Tuning down a whole step

[Hawaii Islander]

I tuned down a whole step on my Fender Flea jazz bass with tapewound strings on it. Sound and playability seems much better than it was in standard tuning. Anyone else do this? What were your results?

 

[Lesfunk]

I do it in my touring band. We do it to ease vocals when doing lots of consecutive shows

 

[howlin]

I've done it on my P Bass but keep switching back as I know I'd get lost if I tried to gig tuned to D Standard - unless the rest of the band was doing the same. Otherwise, I like it. I've been thinking of trying some super light strings like the ones Mark King uses that run from 30-90 just to see how similar it might be.

 

[lug]

I do it in my touring band. We do it to ease vocals when doing lots of consecutive shows

Yep. the only time I don't like it is when I try it with the Kala. Have to be a lot more careful playing it detuned.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

The guys I play with have discussed it. We have been tuned down a half step for years now. I have an extra 5 string hanging around. I considered stringing it up EADGC, but then tuning down to DGCFA# or whatever it would be. I am not really sure going down a whole step BEADG would work for me, even though I know lots of guys do it.

Any strings you would suggest for this?

BnB