Double Bass Rep for High C Tuning

#2
Hi Jesse,

I use that tuning on double bass and also normal tuning. But I don't think many people do. It is a sort of a hybrid between bass and cello. I don't think there is a specific repertoire for that but you can play everything that you normally do. It just sounds a fourth higher. Also cello pieces will sound nice because of the higher pitch.
 
#5
Judging from what is on his website he is playing in at 4 different pitches (all in fourths):
SCORDATURA
Until 2004 just like most bass players: in fourths tuned either in C ("orchestra") or in D ("solo tuning"). Since 2005 mostly in F or in G, a tuning that transforms the typical bass into a baritone sound, improving brightness and resulting in a much better sound, specially in high register.

This is confusing though since EADG is called in C and ADGC is called in F. I don't get that. What pieces on youtube does he plays in ADGC?

I wonder if he is changing the strings all the time or if he is using several basses for the different pitches? I think it is a total PITA to change all strings all the time so I am going to buy a second bass for normal tuning.
 
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#6
Les Fret said:
Judging from what is on his website he is playing in at 4 different pitches (all in fourths):
SCORDATURA
Until 2004 just like most bass players: in fourths tuned either in C ("orchestra") or in D ("solo tuning"). Since 2005 mostly in F or in G, a tuning that transforms the typical bass into a baritone sound, improving brightness and resulting in a much better sound, specially in high register.

This is confusing though since EADG is called in C and ADGC is called in F. I don't get that. What pieces on youtube does he plays in ADGC?

I wonder if he is changing the strings all the time or if he is using several basses for the different pitches? I think it is a total PITA to change all strings all the time so I am going to buy a second bass for normal tuning.
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I think he means "C" as in concert C tuning, versus various transpositions ("D"= solo tuning = tuned up a whole step, "F" meaning tuned up a fourth, and "G" meaning solo tuning up a fourth). This is like how a trumpet is called a "Bb" instrument (meaning it transposes down a whole step from concert tuning), alto sax is Eb, etc.

I know for certain his recording of the Schindler's List Theme is in the High C, or "F" tuning, since he says so in the video's description. I'm really interested in the "G" tuning, which uses the top 3 strings from a solo set with a really high solo D! I wonder where one finds such a string...
 
#7
Jesse Dietschi said:
I think he means "C" as in concert C tuning, versus various transpositions ("D"= solo tuning = tuned up a whole step, "F" meaning tuned up a fourth, and "G" meaning solo tuning up a fourth). This is like how a trumpet is called a "Bb" instrument (meaning it transposes down a whole step from concert tuning), alto sax is Eb, etc.
Click to expand...

Yes I understand what he means but still the names are confusing since they are not used by other players. You might just as well call these tunings E, F#, A and B, named after the lowest string. Or standard, solo, baritone and baritone solo for that matter. That makes it easier to communicate.
 
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