Question about electric Bass tuning

Question:

No, you’re thinking of PD. Actually, I’m just surprised that a common sense opnion got blown up into a full-on physics lesson. — Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm

Response:

> If you are storing your bass for any length of time (3 months of more IMO),

This is quite simply not so.  If your bass is properly set up, the truss rod and string tension balance each other out.  If you loosen the strings for storage without adjusting the truss rod (and how would you even do that correctly?) the neck will be *more* likely to warp due to the tension from the truss rod. It may have been true of upright basses, where there is much more seasonal adjustment required, which wouldn’t be done if the bass is being stored.  It certainly isn’t true of electric basses with truss rods. I have basses that get played very rarely, I don’t store them in any special way – just in their cases or gig bags.  With the exception of the SD Curlee, they all play fine and are generally close to being in tune even after months and years. And if a bass did have a defect that was going to lead to warping, that would happen anyway, the only difference being that it would be noticed on a regularly used bass and adjusted for.  A stored bass with this type of neck warping tendency is going to be screwed whatever you do. > or plan on sending it air freight, it’s a good idea to tune down the > strings, as the large amount of tension exerted by the bass strings can bow > (and in some cases damage) the neck.

This is a different thing altogether.  In the hold of the plane the lower pressure, and more importantly, the high probability of extreme cold, will take the balance of truss rod and strings completely out of the normal zone, the metal strings will contract way more than normal, and more than the wood, leading to much greater tension on the neck. The truss rod, being surrounded by insulating wood, will be affected less – it’s a very complex situation and it hurts my head just thinking about how one would work out, theoretically, what is the right thing to do. I’ve had a bass shipped without any detuning from the UK to New Zealand and it arrived perfectly in tune (although there was an interesting delay in customs, and a rumour that the agent checking the consignment was a bass player, so I suspect someone tuned it up and had a play before forwarding), and yet the same bass, on a trip to Korea, did a horrible neck warping thing on arrival – which was cured by a slight adjustment of the truss rod and has been fine ever since.  Since then I’ve always detuned my basses before air travel and so far this has worked out fine. — Derek — Many Hands   – Trans Cultural Music from Aotearoa/New Zealand http://www.manyhands.co.nz/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> That’s all I’m sayin’. > — > Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm > This is the conclusion I have came to. Basically, treat them like any > other > guitar. If they are going into storage, or are in transit, release the > tension. Otherwise, leave them tuned for playing. > > > Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck > be > > > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I > don’t > > > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting > in > a > > > closet, or playing in a club? > > > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a > normal > > > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal > tension > > for > > > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a > musician > > uses > > > to earn his/her living. > > I’m with you, Ed.  I have several Fender basses and keep them all in > pitch > > even though some go for a long time without being played.  If anything, > I > > would be more worried about loosening the truss rod and then having > > to re-tighten it (as opposed to minor tweaking which might be needed > > if a bass sits for a long time). > > – Gary Rosen

These are just opinions, John. You didn’t expect to "win" did you? <G> Ed Cregger

Response:

Very good point. It’s not the storage that ever hurt a bass neck, it’s the way it was stored. NeilN — "And if you play too high or fast all the other musicians shall say "Wow" Tony Levin http://www.papabear.com/bassbook.html

I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down when not in use. Is this true? I think you’ve reached your conclusion already, but, for what it’s worth, it’s my opinion that you don’t need to loosen the strings at all.  I have had basses sitting around for fifteen or twenty years, under tension, with no effects.  They are designed to be under stress, if the truss rod is tensioned properly, then everything’s in equilibrium — don’t sweat it. From a wood technology point of view…  the problems with wood instruments (and metal parts) most likely occur in storage because of moisture/temperature problems. For a solid wood instrument like a bass…. store in a well ventilated, evenly heated area with even humidity, away from exterior walls, away from concrete floors. Beware closets that are normally cool, but are subject to a steamy or high humidity environment when the closet door is open.  (e.g., beware a closet in the bedroom that also has an adjacent room with a tub/shower).

