Regarding bongo down-tuning.

[Lycanthropy]

well, I've been considering purchasing a new bongo, was really intrested in a 6 string version, yet I've wondered, since its 34', how down tuning it a step would occur to the low B string, making it an A? will it still work well or be too muddy and floppy? was wondering if it worth down tuning the whole bass a step down to ADGCFB in case of playing in a D tuning metal band, or better keep it in standard BEADGC and learn to play the riffs diffrently, or maybe just better off buying a 4 string version and tuning it according to the guitars.

will be glad to have some advices since I'm really having a hard time on this matter, thanks in advance. =)

 

[MingusBASS]

Purchase the Bongo first...and then experiment. If you do tune down to A, you'll want to get a string heavier than .130, that's for sure.

 

[ronnyG]

Reminds me of a situation I had a while back. I was in the studio with my 90 SR4 doing some recording and the guitar player called me from GC asking if he should pick me up some strings. I told him go ahead but forgot to tell him the gauge I use.

Even worse, he picked up a pack for a 5 string. So I figured what they hay and used the .130 for my E..which is dropped a step and a half to C# anyhow. It didn't fit in the nut all the way but it actually was playable on the 4 string (although not easy). The veins in my arms were popping out and my fingers were really sore afterwards..but must say it sounded excellent. Seems the MM's can handle just about anything and still do thier job with the utmost bodacious sound..amazing basses.

 

[strummer]

One of my Bongo 5ers is constantly tuned to Bb, with the normal slikys, and it works wonderfully.
With a thicker (.135) B string, tuning to A should be no problem whatsoever.