Your choice for downtuning

[micguy]

My issues with pitch shifters are twofold:

1) Latency - timing is important, I can’t deal with something that messes with timing.

2) Pitch memory - My pitch memory is strong enough that my brain will hear the next note is “C”, and send my fingers to the 3rd fret on the A string. I tried downtuning at one point; it was so tough that it became obvious that the easiest solution for me was a 5 string. I play in enough different keys that this is THE solution that works for me.

Obviously, YMMV.

 

[Bill Murray]

No way am I going to relearn these songs in different positions

It would improve you’re playing, knowledge of the neck, be infinitely more reliable, and sound better if you did.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

If 4 of the 6 songs are in alternate tunings, it sounds like this isn't going to be a one-time deal. I guess it depends on the speed of the songs, but I can see the drop tune pedals being a chore on bass (in regards to adjusting for latency). PERSONALLY, if it was this much trouble for me this early on, I would hold out for a group without this kind of complication involved.

If you're really dedicated to joining the group, it sounds like the pedal is what you've decided on and are just looking for the best performer. Hope it does the trick and GL with the audition!

 

[Adamixoye]

It's worth a reminder that when we talk about the latency of these pedals it's similar in magnitude to being across the stage from your speaker.

 

[Cave Puppy]

I just subbed over the weekend. No in person practice, have only met and played with the drummer. Communication was text only until we all showed up. First song - I’m in E standard tuning and the guitarist is in Eb standard. I quickly heard it and played the song in a closed (no open strings) position. No problem. I tuned down after the first song and had fun the rest of the night. We had talked about certain tunes being in the original keys but not tuning down entirely. We did Our Lips Are Sealed - OG key is G#, we played it in G. I learned it in the closed position but had to play it open, in this case. The point here: learn songs in as many positions as possible. It can only benefit.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Pitch change pedals don’t cut it for this purpose in my opinion. One reason why is let’s say you’re using a pitch pedal and you don’t fully know the tune so you look at the guitarist hands or ask someone. They will tell you a chord then you’ll have to transpose it in your head anyway to know where to play. Messy and too much on the fly thinking.

 

[Cave Puppy]

No way am I going to relearn these songs in different positions

I would think twice about having you in my band if this was the attitude you brought to the table.

 

[micguy]

I would think twice about having you in my band if this was the attitude you brought to the table.

I wouldn't think about it at all - someone who isn't flexible can't do the gigs I do.

 

[Cave Puppy]

I wouldn't think about it at all - someone who isn't flexible can't do the gigs I do.

I was being nice. They wouldn’t even audition.

 

[Sam Dingle]

I've elected to just tune down and learn all the songs in a new key. haven't ran into any issues yet. I tune a whole step down and use standard 45-105 gauge. havne't needed to do a setup on 2 of my basses other than raising the action a hair and adjusting for intonation. those drop pedals really only work well for guitar and IMO down just a half step. the other option is to play a 5 string and/or tune a 4 string BEAD.

 

[micguy]

I was being nice. They wouldn’t even audition.

You get points for being nice. I get them for being honest.

 

[Cave Puppy]

You get points for being nice. I get them for being honest.

Teamwork!

 

[el murdoque]

As long as the songs do not require open strings and hammer ons, I'd just find a tuning that works for everything.

There are some songs (those rock classics that work well with a female singer) that I've played in original tuning but also stepped up or down to accommodate the voice of the lady at the mic.
I made it a habit to learn these on a 5 or 6 string and omit open strings. Whenever someone calls a step down one one of these, I just take the finger that plays the first note and slide it down one fret, done.

 

[Gigas444]

Been playing 4 strings only for ~40 years, every time I tried 5s felt like I was wearing gloves. I see the utility in them but at this point in my life I'm not likely to relearn how I play, plus never really cared for them and never needed one before.

Hi, ok I can understand your point, so why don't you buy strings for a 5er and change your 4 into BEAD?
it will work for sure, you're not going to feel "strange" due to wider neck/extra string and it's going to costs you just a few bucks (strings + setup), this way you won't change your tuning each song, won't be obliged to use a pedal (which are not that good sounding IMHO) and don't forget the big + you'll get doing that: if you don't like it you can easily go back to the "original" tuning.
One of my old P's hasn't seen one single EADG tuning in the past 15 years

 

[smogg]

I use a black G7th Nashville capo. The spring is VERY strong, and the bar is plenty long (kind of overkill for a guitar honestly, it's like it was made for bass). It even works on my 6 string bass no issues. I've had it since 2009 and it still works like I just opened it today

G7th Nashville Spring-Operated Guitar Capo

Do you think this is long enough to fit a 5 string bass?

 

[Sid Fang]

...
The guitarist said that he and the other guitarist use the Zoom to transpose down so recommended it or the EHX.

Which changes my advice to some degree. If the band is doing this to support the vocalist's range, and using pedals for it, that's probably what you should to as well. But I'd like to think that, for an *audition*, they'd let you tune the instrument up and down, with the understanding that, if you do get the gig, you'll get an appropriate pedal? Needing to buy a box to audition just feels like "pay to play".

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I have not tried a pitch adjusting pedal that didn't sound digitized. I don't like the sound.
I refuse to tune down. In doing so, you loose a lot of tension in your strings. The tension affects the attack you get and it make the feel of the string floppy.
My solution is a 5 string.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Do you think this is long enough to fit a 5 string bass?

Capo on a bass is a mortal sin. It is more egregious than playing with a pick.

 

[HelpImaRock]

Capo on a bass is a mortal sin. It is more egregious than playing with a pick.

I was undecided before, but I'm definitely going to start using one now.

 

[smogg]

Capo on a bass is a mortal sin. It is more egregious than playing with a pick.

Bahahahahaha! Thank you for your insight and appreciate your wonderful sarcasm. Be excellent dude!

PS: I just ordered a capo and a bag of picks from sweetwater music, will be here by Saturday. Party on Garth