• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Uptuning a 5-string Bass

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a 5-string bass and achieving C standard tuning by tuning the top four strings up by 2 semi tones. The other option is to downtune a normal 4-string bass but that would be downtuning 4 semi tones and it was really hard to play as the strings were quite floppy. So my question is, how viable is it? Will the neck be able to take it? I'm probably going to leave it at C standard tuning all the time.
 
If you use the right gauges for the tuning you want and you set it up accordingly than you should be fine right? You can tune AAAAA if you want to with the right gauges and setup. If down tuning is giving you floppy strings and you're concerned about too much tension if you tune them up, that's because you can't use standard strings for non standard tuning.