Stingrays & Sterlings and Intonation?

[slave]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get myself a Stinger or a Sterling - to be honest either seems tits to me - and I'm hoping you all may be able to answer a question for me.

I play in C, F, A#, D#.
Will the 34 inch scale allow me to tune to this, with absolutely PERFECT intonation?

(I've had only basses with 35 and 36" scales before which could do it perfectly, but my 34" P-bass, try as I might, just can't get it right on some of the strings. Please - no "get a 5'er" talk.)

Please help!
Thanks.

 

[Big Poppa]

I cannot guarantee that you will get perfect intonation because I dont know the tension and specs of your strings. Probably it is asking a lot.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Wow, tuning down to C is really low. Have you considered tuning a 4-string as the bottom strings of a 5 (BEAD) using a 5-string set?

 

[slave]

I cannot guarantee that you will get perfect intonation because I dont know the tension and specs of your strings. Probably it is asking a lot.

Okay - that's fair.
But hypothetically, with the right set of heavy gauge strings - would it be possible d'ya think?

BEAD tuned up to C?
I have - yes. But I found that the strings weren't very conducive to huge bends when I tuned them up. Felt tight.
I like the feel of the strings (granted - larger gauge) down in C, and find that some basses can get it to sound great, well intonated. But some basses just can't get those saddles back far enough......
But I do have to be quite selective on which strings I use.

Anyone else help here?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I was thinking more of actually tuning BEAD with four strings of a 5-string set. You can get the C on the first fret of the lowest string. Unless you specifically need the open strings to be certain pitches, you should be able to cover it that way.

 

[slave]

Yeah - I need my open note to be C.

 

[Jornan]

Tune BEAD and use a capo at first fret?

 

[oli@bass]

I'd try to use the lower five strings of a light (low tension) 5 string set, and tune up half a step.

 

[phatduckk]

what do atreyu and avenged sevenfold tune to? those guys use Sterlings and Stingrays... but I have no idea how low they tune.

 

[RocketRalf]

Ernie Ball offers lots of custom gauge bass strings sold single. I just checked on the site, every gauge from 40 to 135 in intervals of 5 is there. If Stingrays have been tuned to BEAD before, you should be able to build a set to your tuning and a tension that suits you. I don't think any bass will sound or play right with a regular set tuned that low IMHO.

 

[oli@bass]

Ernie Ball offers lots of custom gauge bass strings sold single. I just checked on the site, every gauge from 40 to 135 in intervals of 5 is there.

I didn't know that! Great info. If that's the case, I'd propably aim for a set that starts with a 115 or 120.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

If you use strings that thick, have a luthier check the nut slots. You don't want them binding in the nut; it'll be difficult to tune, and perhaps lead to string breakage.

 

[Christianmetal]

what do atreyu and avenged sevenfold tune to? those guys use Sterlings and Stingrays... but I have no idea how low they tune.

Atreyu tunes to cgcf. I know for a fact you could get proper string feel/tension with the regular set. I used a stingray 4 HH in a Metalcore band and tuned to c. It actually sounds better on a 34" in my opinion.

 

[slave]

I've been playing in C for over 10 years. Very happy with the tone.
I'm not some 15 year old who wants to tune down for the sake of it.

I have found that a regular set of strings will do it just fine aswell, provided you're happy with the tension. Personally I like a little bit of tightness, so go with a heavier set.

Prob is - I don't wanna drop the cash on any bass that won't achieve good (read: recording standards) intonation.
And the fact my P is 34" scale - and can't achieve it (but does get close and sounds OK) - has me a little curious.

Is there anyone who can help?

 

[Sonnyonbass]

I bet if you go to proper store where they sell lots of MM's they will let you set up the bass to your specs and try it. (if you provide the strings yourself)
Thats what I would do.
Don't you know anyone in your neighborhood with a Stingray or Sterling?

 

[slave]

I do know of a music shop or two...... hmmm.
You've got me thinking now.

 

[koogie2k]

I tune to Bb and use 55-110 Power Slinkys. My bass stays in perfect tune for the most part. That is, until, I get into the mosh pit and the tuning keys get hit....lol.

The set up and all that I had done by a professional. Since then, no issues. Not one.

Keep in mind I use a bongo. Just saying...anything is possible with these instruments.

 

[slave]

I tune to Bb and use 55-110 Power Slinkys. My bass stays in perfect tune for the most part.
Keep in mind I use a bongo. Just saying...anything is possible with these instruments.

And a bongo is 34" scale too. Cool.

I got an email from the team at EBMM - thanks guys - about this very subject.
They told me it should be fine, as long as I use the right strings, and have it properly setup.
I may just go to the local music shop armed with a set of Power's or Elixirs and find out.

Thanks for all the input here everyone!

 

[LoEnd]

Ill tell you my set up, I play in C# standard/drop B. But what I do is tune UP a step and a half and just use the reg slinkys (130-45) To me this works perfect, no fret buzz and very low action. The slinkys are loose feeling and work great for this tuning. You will have to adjust the truss rod a bit, but I have this tuning on all my basses and I have never had a problem. Its worth a try imo.

Best of luck

 

[slave]

Thanks. I may try that.