+1. Downtuning (without hipshot D-tuner) means that either you're tuning between songs, or wailing on the open strings*, all night, neither of which i find optimal. IMHO.
*(i mean, that's the reason you downtune, right?)
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Why are TBers so against drop or detuning?
- Thread starter Burlington
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+1. Downtuning (without hipshot D-tuner) means that either you're tuning between songs, or wailing on the open strings*, all night, neither of which i find optimal. IMHO.
*(i mean, that's the reason you downtune, right?)
Well since my main basses are Kubicki Ex-Factor 99% of the crap in this thread is a non-issue for me. The drop-D lever lets me switch when I want without having to retune or fart around with hipshots. A small entry in a long list of reasons of why it's the only bass I take seriously.
Detuning means non-standard, which can be off-putting when playing on-the-fly.
On bass, I prefer to just use a 5-string and standard tuning because my brain can process it much easier, especially when hunting for notes during a band writing session. Note that I'm not *against* detuning at all.
On guitar, I use open D tuning when playing because I'm a bass player. heh. None of the above applies because I'm able to 'see' the notes quickly in this tuning.
On bass, I prefer to just use a 5-string and standard tuning because my brain can process it much easier, especially when hunting for notes during a band writing session. Note that I'm not *against* detuning at all.
On guitar, I use open D tuning when playing because I'm a bass player. heh. None of the above applies because I'm able to 'see' the notes quickly in this tuning.
Yes it is, because if you werent needing to constantly go from whatever note youre playing to one of the open notes on CGCF tuning you wouldnt need a downtuned 4 string bass and could benefit from using a 5 string in standard tunning instead.
I was talking about "tuning between songs, or wailing on the open strings" neither of which I do.
And your statement is uh, obvious, but I don't see any benefit to playing a 5 string for the type of music I play.
I prefer light gauge strings on my EADGC bass, so dropping the E to D isn't my first choice since it does mess with the tension, intonation, and tone/sustain as already mentioned. That said, I have a hipshot tuner installed to make it a snap if I go that route. Money well spent as far as it goes, but I'd rather pack a low-B 5-string and grab it when necessary. Ten seconds to swap out basses seems like a small price to pay for peace of mind if nothing else.
Drop tunings have their place just as much as standard tuning. Technically, sure, the differences in tension messes with the neck bow, action and intonation, but if the player doesn't mind and it sounds good, who cares? Personally, I don't like playing in drop tunings, but that's me, that's it.
People - the OP has already told us he owns a 5 stringer, so he was merely baiting you to start an argument. He's 24, plays dark metal music with a lot of single note chugging(nothing wrong with that). But it total explains his thought that "I don't see any benefit to playing a 5 string for the type of music I play."
OP:For people playing more melodic genres where hand noise needs to be kept to a bare minimum and double/triple-stops by the bass player may the only thing "in the air" at any given time, having that 5th(or a 6th) string is a Godsend that sometimes opens up avenues that are unavailable with fewer strings. This is a bass forum, we have people here playing classical, jazz, bluegrass, country, pop, funk,reggae, metal, classic rock, gospel... As you gain planet seniority you will understand this better, hopefully.
Now I'm being smug for good reason.
OP:For people playing more melodic genres where hand noise needs to be kept to a bare minimum and double/triple-stops by the bass player may the only thing "in the air" at any given time, having that 5th(or a 6th) string is a Godsend that sometimes opens up avenues that are unavailable with fewer strings. This is a bass forum, we have people here playing classical, jazz, bluegrass, country, pop, funk,reggae, metal, classic rock, gospel... As you gain planet seniority you will understand this better, hopefully.
Now I'm being smug for good reason.
Lol. You're pulling at straws. I don't see what my age has to do with anything, and you obviously did not listen to my band's music, but that's besides the point.
How's the view from way up there?
Actually I DID listen to your band's music, and watched some of the videos. Others have very different needs to make THEIR music the best possible. And you are completely avoiding the fact that you started this thread primarily to feel better that you bought a 5 string, and now don't feel the need for it. "Buyer's remorse". This isn't a beat down, I'm just naming it. Your age: it makes your closed-mindedness slightly more understandable. Sell the 5 if you think it makes you uncool and elitest....I suspect that is your issue, not the issue of other 5 string players being uncool and elitest snobs who need to be put in their place.
Um, how do you know why I started this thread? I bought a 5 string because I wanted it, and I knew I was not going to use it with my band. I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever.
I think YOUR age shows how closeminded you are. You think because you're twice my age you have me all figured out? Sounds like you still have some growing up to do...
Why did you start the thread? Are you sure you aren't a smug 5 string player? You are down on US, we ain't down on you. I am old enough to recognize the smell of BS - you own a 5, you don't use it for your band, you think those who use their 5 regularly are snobs. What is there to figure out other than why you have an attitude about other people playing something you don't have a lot of use for?
I think you need to reread what I posted. I never said those who play ERBs are snobs, I asked why is it when someone asks a question about non standard tunings they get assaulted by people telling them to get a 5 string.
I love it! It's all I play. I have two 4 strings, one tuned C#F#BE, and one tuned Eb Ab Db Gb. I also have a 5 string, it's usually BEADG, But some times I'll drop it a half step, maybe a whole step. DGCF is also a good tuning to play in.
My workhorse bass is my Geddy Lee Jazz, set up 1 1/2 steps flat, or 1 step flat. I use heavy strings, and it sounds and plays like a million bucks. The tension is great. It's like I gained 2 frets below a standard bass. It's great for getting extended range from a four string, and almost every guitarist I play with is dropped tuned.
My workhorse bass is my Geddy Lee Jazz, set up 1 1/2 steps flat, or 1 step flat. I use heavy strings, and it sounds and plays like a million bucks. The tension is great. It's like I gained 2 frets below a standard bass. It's great for getting extended range from a four string, and almost every guitarist I play with is dropped tuned.
I'm not against drop tuning in principle, I just hate doing it myself. I don't like the feel or sound but I do it anyway, when required....
Ok, back on topic. Because some of us figure it does several things in one shot: gives us the low note some particular songs call for, gives us opportunities to double/triple stop in more positions, gives us 2 full octaves in easy reach and it largely avoids flappy string syndrome since the bass and the strings are built for the job at hand. And no detuning and retuning.
