New band asking for C tuning : best strategy ?

[pabloramone]

I’d tune my bass to “C standard”, and I’d get .115 for the C string. Oh and I’d ditch the flat wounds. Not sure it’s the best for lower tunings.

the feeling below my fingertips worth everything else.

 

[andruca]

I usually cope with the C/drop C tuning by tuning my low B one semitone, up to C, on a 5 string, with all other strings in standard tuning. I've grown used to it, can play, say, most Black Stone Cherry songs like that. I also tend to play Kiss material (tuned D#) with the same overal idea, by detuning just my E down to D#. It's the most practical thing to do (ocasionally and just for fun) when I really don't use such tunnings for real life. If it was to be a permanent thing for a certain project, I'd definitely think of setting up a 4 string to the C/drop C tuning the rest of the band was using.

 

[pabloramone]

Hello all. For now I'll try my first option : 5 strings, standard tuning. I'll tell you if things changed, improved, etc.

It will permit myself to dig the fretboard with the 5 strings.
I'm aware the resonance is important (I am also a clawhammer banjo player with plenty of tunings) but maybe not being tuned like the guitarist will open to new ideas.

So for now is the bass over the band I could say.

 

[Ritter667]

but maybe not being tuned like the guitarist will open to new ideas.

I don't see how when it is still in the same relative tuning, that is standard all fourths tuning.
Only will make it unnecessarily cumbersome for you to orientate yourself on the fretboard relatively to the guitarist.

Also generally alternative tunings, while possibly opening up for new possibilities when composing, will get you no advantages in a band if not in the same tuning as the rest of your bandmates and having a primarily supportive role, as bass most often has.

As far as I can tell it will just be putting up obstacles for for your yourself, wasting focus and energy on that instead of your playing, not gaining anything positively in exchange.

But of course that is entirely up to you.

 

[pabloramone]

My english is probably bad. I mean if the guitarist is C-F-A#-D#-G-C
and I'm BEADG we are not in the same "tuning", but yes we play in the same key the songs of course.
I can't tell for now, but starting the 5 strings makes me already play my "usual" licks differently, even if I'm not using the B strings. Weird and interesting.