Tuning a bass to C/C# standard....

[006]

4-string tuned down, or 5-string tuned up?

I've heard either way, albeit from mostly unreliable sources. Would like to know the most popular/widely accepted/whatever way of doing it (4-string down or 5-string up).

~006

 

[pifos_2]

I've done B standard with standard gauges and it sounded BROOTAL.
I liked the sound, so I'd recommend a 4-string with a big gauge.

 

[::XeS::]

With a 4 string bass you have to cut the master fret to fit the bigger gauge and if you want the re-string the bass with standard gauges in the future, it could be a problem

 

[wishtheend]

A 4 string that is 35" scale Personally, I like the sound of thicker gauges even though it can work a number on the hand. So far my favorite low tune sets have been Ernie Ball Power Slinky or the Dunlop Heavy Stainless Steel (both .110 for the low E). I'm only playing Drop C, but the strings still have a good tension, so going down a half step shouldn't be a huge issue.

 

[The Unavoidable]

I would say tune down, but I really dig the low-twang-growling-monster-chainsaw sound anyway.

 

[Jaymz]

I tuned my mates 5 string up to C standard a while ago and it was great. Tone was tight, strings were tight, just lush. So I really wouldnt discount that.

 

[John_C]

4 string tuned down, it's what my bass player does and he's never had to do any modification to anything, the heavy gauge strings fitted fine on his ibanez, although that may vary on other basses
I did a complete re-setup recently for him though and to get it working well you really will have to do some action and truss rod adjustments

 

[Exocaster]

Depends on the player and the songs. Most could probably get away with a four tuned down just fine. The five tuned up is cool if your bassist uses the upper register a lot. The five tuned down is all sorts of brutal if you need the extended bottom range for some of your bass riffs.

 

[egan.]

I think that down is the most popular and up gives you the most articulate notes. A 4 string with .110's would probably be a good compromise.

 

[ze kink]

5-string tuned down

Then you'll have a low G or G# for some serious low-end rumble. I once tuned my 6-string Ibanez to GCGCFA# to play SYL, and it worked really well.

 

[AudioPhile777]

I'd say 4 string down... .115 gauge...

 

[plague_rider]

Have a try with both...

I've tuned my 5 up to C-standard which was pretty mighty for playing In Flames and such, but i've also tuned it down to G,C,F,Bb,Eb and the low G was amazing!!

I often keep my Ibanez EDB tuned to C standard with D'Addario 45-105's, though i'm eager to try the 50-110s

i suppose it depends on the sound you want...

5 Strings normally have more of the lower frequencies, below 200hz and such (makes the low G something to try out!!)

 

[JBroll]

I'd go for the five-string tuned up (maybe this five-string tuned up?) but you've seen the bridge cables I like to play...

Jeff

 

[006]

Jeff, on January 30th I will be ordering one of those actually Unless I sell my Saffire Pro before then anyway....

That's why I started the thread because that is the bass I'm going to be buying and was curious if it was "ok" to tune a 5-string up to C/C# standard so I can use it with my grind band. Otherwise I was going to have to start looking for 4-strings and so far nothing I found was desirable. I think I will get the 5 and tune it up. I like that it will be tighter (i.e. clear) going that route. My friend's Ibby SR505 was tuned up and we didn't have problems, but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks for the input guys.

~006

 

[PhilR]

I do it both ways. My Spector has a 35" scale but I've never had a problem tuning it up. No more than I normally cause by being a excessively hard picker anyway.