Can alternate tuning damage your bass?

12-09-2007 2:06pm #1

Hi,
I've started using altrnate tunings on my bass recently, and I was reading somewhere that was saying that alternate tunings can damage the neck? Am I being gullible or is true? I'm using f#BEA and DGDG. I just got the basses set up, so it sounds fine, but just wondering for the future, maybe I should use a heavier/lighter gauge? I curently use super long 45's

(Now I know I'm a bassist and EADG should be just fine, but I like to play chords too:))

Dord · 12-09-2007 2:46pm

When you say, "got it setup".

Did you get it setup with those strings for that tuning?

If you change the tuning and/or guage of string, the bass should be setup again.

12-09-2007 3:08pm

I would have got it set up with 45's for standard tuning.

So this why Sonic Youth have all their "dedicated" guitars for each song!

Dord · 12-09-2007 3:17pm

Well, you may find you have problems with action and intonation.

Bands generally have differently tuned instruments on stage if they recorded the song with that tuning. It makes the change between songs quicker.

unclebill98 · 12-09-2007 4:12pm

I used to play tuned down a full step and never had any issues with damage to the bass at all. So I'd say your fine. Also used to play with the E tuned down to d and again no issues. would not worry about it. Sure Bon Jovi play live with everything tuned down a half step and I am sure theres ton of bands that do it too.

Royale with Cheese · 13-09-2007 4:13pm

unclebill98 wrote:

Sure Bon Jovi play live with everything tuned down a half step and I am sure theres ton of bands that do it too.

Smashing Pumpkins for one. Why do bands do this anyway?

It wasn't me! · 13-09-2007 4:23pm

Why do they tune down? Different sound. Edgier, can play lower, fundamentally. Look at Carcass, they tuned down to B, distinctive as hell.

Royale with Cheese · 13-09-2007 5:55pm

Tuning the entire guitar down a semitone hardly makes your music distinctive or edgier. I mean you wouldn't notice it until you actually grabbed a guitar and tried to play along with the cd.

Eoin Madsen · 13-09-2007 6:58pm

Royale with Cheese wrote:

Smashing Pumpkins for one. Why do bands do this anyway?

Lots of reasons. AIC always did it even on record. It can sound a little lower and fuller sometimes (and a little flabby and weak other times). Playing in a different register will always have an effect on the feel of a piece of music, even if only subtly.

And sometimes that semitone just makes all the difference to the singer.

Creamy Goodness · 13-09-2007 8:51pm

most bands that tune half a step down is to make it easier to sing with, or so i believe.

Dord · 13-09-2007 9:15pm

I dont see how this has gotten into a discussion on why people tune down a half a step. The OP is talking about using alternate tunings and if it affects stability etc.

I don't think it'd damage your bass but you shouldn't go changing it every day (bit of an exageration but you get the idea). Just don't go tuning up much.

You will have to adjust the intonation for alternate tunings. just keep an eye on the neck, don't downtune TOO much with the 45's.

unclebill98 · 13-09-2007 10:40pm

Well Joe Robot, I think the question was answered fairly early on....I think the only reason bands play live tuned down is to be able to sing easier. Makes sense. Metallica do it to. I've never noticed till I try to jam along to the live recordings, and its lower.

Hitch-Hiker · 14-09-2007 10:51am

unclebill98 wrote:

Well Joe Robot, I think the question was answered fairly early on....I think the only reason bands play live tuned down is to be able to sing easier. Makes sense. Metallica do it to. I've never noticed till I try to jam along to the live recordings, and its lower.

Um, the question was 'does different tunings damage the instrument', not 'Why do bands have differently tuned guitars'.
ANd I'd agree with Joe Robot's answer. As long as you're not constantly changing the tunings the bass should be fine. I think the necks tension can be messed up if you do it too often (every day or more.)

unclebill98 · 14-09-2007 11:37am

Hitch-Hiker wrote:

Um, the question was 'does different tunings damage the instrument', not 'Why do bands have differently tuned guitars'.
ANd I'd agree with Joe Robot's answer. As long as you're not constantly changing the tunings the bass should be fine. I think the necks tension can be messed up if you do it too often (every day or more.)

Ok, I dont really have to start a new tread to talk about why bands play tuned down live do i???

I totally agree with you on the tuning down bass. As long as its not everyday I think he will be fine.

Well, look at this...

According to daddario.

http://www.daddario.com/Discuss/RssFeed10-27088-0-2.aspx
http://www.daddario.com/Discuss/Topic27088-10-1.aspx

Guess it kind of answers something.

String tension and bass scale should be taking into consideration when looking to tune down for playing.

deaddonkey · 14-09-2007 10:51pm

it could damage your bass.

chances of it happening? very, very slim, i reckon.

there's a truss rod there for a reason

you may have some minor intonation issues, but i very much doubt any change to the neck that won't come back to normal as soon as you retune to standard

Can alternate tuning damage your bass?

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