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So, I got in this awesome band, and we play in AEAD tuning. The thing is, I play it with my warwick streamer LX4 and it's kinda too cutting, but lacking punch and fundamental (to carry the low tuning, otherwise I love the sound when in EADG).

I know lots of you guys play in deep down tunings so I'm asking for some advice, ideas, basses I've never heard before.
Passive would be awesome, a 5string bass is ok, but would prefer 4strings due to spacing, but I welcome all propositions

G&L L-2000, G&L SB-1 (P) or SB-2 (PJ) or a Gibson Grabber

I have seen a bass player in Sunn O))) use a p-bass actually. Lotsa midrange, which to me is an important part of anything doom-laden.

The good news is if you go the p route you have a TON of options. Hot P dimarzios are often a good fit.

What gauge strings are you using and have you had the bass setup for that tuning? Those can make a huge difference, especially in the low fundamental notes. I'd also switch to using only the p-bass style pickup (yours has the j and p styles right?) that will help you out with the midrange. Alot can also do with the amp your using, so whatcha got?

As far as the easiest would be to get a 5 string bass, then all you have to do is drop the low string to A and the rest are unaffected. The choice of 5 string's is upto you there are alot out there depending on what your looking for. Ernie ball style basses (OLP, Sterling, etc..) have alot of punch and cut along with decent and present low end, also heard good things about the peavey grind series. I've been eyeing TUNE basses, they look sweet but havent met anyone who's actually played one.

What's your amp?

It's not actually doom, just low-tuned post-rock/metal/sludge kinda thing so I do need some sort of definition.
Tnx for the answers!

I've been thinking about a Squier CV jazz too, cuz I have a small budget currently.
Any thoughts on that?
I love the 51' reissue sound too, but how would the neck handle AEAD and how would the bass respond?

I use a 125set, forgot the brand. Setup also worked out, and yes, it's a P/J.
Actually works really great and I would love to pimp it. Convert to full passive, new 35' custom neck, possibly rewire the pickups, and new bridge and tuners. Just LOVE how it sounds, but am not sure if it would make it work better in the band.
Would it?

And I'm using an Ashdown ABM500 EVOII 410c, powered by a Rusty Box.

Have you ever tried flats on your bass?

Just a suggestion, it would definitely increase fundamental. And, it's a cheap fix.

I don't think the massive reworking of the bass would be needed, maybe thicker strings like .135 low string set would help out but other than that you should be set. Your amp is pretty adequate but others can probably help you better in that arena than I. Only other things i could suggest is reworking your EQ settings and trying a different bass, the suggested G&L is what our bass player uses and we're a step above you (BF#BE) and it def has punch and low end, other than that any P-bass will get you most of the way there and has infinite mods available to reach the sound your looking for.

FWIW, I do dig the Rusty Box+G&L combo, but I tend to be a lot more mid-y than most doom bass. Just turn up louder, that'll probably do it.

I would love to rework the bass for my own filthy pleasure.
And it would look cool too.

Hm, think I could really benefit from flats, but didn't think they worked great on the Streamer.
Half-rounds rawr'd like. dragons. But it sounds too harsh and cuts too much through everything
Too much cut is not good cut.

Think I'll have to experiment more. I'll start with string gauges. SS or nickel?

Thank you all! <3

alexa. wrote:I would love to rework the bass for my own filthy pleasure.

Can't argue with that, i've modded every guitar i own

If you write the dudes at circlekstrings.com an email detailing your tuning situation they will help you out. I use their balanced .150 set for BEAD tuning and it's the best set of rounds EVER. I'm far too lazy and cheap to replace my strings, but if I ever get around to it I'll only switch them out for the same set.
...but as far as I'm concerned, flats and rounds alike are on there until they're no longer playable.

http://circlekstrings.com/store/standar ... rings.html

I'm in love <3