Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm in a classic rock/blues band that somewhat resembles early Black Sabbath. We downtune everything a step down, and the E two steps down to a C. I really like this tuning, but the problem is that I sound very muddy. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of not having enough headroom on my 2x10" 200 watt Yorkville, as well as having strings that don't work optimally in this tuning (Swingbass). So, did I pretty much hit the problem? Any suggested solutions? I was thinking of trying a set of Rotosound Steve Harris strings. They are larger gauge and I hear they are very tight. As far as amps go, I've gone through every possibility and can't decide for the life of me what I want/need/can afford. Sheesh.

My suggestion is to get a 5 string set of whatever strings you prefer and string it B-E-A-D. That should cover all of your needs. Then if your amp/cabinet is an issue still deal with it then. I'd suspect most of the muddy tone comes from the strings being so floppy.

I've had one of my Rics strung this way for years and it has served me well.

I'd agree with Brain, down tuning the E to C is a wee bit too much to do and still expect a decent tone. Go with the BEAD

The Yorkie should have lots of room though, although the 10's might lack a decent bottom end to carry the low C well

I want to stick with the tuning that I posted earlier. Are you suggesting I install those strings and tune up?

Oh, and to throw another wrench in there, I forgot to mention I'm in a jazz band and a worship band that I use standard tunings, so I think a regular set is more in line to my unique (and weird) needs. Agree?

Sounds like you need more than one bass.

Yup, get a Jeff 4-5 conversion !!

Well, I do have more than one bass, but the only bass that will suffice for me is a RIC, and I don't have the clams for a second one...yet. I think I'll go with the .110 gauge Rotos. May not be the best option, but it's better than what I've got. I'm also going to add some low end to my amp by getting a 115 extension. This should help out.

"I want to stick with the tuning that I posted earlier. Are you suggesting I install those strings and tune up?"

"Oh, and to throw another wrench in there, I forgot to mention I'm in a jazz band and a worship band that I use standard tunings, so I think a regular set is more in line to my unique (and weird) needs. Agree?"

I have no idea if the tension caused by tuning BEAD up to suit your needs would be an issue....probably not but....????? You could just throw on the "B" string and tune the rest down as you normally would but then you have to restring for your other needs.

If you don't want to go with BEAD tuning and you don't like the muddy sound you get by tuning down what you have then you are pretty much left with getting another bass or just swapping strings back and forth. There is no "magic" answer unfortunately.

"I'd agree with Brain...." nobody that knows me has called me that....thanks Jim!

For one thing 2 x 10's don't cut it except for bright tones with little bottom, they're good for modern light jazz, You need a bigger cab and more watts also, the lower the note the more power and the bigger the speakers you need. I would get a big head with at least an 18" bottom and maybe a 4 x 10 cab on top if you want to do justice to a low C. This is all my humble opinion of course, and I didn't mention vintage SVT once.

"and I didn't mention vintage SVT once"
I'll just assume someone hijacked your account and is giving advice that's not your own.

Hehe, jk. Right now it's a small problem so I'm not going to throw a lot of money at it, especially if I want to eventually go the route of an 810+SVT setup.

Thanks for the tips, though.

Sorry Brian !!!

Rick + five strings = extended range goodness.

What I'd suggest for an immediate fix is getting the 5 string set of strings as mentioned, tuning as you do with C as your lowest open note, & learning the standard tuning songs in this tuning (IE: playing in a different position rather than retuning the bass all the time).

The heavier strings probably won't do well at standard tuning, not to mention the added strain on the bass, but a standard gauge set tuned that low will pretty much be guaranteed to sound bad.

It's a compromise, the ideal would be either two basses tuned differently, or a Rick 5 string to cover both situations.

Just my opinion.

My SVT combined with the 4x10 HLF does just fine on the low notes on my fiver.

There, I mentioned it.