Bass Tuning

[nevnbron]

Does anyone out there know of any reason why a bass couldn't be tuned to give a four string bass the pitch range of a five. I understand that there may be technical difficuties in making the notes in the fast bits, but for just the common or garden variety of bass lines I think it could be done. If there is a tuning out there I'd love to know about it. What about extra pressure on the neck- could that be a problem? - please - any advise would be appreciated. I'm asking for my son who is only 12 and stuggles with a full size bass even now, but loves the deeper notes of a five string. It's raining at last in South Australia today.

[ironbaden]

I guess you could tune the Low E to a B and then tune accordingly... the only thing I can think of is the lack of tension on the neck may mean an adjustment. ;D

[nevnbron]

I played around a bit over the weekend and had a degree of success with Bb F C G. With the fatter forth (a-la the five string B) and the others tuned slightly up or down would there be problems with neck tension etc - any thoughts out there? - Nev