Double Bass Tuning a cello in fourths

[Nordic Groover]

Hi folks,

If one is tuning a cello in fourths, with a purpose-specific EADG set of strings, are these gauged/tensioned to provide the same pitch as a bass, or one octave higher?

Cheers!
Chris

 

[Mr Ralph]

I have both cello and bass. I have put Helicore 4th tuning cello strings on my cello. They lasted about 30 minutes. They are available if anyone wants to buy them. The cello is meant to be tuned in fifth's. I found it counter intuitive to play it in 4th's. I played bass first and thought why not just tune the cello in 4th's and be lazy and not learn the new fingerings. If I only wanted to remember one set of fingerings I would probably tune my bass in fifth's like the cello. I generally never get confused because the instruments are so different that it just works for me. If you are thinking of making a baby bass, a cello played pizzicato sounds, well not good compared to what we would expect with from a bass. Even with a pickup. I know there were some jazz bassists who played both and I am not sure how they tuned theirs but I am sure they were far better musicians than myself. To answer your initial question I believe it is 1 octave.