why do custom builders ask you what tuning you want?

[jodeen]

Hey guys. Why do custom bass builders ask you what tuning you are going to use on the bass (if it's multiscale) before they build it for you?

And if you decide on one and later change your mind, will multiscale cause problems?

 

[Selta]

I would assume it'd be a lead-in question to get more details on intended use, string gauge to ponder, maybe even preamp options. No, you wouldn't have any issues with changing your mind later... I'd changed one of my Dingwalls from BEADG to F#BEAD just by changing the strings and putting a new nut on. I know others have gone in the other direction, EADGC, with theirs.

 

[jodeen]

Thanks Selta. I didn't think about the nut.
Forgive the noob question but you think you would need to change nut going from ADGCFBbEbAb to F#1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4?

 

[Selta]

Well, you went from 8 strings to 7
More than just the tuning, you'd need to see what string gauge change you were going to have. When I went from .140 to .170 (B to F#), the F3 wouldn't even fit in the nut slot. Had I just gone from .140 to like .145, it would've been OK.

 

[socialleper]

Hey guys. Why do custom bass builders ask you what tuning you are going to use on the bass (if it's multiscale) before they build it for you?

And if you decide on one and later change your mind, will multiscale cause problems?

To set the nut slots, bridge saddles, and neck properly for the tension. Possibly to pick a proper scale length.
It seems like a fairly normal question to me.

 

[jodeen]

Never spoke to a builder about a custom Thanks guys.

 

[jodeen]

Well, you went from 8 strings to 7
More than just the tuning, you'd need to see what string gauge change you were going to have. When I went from .140 to .170 (B to F#), the F3 wouldn't even fit in the nut slot. Had I just gone from .140 to like .145, it would've been OK.

Lol yes my bad...