Response:

That’s all I’m sayin’. — Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is the conclusion I have came to. Basically, treat them like any other > guitar. If they are going into storage, or are in transit, release the > tension. Otherwise, leave them tuned for playing. > > Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck > be > > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in > a > > closet, or playing in a club? > > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension > for > > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician > uses > > to earn his/her living. > I’m with you, Ed.  I have several Fender basses and keep them all in pitch > even though some go for a long time without being played.  If anything, I > would be more worried about loosening the truss rod and then having > to re-tighten it (as opposed to minor tweaking which might be needed > if a bass sits for a long time). > – Gary Rosen

Response:

> I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down when > not in use. Is this true? > I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s fine. > But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I don’t > want to screw it up. > Thanks

The neck is best left perfectly tuned, it keeps a steady tension on the neck, stability is more important to the wood than the tension. Some people loosen their strings a bit when flying them in the luggage compartment of an airplane or when shipping long distances, but that’s more to avoid any temperature/humidity INCREASE in tension OVER the norm which might damage the neck or truss rod.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck > be > > > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I > don’t > > > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting > in > a > > > closet, or playing in a club? > > The problem here is this: if you’re playing it every night you know > what’s > > going on. > > I believe you’ll adjust the truss rod a couple of times, easily, over > > several years. > > The bass doesn’t know anything. But it reacts to existence. > > Because life, even for a bass, varies in temperature and humidity, even > in > > storage. > > I couldn’t let my bass sit for three months even if I didn’t play it, > > without checking on it. > > And I wouldn’t be surprised to find the wood, organnic materail and > > maleable, had settled with or without tension. > > > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a > normal > > > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal > tension > > for > > > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a > musician > > uses > > > to earn his/her living. > > > Ed Cregger > > I think that’s too pat an answer. > > I’ve played bass for long time, too, and I can’t recall not having the > bass > > change a bit whether played often or rarely. > > Twang! > In another post to this article, I implied much the same as you. Things do > change a little from season to season, but I would not be concerned that > the > neck would be ruined if it were to remain in tension for extended periods. > I’d go with that.. I doubt very much it would ruined. > That seems a small chance at best. > But it could develop some quirk.. and maybe I’m being a nit picker, too. > I tend to be .. I’m one of those guys who keeps off dust and uses polish and > .. you know.. felix unger. *G* > It is good that we all offer our opinions, even if we disagree with each > other. We can then adjust our paradigm to include others’ opinions and > expand our knowledge base. > Ed Cregger > Or, I can kill you all so that there’s only one opinion.. > did you ever think of that! > Ha. > > Twang!

Uh-huh! Well, let me see – er – um….<G> Ed Cregger

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck > be > > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in > a > > closet, or playing in a club? > The problem here is this: if you’re playing it every night you know what’s > going on. > I believe you’ll adjust the truss rod a couple of times, easily, over > several years. > The bass doesn’t know anything. But it reacts to existence. > Because life, even for a bass, varies in temperature and humidity, even in > storage. > I couldn’t let my bass sit for three months even if I didn’t play it, > without checking on it. > And I wouldn’t be surprised to find the wood, organnic materail and > maleable, had settled with or without tension. > > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension > for > > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician > uses > > to earn his/her living. > > Ed Cregger > I think that’s too pat an answer. > I’ve played bass for long time, too, and I can’t recall not having the > bass > change a bit whether played often or rarely. > Twang! > In another post to this article, I implied much the same as you. Things do > change a little from season to season, but I would not be concerned that the > neck would be ruined if it were to remain in tension for extended periods.

I’d go with that.. I doubt very much it would ruined. That seems a small chance at best. But it could develop some quirk.. and maybe I’m being a nit picker, too. I tend to be .. I’m one of those guys who keeps off dust and uses polish and .. you know.. felix unger. *G* > It is good that we all offer our opinions, even if we disagree with each > other. We can then adjust our paradigm to include others’ opinions and > expand our knowledge base. > Ed Cregger

Or, I can kill you all so that there’s only one opinion.. did you ever think of that! Ha. Twang! — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a > closet, or playing in a club? > The problem here is this: if you’re playing it every night you know what’s > going on. > I believe you’ll adjust the truss rod a couple of times, easily, over > several years. > The bass doesn’t know anything. But it reacts to existence. > Because life, even for a bass, varies in temperature and humidity, even in > storage. > I couldn’t let my bass sit for three months even if I didn’t play it, > without checking on it. > And I wouldn’t be surprised to find the wood, organnic materail and > maleable, had settled with or without tension. > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension > for > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician > uses > to earn his/her living. > Ed Cregger > I think that’s too pat an answer. > I’ve played bass for long time, too, and I can’t recall not having the bass > change a bit whether played often or rarely. > Twang!

In another post to this article, I implied much the same as you. Things do change a little from season to season, but I would not be concerned that the neck would be ruined if it were to remain in tension for extended periods. It is good that we all offer our opinions, even if we disagree with each other. We can then adjust our paradigm to include others’ opinions and expand our knowledge base. Ed Cregger

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down >when >not in use. Is this true? >I think you’ve reached your conclusion already, but, for what it’s worth, >it’s my opinion that you don’t need to loosen the strings at all.  I have >had basses sitting around for fifteen or twenty years, under tension, with >no effects.  They are designed to be under stress, if the truss rod is >tensioned properly, then everything’s in equilibrium — don’t sweat it.

