain't pretty bad. Sort of. We can't do anything but to compensate with his vocal range. The BL which is the guitarist decided to tune down half a step to be safe if in any case a song will be on the list which will require a higher note. LOL. We don't want to stress his vocal cords or worse sing the part falsetto.
 
#11
Joedog said:
Only have one bass? Maybe pick up a cheapo bass (always good to have a backup), and have one tuned standard, one 1/2 step down? I just picked up an amazingly good Squier P for $75 (for a friend). I usually have less problem stepping down with a 5 string (without re-tuning). I'm guessing your bass will be OK. Also guessing you strings won't last as long????
Click to expand...

Yeah. Probably the strings won't last long if this will continue. LOL. Anyway, I probably have to purchase a bass that I will use to learn songs by ear at home. And use this axe for gigs and rehearsals.
 
#13
A bass is a very resilient instrument. I recently attended a Michael Manring clinic, where he talked about all the cranking he does on his tuners. Plus, his basses have 5 Hipshot detuners on them, which he is constantly turning up to 2-3 half steps in either direction.
You have nothing to worry about.
However, if you find it annoying to tune down all the time, you can do what I did. I played in a cover band that tuned down a half-step to play a lot of songs that were recorded in standard tuning. I learned them from the original tracks, then used my Eventide Pitchfactor to detune my bass as many steps as were necessary for the song being played. I kept my bass in standard tuning, most of the time, and played the song the way I learned it.
 
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#14
IG_Tristan said:
It ain't pretty bad. Sort of. We can't do anything but to compensate with his vocal range. The BL which is the guitarist decided to tune down half a step to be safe if in any case a song will be on the list which will require a higher note. LOL. We don't want to stress his vocal cords or worse sing the part falsetto.
Click to expand...

Ya could always kick'm in the crotch before each song; that might work:roflmao:
 
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#15
Won't hurt a thing. I'm not a big fan of how the tension drops when tuned down a half step, but I've done it. A lot. Also, while I know it is lots of fun for folks on the internet to insult people they have never met, it doesn't mean anything bad about your singer. Moving to a new key isn't always a viable option because of changes in guitar fingering/voicing; it all depends on the genre and song.

I am, however, in favor of the "kick him in the crotch suggestion." And, strangest thing, it does in fact make you poop more.
 
#17
Pretty much what a lot of other guys have said. Intonation will change, so will neck relief. I like the capo suggestion, saves a ton of time and your strings. The more you stretch strings with constant tuning changes, the floppier and deader they will become. If you have a 5 your B will go floppy REALLY quickly, even more so of it was loose to begin with.
 
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#19
metalhead398 said:
Pretty much what a lot of other guys have said. Intonation will change, so will neck relief. I like the capo suggestion, saves a ton of time and your strings. The more you stretch strings with constant tuning changes, the floppier and deader they will become. If you have a 5 your B will go floppy REALLY quickly, even more so of it was loose to begin with.
Click to expand...

Yes. I am more inclined in going with the capo suggestion. It is much cheaper and easier. I could set the bass on the half step tuning, intonate and do another set-up, etc. And use a capo to learn the songs in standard tuning. That way, it will lessen the damages it will cause on my bass. Thanks!
 

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