Faithless Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 So, I did it (changed strings) about an hour ago I was thinking about going 'for' E-C tuning for a while, but I was in doubt a bit, cuz I have a few projects (Hip hop and gospel stuff), where I get to play a bit below low E, but, in the end.. I'll get over those 'note issues' I think. The problem is, I've played a very little of standard tuning bass (I mean, four string, E to G tuned), so, now, the transition, as I'm feeling after 40min of scale playing, will be f*cking hard, man.. It's not about that transition from 4string to 5ver, it's just about the place of notes on neck! Anyway, I couldn't get on with how my B string sounded in higher register, no actual pitch, just plain boominess, also, I'm getting a bit in transcription work, so, now, with high C, I get nearer guitars and woodwinds.. I hope, I won't suffer from that 'note transition' madness for long.. Anyone else doing similar (or a vice versa thing, from E-C to B-G..) thing and faced similar problems? Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cLepto-bass Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I string my 5 string E-C too. I play alot of classical music and chords so I find having the extra high string handy for those top end appegios and classical style run of notes. In fact, I hardly ever venture down below the 5th fret and never touch the E. When you play in a 12 piece band with full orchestra and piano as well as usuall drums, guitars and vocals, you soon realise that the low B on the 5 string is pretty useless therefore I got rid of it. Best thing I ever did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basshead56 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 [quote name='uzzell' post='743550' date='Feb 12 2010, 10:16 PM']I string my 5 string E-C too... you soon realise that the low B on the 5 string is pretty useless therefore I got rid of it. Best thing I ever did.[/quote] I bought my first 5 string last august, a Gibson Thunderbird Studio V. It was strung B-G. I tried playing with it for a while but the transition from 4 to 5 was not very smooth. Also, the low B was too flabby and low to be of use with either of my current bands. My tech suggested I go E-C. To do this, I bought a set of strings for a six string bass and used 5 of them, leaving out the low B. Perfect! Very simple to play now, once I got over the width of the neck and string spacing. I love using the T Bird in the studio now, though I know I am definately a four string man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRISDABASS Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 im glad someone finally brought this subject up!! im thinking about going E-C on my Fender P5 the B string can be difficult at times and as ive always been a four string player i dont really have the need to go lower E string any string recomendations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basshead56 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 [quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='743999' date='Feb 13 2010, 02:06 PM']any string recomendations?[/quote] D´Addario´s are what I put on and I love the tone. Pro steels, long scale 6 string. can´t remember catalogue/product number. but google them. Not too expensive either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithless Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 (edited) [quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='743999' date='Feb 13 2010, 04:06 PM']im glad someone finally brought this subject up!! im thinking about going E-C on my Fender P5 the B string can be difficult at times and as ive always been a four string player i dont really have the need to go lower E string any string recomendations?[/quote] Well, then I should call myself a 'dedicated' 5string player, as transition is quite difficult for me, but then again, it's all about habits and 'what I am used to' bullsh1t.. If I could play a 5ver, I won't struggle with E-C in future, and as I believe, you wouldn't struggle doing 'a vice versa' thing, mate Edited February 13, 2010 by Faithless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WalMan Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 [quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='743999' date='Feb 13 2010, 02:06 PM']any string recomendations?[/quote] You might consider [url="http://www.stringbusters.com/frameset.asp?MAIN=http://www.stringbusters.com/ko-kat/BASS%20STRINGS/ELIXIR/"]Elixir strings[/url] as they don't do 5 & 6 string sets, but 4 string sets and then single B or C strings. Bit more expensive, but worth it IMO and balanced out by the extended life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRISDABASS Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 [quote name='WalMan' post='744498' date='Feb 14 2010, 04:12 AM']You might consider [url="http://www.stringbusters.com/frameset.asp?MAIN=http://www.stringbusters.com/ko-kat/BASS%20STRINGS/ELIXIR/"]Elixir strings[/url] as they don't do 5 & 6 string sets, but 4 string sets and then single B or C strings. Bit more expensive, but worth it IMO and balanced out by the extended life.[/quote] As it happens i just ordered some elixir's yesterday! really looking forward to trying them! I think i'll prefer the extra high notes to the big fat low B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRISDABASS Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 the elixirs are great!! i love the sound of the high C string! the bass plays way better too for some reason! much happier with it now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithless Posted February 17, 2010 Author Share Posted February 17, 2010 Welcome to the dark side :brow: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted February 17, 2010 Share Posted February 17, 2010 I played E-C for a while. I could never get the hang of B strings!! Back to 4 now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKenrick Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I bought one of [url="http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0300575500"]these[/url] for teaching to save wear & tear on my fender, and had been thinking about making the switch to E-C for a while. As it happens, the B string on this bass sounded awful so it made sense to try it out with a high string instead. I had the nut replaced and added a ramp, and now it plays really nicely for a £200 bass. The only complaint I have about the sound is that the C string is noticeably thinner that the others - I suspect this is partly to do with scale length (I remember reading that this was a factor in Garrison/Gwizdala moving to 33" scale instruments) As far as the mental adjustment goes, it takes me a few seconds to get comfortable if I've been playing my 'regular' 5-string a lot, but otherwise it's fine. When I first got it I spent a fair amount of time getting acquainted with the new fretboard layout before I started playing anything too involved. As others have already said, it's great for chordal work, and for getting together ideas that I've stolen from guitarists/horn players etc. When budget allows I'll invest in a better 5 to string E-C as it's becoming my favourite setup for practicing, and the only thing that's preventing me from gigging with it is that the Squier doesn't sound nearly as good as my other basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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