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Full Version: Downtune issue: 5 string? octave pedal?
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(06-15-2013, 03:34 PM)Grungie Wrote: [ -> ]You don't need a 5 string to play in drop C or D, if you're planning on getting another bass, just have it tuned to drop D or C.
Tuning the low string as low as C could cause it to slag sometimes though. You could, of course, get really thick strings, but that may be uncomfortable (and may cause other issues). 4 string basses aren't really designed to tune to drop C. It'd be better to get a 5 string.

(06-15-2013, 05:13 PM)Grungie Wrote: [ -> ]You can try tuning to D or C standard. The playing positions are the same, and you get the low notes.
C standard creates the slag issue still. D standard is fine. (My bass is tuned to D standard.) You will have to get thicker strings though, to make sure you maintain relatively the same string tension.

If you don't want thicker strings, then you could adjust the truss rod to adjust for the lost string tension.
I've seen plenty of bass players go to C without a 5 string. You don't need really thick strings for drop C. That's like saying I need a 7 string to play in drop C on regular guitar.

Also you just stated the same thing twice with to different quotes
(06-15-2013, 10:39 PM)Grungie Wrote: [ -> ]I've seen plenty of bass players go to C without a 5 string. You don't need really thick strings for drop C. That's like saying I need a 7 string to play in drop C on regular guitar.
No, not really. You can go to drop C on a 4 string. However, you need a lot thicker strings. That can work, but it may be uncomfortable for some. (Note that, if the string are too thick, you may lose some of that treble punch.)

Also, most 4 strings don't really have the scale length for tuning the low string to C. As a result, it's much easier to keep it in tune if you don't go as low as C standard.

As for tuning to drop C on a guitar, I wouldn't recommend it on a scale length that was too short. (To be on the safe side, I'd prefer it on a 24.75 inch scale, but you could probably do it on a 24 inch scale on a guitar with a fixed bridge.) I'm not saying it's impossible to tune to Drop C on a 4 string bass or that most guitars can't be tuned to Drop C (in fact, it's possible and all guitars can); I'm merely saying that it's better to have a guitar or bass with a longer scale length.

Quote:Also you just stated the same thing twice with to different quotes
Yeah, I realized that and couldn't be arsed to edit it...
I wouldn't say it's better, more that you personally find it's better, but it's not a necessity. Like how you can tune your guitar to drop B without a baritone guitar but some people prefer a baritone for drop B. A 4 string can easily tune to drop C but you prefer it on a 5 string, but it's not necessary.
You do realize that most pros who tune down to Drop B on a 6 string have their guitar specifically set up for it? You could set it up yourself, of course, but I wouldn't just down-tune (as I'm sure you know).

I have experimented a bit with alternate tunings on my electrics. For a while, I had my 2nd electric tuned to open D6/9 (DADF#BE). Obviously, I tune my main guitar and my bass to D standard. I'm considering tuning my dad's old acoustic-electric to an open C chord or an open C# chord tuning. (I haven't decided which chord yet, whether it'd be major, minor, a 7th, etc.) I did some research on this awhile back (when I was deciding on what to tune my bass too) and several bass players told me that it isn't a good idea to tune a standard length 4 string bass to C standard or Drop C, because the low string would cause some of the issues I mentioned above.

The key is you have to set it up properly. And, yes, you can set up a 4 string for Drop C. But it IS easier to keep it in tune with a longer scale bass.


The point is, if you can afford it, Debbie, I advise you to buy a 5 string bass. If you can't afford it, then make sure you do your research and figure out how to adjust every little thing that needs adjustment on your 4 string. You don't want to come back 3-6 months later and discover that your bass has an irregular shaped neck or that you need to repair the bridge or whatever. I would also advise keeping whatever bass you tune low ALWAYS in that tuning; don't re-tune it all the time.
I tune to Drop C on my guitar all the time and have done the same on my 4 string bass. Have never had problems [Image: 3392635135.gif]
(06-16-2013, 05:08 AM)crazysam23 Wrote: [ -> ]You do realize that most pros who tune down to Drop B on a 6 string have their guitar specifically set up for it?

You don't need to be a pro to have a guitar set up in a specific tuning. If you're using a 6 string in Drop B, just set it up and leave it that way. It's much better on your guitar than constantly changing the tuning on your guitar, though sadly not a lot of people can afford another guitar for that, but if they can, it's highly recommended. None of this requires being a professional guitar tech. It also doesn't require an extended range, preference is one thing, but saying you need a 5 string because normal people can't tune to drop C is silly.

Hell, I keep a guitar custom set in Eb with the Earnie Ball Beefy Pack which is half heavy and half medium. If I changed the tuning or string gauge, I have to adjust everything.

You're just making things more complicated than it needs to be Sam. Alternate tunings don't always require specialized guitars.
I use light string and I've found that down tuning to D makes my sound a little flat. I'm very particular about my tone so I would look at my budget and decide.

Sam, what do you think of an octave pedal? Any opinions?
The flat sounding part has to do with your intonation, not your string gauge.

You have to set your intonation when you retune, though if it's just the Drop D, you just need to adjust the low D.

The problem with an octave pedal is that you might not get the tone you desire. With my experience, they start sounding kind of whonky when you're playing higher notes, and when you're playing multiple notes either as a chord, or if you're ringing. They can end up being too digitized and synthy which is probably not what you're looking for.
I know that, but even the open string sound flat even when in tune.
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