So, I've been experimenting with different tunings in my head for months! One of these tunings just won't seem to go away. It's similar to Victor Griffin's drop-B tuning: (low to high) B A D G B E, but it would be on a 5 sting bass, so B A D G C. Is this a practical tuning? Anyone know if it has been used before? How much would that E string be missed?
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Extended range with drop B
- Thread starter LKBass1
- Start date
Why are you experimenting only in your head? Tune your E string down to B and try playing a few of your favorite songs. Do it now! 
I personally don't think I'd enjoy that tuning, because even to play just a simple B major scale, I'd have to shift my hand all the way up to the 9th fret (B C# D# E shift F# G# for example). But don't let my lack of enthusiasm stop you! Generally speaking I am a big fan of alternate tunings.
To answer your "has anyone done it before?" question, check out Fodera's Matthew Garrison signature bass, which has a drop tuner to switch between EADGC and BADGC tuning: Fodera Guitars Introduces the Imperial Mini-MG
I personally don't think I'd enjoy that tuning, because even to play just a simple B major scale, I'd have to shift my hand all the way up to the 9th fret (B C# D# E shift F# G# for example). But don't let my lack of enthusiasm stop you! Generally speaking I am a big fan of alternate tunings.
To answer your "has anyone done it before?" question, check out Fodera's Matthew Garrison signature bass, which has a drop tuner to switch between EADGC and BADGC tuning: Fodera Guitars Introduces the Imperial Mini-MG
Can’t see it being very practical in all situations... but why not just get a 6 strings and have the whole range?