 From a wood technology point of view…  the problems with wood instruments (and metal parts) most likely occur in storage because of moisture/temperature problems. For a solid wood instrument like a bass…. store in a well ventilated, evenly heated area with even humidity, away from exterior walls, away from concrete floors. Beware closets that are normally cool, but are subject to a steamy or high humidity environment when the closet door is open.  (e.g., beware a closet in the bedroom that also has an adjacent room with a tub/shower). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

> -Neil.N said…- > *My personal take on this is that the string /neck /truss rod system > on a properly setup bass is in equilibrium, and should be left tuned > to pitch.  I keep all of mine in pitch. > Cheers, > NeilN*

its a structural element as are ….pianos…they are in pitch for years and although should be played really should be kept in pitch..tuning regularly is better than a lot of playing. Neil has hit it when he mentioned the equilibrium…when the truss and strings balance then the neck shouldnt bow..?? the flip side of this is to release the truss rod at the same time as releasing tensions in the strings… bowing due to atmospheric changes..storing below dew point and in high vapour atmospheres is asking for trouble.. i used to store clarinets with some silica gel to absorb any over vapourisation…and for a different reason..my saxes. set in a neck can occur just as easy as strung or unstrung? — [FONT=times new roman] _ – * m r c r o w * – _ [/FONT] posted via the bass forum at http://pointbeing.com

Response:

> I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down when > not in use. Is this true?

I think you’ve reached your conclusion already, but, for what it’s worth, it’s my opinion that you don’t need to loosen the strings at all.  I have had basses sitting around for fifteen or twenty years, under tension, with no effects.  They are designed to be under stress, if the truss rod is tensioned properly, then everything’s in equilibrium — don’t sweat it.

Response:

> Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a > closet, or playing in a club?

The problem here is this: if you’re playing it every night you know what’s going on. I believe you’ll adjust the truss rod a couple of times, easily, over several years. The bass doesn’t know anything. But it reacts to existence. Because life, even for a bass, varies in temperature and humidity, even in storage. I couldn’t let my bass sit for three months even if I didn’t play it, without checking on it. And I wouldn’t be surprised to find the wood, organnic materail and maleable, had settled with or without tension. > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension for > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician uses > to earn his/her living. > Ed Cregger

I think that’s too pat an answer. I’ve played bass for long time, too, and I can’t recall not having the bass change a bit whether played often or rarely. Twang! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If you are storing your bass for any length of time (3 months of more > IMO), > or plan on sending it air freight, it’s a good idea to tune down the > strings, as the large amount of tension exerted by the bass strings can > bow > (and in some cases damage) the neck. > BTW: Are you any relation  to Alan Smithee? (obscure movie joke) > — > Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm > > I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down > when > > not in use. Is this true? > > I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s > fine. > > But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I > don’t > > want to screw it up. > > Thanks

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

This is the conclusion I have came to. Basically, treat them like any other guitar. If they are going into storage, or are in transit, release the tension. Otherwise, leave them tuned for playing.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a > closet, or playing in a club? > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension > for > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician > uses > to earn his/her living. > I’m with you, Ed.  I have several Fender basses and keep them all in pitch > even though some go for a long time without being played.  If anything, I > would be more worried about loosening the truss rod and then having > to re-tighten it (as opposed to minor tweaking which might be needed > if a bass sits for a long time). > – Gary Rosen

Response:

Thanks for the response Ed.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a > closet, or playing in a club? > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension for > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician uses > to earn his/her living. > Ed Cregger > If you are storing your bass for any length of time (3 months of more > IMO), > or plan on sending it air freight, it’s a good idea to tune down the > strings, as the large amount of tension exerted by the bass strings can > bow > (and in some cases damage) the neck. > BTW: Are you any relation  to Alan Smithee? (obscure movie joke) > — > Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm > > I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down > when > > not in use. Is this true? > > I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s > fine. > > But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I > don’t > > want to screw it up. > > Thanks

Response:

> Geez Ed,  take your meds.

Thanks for the reminder, John. There, I took my meds. Now that that is out of the way… > My guess, after playing and selling  basses for quite awhile, is that > playing a bass varies the string tension as you move around the neck,  as > opposed to having a constant pressure exerted on it 24/7. >  I’m no "scientician" But I’ve seen even expensive basses with a bow like > Ted Nugent’s wet dream, when left unplayed for even a few weeks. > Also, basses that are played often tend to be looked after much better than > those that sit in a closet i.e. they are "tweaked" seasonally as needed.

