Nicko Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Anyone managed to play this on a 4 string without it sounding absolute s***? E string tuned down 2 whole tones just isn't working for me. Quote
Nicko Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1435233639' post='2806761'] Yes, Fender P tuned to drop C. [/quote] That's my setup - what gauge strings are you using? Quote
KingBollock Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1435233796' post='2806764'] That's my setup - what gauge strings are you using? [/quote] I play in C standard and use the bottom four of a five string set, I have to tune up to it, rather than dropping, which helps stop it from being floppy, especially as it is a 34" scale. The C is a .130 but if you could get hold of a string between .118 and .125 that'd do it. Quote
No lust in Jazz Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1435233796' post='2806764'] That's my setup - what gauge strings are you using? [/quote] The bottom four of a five string set - explained above Quote
Nicko Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1435241766' post='2806895'] Do you get any rules to follow? [/quote] That and this, these and those. But basically the answer is you cant really play play it on a 4 string with normal strings. I'm glad its not my technique. Quote
miles'tone Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 For the record, Nick Oliveri made up his own string sets. Heavy GHS Bass Boomers .115 & .95 for his C & F strings, and Ernie Ball Power Slinky .75 & .55 for his Bb & Eb strings (C natural tuning) There's a vid on YouTube knocking around where he says this but can't find it again. The trick is to get just enough tension while still being a bit flubby to get that dark crunch if that makes sense! \m/ Quote
Norm Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Played it in a trio with a 4 str in std tuning by using an octaver (mxr) & playing the low c on the a string an the high c on the g string. Sounded ok. I sang it too (clever clogs!). Cant do that down tuning floppy flappy string thing, dont work for me. Quote
Maude Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 I used to play it on a standard four string with the e dropped to c. Got the tone absolutely nailed and didn't find a problem with the c string. At a large beer festival (1500 people or so) a chap comes up to me in the break saying he's never heard another band get the bass spot on so it must've sounded alright. Saying that, there were 270 different beers to choose from so what state his brain was in, no one knows. Quote
Booooooom Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 DR drop tuning strings tuned down to C worked for me Quote
r16ktx Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 [quote name='Booooooom' timestamp='1435254732' post='2807060'] DR drop tuning strings tuned down to C worked for me [/quote] +1 I've just been using these after a recommendation this week from Mark Stickley (Bass Direct), my E is down to B on with .115 and a 34" scale Quote
Old_Ben Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Got a super low B 0.145 gauge, that'll keep it nice and tight! Quote
Woodinblack Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 Did it on my ibanez 1000 with DR Lows on it all tuned down to C, it sounds great. Well, the bass does, the rest is a matter for the audience! Quote
Cosmo Valdemar Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 I don't think you want everyhting too tight. The song's supposed to be ratty and dirty - a bit of flop and rattle won't hurt. I played in drop C for years using 50 - 110 Rotosounds. But, for the heavier way of life, I much prefer downtuned 4 strings to fivers, you can get a far more aggressive sound. IMHO and all that. Quote
Woodinblack Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 I thought about doing it on a 5, but it is much harder to do on something in B than in the original C, and I don't like Capos. Quote
Old_Ben Posted June 26, 2015 Posted June 26, 2015 you could tune the 5 string up half a step to put it into the right tuning Quote
dudewheresmybass Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 I have played it with a standard 50-110 swing bass set tuned to drop c. It worked better on some instruments than others. My old westbury track 2 nailed it for me Sure it's a bit floppy and rattly but that's the sound ! Quote
Damonjames Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 [quote name='Nicko' timestamp='1435246644' post='2806959'] That and this, these and those. But basically the answer is you cant really play play it on a 4 string with normal strings. I'm glad its not my technique. [/quote] I'd disagree, I play this in our set in a schecter pj with standard 105's. It's a little loose, but it's meant to be that way if you listen to the recording. If it's the o my song you play in that tuning, it may sound off to your ears, but I play a couple tuned to Db so I'm used to the feel. Is it possible you are being a touch to gentle with your right hand? My setup is the above with just the P pickup, tone full, gritty overdrive sansamp VT, and dig in! Quote
bartelby Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 G.C. Green, of Godflesh, uses 45-105 but tuned BEAD on a Power Jazz Special. Through a Boss HM2 and it sounds immense. Using the lower 4 strings from a 5 string set does't sound even remotely right. Quote
ahpook Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 Wow, 20 replies and I still have no idea what song anyone is talking about. Quote
Woodinblack Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s88r_q7oufE Quote
Maude Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 [quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1435401933' post='2808418'] Wow, 20 replies and I still have no idea what song anyone is talking about. [/quote] You and everyone else, apparently no one knows Quote
ahpook Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Maude' timestamp='1435418927' post='2808625'] You and everyone else, apparently no one knows [/quote] And thanks for the tip WoodinBlack. Not really a band I know that well at all. Edited June 27, 2015 by ahpook Quote
Woodinblack Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 You think with as much effort as that guy is putting into those drums he would be able to walk across a stage without breaking his leg wouldn't you? Quote
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