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Tenor Bass - WOW!

#61
Tenor Bass makes sense to me, since the instrument has some of the characteristics of a bass, but doesn't go low enough to sufficiently qualify as a bass. Ron Carter played one before Stanley or Victor.

I think that your supposedly improved tone from tuning this way is just a fluke related to your bass being not properly set up for EADG originally.
 
#62
Well to add fuel to the fire I went out and got a set of D'Addario Bass ProSteels EPS170-6 and set up my Fender Geddy Jazz with the A-D-G-C tuning and really liked it. I have been wanting to try the tenor thing for a while.

Now keep in mind - I play in a fusion jazz funk thing with no guitar player (bass, keys, and kit at the core with sax and percussion). I also just like the 4 string feel over using a 5 with a high C or a 6 string.

I am digging it, especially for harmonics, chords, and soloing and will use it as a second bass to throw into the mix when I am playing live (and recording).

I think alternative tuning, alternative set ups like this and other experimentation are a great way to expand your playing.
 
#63
I knew I was stirring it up when I suggested that original poster AGP had opted out of being a "bassist" with his E-stringless tuning. And I noticed a (very) few others were skeptical as well.

Here's why I even butted in: he said, and I quote, "I don't think I'll ever go back to EADG again..." This sounds to me like he's made his choice and gonna stick with it, by golly! Who needs those low register notes, anyway?

--Which seems hilarious, and a classic example of a Very Bad Idea. Imagine how many calls he'll be getting after people hear about his "innovation" (be honest). And it might be argued in jest that he's invented a new category of instrument--the RRB (restricted-range bass)! ...I could go on, but you get the idea.

I admire people who experiment with alternate tunings or oddball instruments (you should see some of mine). But I do think that a "bassist" whose main, gigging axe is a "tenor" has failed to grasp something fundamental (if you'll pardon the pun).:D
 
#64
I think one of the posters above hit the nail on the head when they speculated that the "improved tone" and clarity the OP is experiencing is because of the lack of an E string and it's sympathetic vibrations. I'm sure that a tenor bass can solve/mask problems with muting technique.

Looking at the OPs youtube clips, they are 100% clips of him playing Victor Wooten lines. I'm willing to wager the OP has no desire to show up to a wedding gig and read through some charts, and I bet he doesn't even have any intention of going down to the local dive on Monday night and playing the blues jam... So, a tenor bass suits his needs perfectly...

I kinda laughed when the OP got completely silent about challenging Peekster's ability after someone posted a link to some of his credentials... The whole "oh yeah, well you must not be very good/lets see you play blah blah blah or else your entire opinion is irrelevant and can be ignored" argument is beyond lame anyway... it's entirely pointless on all forums but on TB you also stand the chance of getting burned by it... big time...
 
#65
peekster said:
I knew I was stirring it up when I suggested that original poster AGP had opted out of being a "bassist" with his E-stringless tuning. And I noticed a (very) few others were skeptical as well.

Here's why I even butted in: he said, and I quote, "I don't think I'll ever go back to EADG again..." This sounds to me like he's made his choice and gonna stick with it, by golly! Who needs those low register notes, anyway?

--Which seems hilarious, and a classic example of a Very Bad Idea. Imagine how many calls he'll be getting after people hear about his "innovation" (be honest). And it might be argued in jest that he's invented a new category of instrument--the RRB (restricted-range bass)! ...I could go on, but you get the idea.

I admire people who experiment with alternate tunings or oddball instruments (you should see some of mine). But I do think that a "bassist" whose main, gigging axe is a "tenor" has failed to grasp something fundamental (if you'll pardon the pun).:D
Click to expand...

Hey man,
This gonna sound very sarcastic, but It's not!
I would LOVE to hear some of your playing. Do you have any recordings at all?
PM if needed :)

Thanks!
 

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