I have seen the same thing, but always figured that the neck’s truss rod needed adjustment and adjusted same. One of the reasons that I ended up favoring Fender basses over all others, back in the seventies, was that they seemed to be a lot more stable than my Gibson or Ric basses. I used to kid around about the Gibson and Ric instruments that I owned being divining rods and that I could always go into the water location business should I decide to quit playing music. I was exagerating/kidding, of course. I just loved the stability of the older Fender necks. I don’t own a newer Fender, so I don’t know if they are as stable as the old ones. Most likely they are, but it appears as though some of the Chinese copies are just as stable as my old Fenders were. When I say something negative about a Gibson or a Ric, I am just expressing my feelings toward them. I realize that others may legitimately think that they are among the finest musical instruments in the world and they may be right – for them. Personally, I’ve never met a Gibson that I liked. Or a Fender that I didn’t like. But that is my observation and it applies to me only. I do not care for finicky thoroughbreds. Fenders are like Chevies to me. They work reliably and that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling for them. YMMV Ed Cregger

Response:

Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a closet, or playing in a club? If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension for years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician uses to earn his/her living. Ed Cregger

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If you are storing your bass for any length of time (3 months of more IMO), > or plan on sending it air freight, it’s a good idea to tune down the > strings, as the large amount of tension exerted by the bass strings can bow > (and in some cases damage) the neck. > BTW: Are you any relation  to Alan Smithee? (obscure movie joke) > — > Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm > I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down > when > not in use. Is this true? > I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s > fine. > But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I don’t > want to screw it up. > Thanks

Response:

Geez Ed,  take your meds. My guess, after playing and selling  basses for quite awhile, is that playing a bass varies the string tension as you move around the neck,  as opposed to having a constant pressure exerted on it 24/7.  I’m no "scientician" But I’ve seen even expensive basses with a bow like Ted Nugent’s wet dream, when left unplayed for even a few weeks. Also, basses that are played often tend to be looked after much better than those that sit in a closet i.e. they are "tweaked" seasonally as needed. — Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm

Response:

>Geez Ed,  take your meds.

Ditto dipwad…take a pill.

Response:

My personal take on this is that the string /neck /truss rod system on a properly setup bass is in equilibrium, and should be left tuned to pitch. Climactic changes especially humidity can call for tweaking to maintain playability. I’m sure many of us here have several basses, I know I keep all of mine in pitch. Cheers, NeilN — "And if you play too high or fast all the other musicians shall say "Wow" Tony Levin http://www.papabear.com/bassbook.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Geez Ed,  take your meds. > My guess, after playing and selling  basses for quite awhile, is that > playing a bass varies the string tension as you move around the neck,  as > opposed to having a constant pressure exerted on it 24/7. >  I’m no "scientician" But I’ve seen even expensive basses with a bow like > Ted Nugent’s wet dream, when left unplayed for even a few weeks. > Also, basses that are played often tend to be looked after much better than > those that sit in a closet i.e. they are "tweaked" seasonally as needed. > — > Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm

Response:

> Suppose I played three nights a week for several years. Would the neck be > damaged if it stayed in tension for several years of active use? I don’t > think so, John. How does the neck know the difference between sitting in a > closet, or playing in a club? > If the neck is defective, maybe it will warp, twist or bow, but a normal > bass guitar neck should not have a problem staying under normal tension for > years at a time. After all, it is designed to be a tool that a musician uses > to earn his/her living.

I’m with you, Ed.  I have several Fender basses and keep them all in pitch even though some go for a long time without being played.  If anything, I would be more worried about loosening the truss rod and then having to re-tighten it (as opposed to minor tweaking which might be needed if a bass sits for a long time). – Gary Rosen

Response:

I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down when not in use. Is this true? I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s fine. But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I don’t want to screw it up. Thanks

Response:

If you are storing your bass for any length of time (3 months of more IMO), or plan on sending it air freight, it’s a good idea to tune down the strings, as the large amount of tension exerted by the bass strings can bow (and in some cases damage) the neck. BTW: Are you any relation  to Alan Smithee? (obscure movie joke) — Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was told by an old bass player you have to tune your elec. bass down when > not in use. Is this true? > I have an old Jay Turser Beatle bass and I never tune it down and it’s fine. > But now we’ve purchased our first serious bass (a Dean Exotic) and I don’t > want to screw it up. > Thanks

Response:

Related Posts