Contrabass tuning opinions

ttf_MadBone88 · Post by **ttf_MadBone88** » Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:52 am

Hey folks,

Shopping for a contra and wanted to get some opinions on tuning. I'd appreciate any pros/cons of both F/C/Db/A tuning and the more European style of F/Bb/Eb/?

Thanks!

Tim

ttf_Toddbrubaker · Post by **ttf_Toddbrubaker** » Mon Aug 07, 2017 10:18 am

I use the "American" tuning F/C/Db/A, as it makes going back and forth between bass and contra a little easier. The intervals are the same, and although you have to stretch a bit to get a low Gb in tune, everything else sits nicely in 4th position or closer.

You use your valves more on a contra since you can't really get anything past a 5th position unless you have stretchy arms, and the pitches center nicely on my Rath R90 with the valves.

I've seen guys use both tuning setups, but that is the one that works best for me!

ttf_johnstad · Post by **ttf_johnstad** » Tue Aug 08, 2017 9:38 pm

I also use the American Tuning system on my Kanstul. Perfect 4th down the whole horn.

And yes, low G flat/ F sharp is the tricky note. You just have to own it.

ttf_blast · Post by **ttf_blast** » Thu Aug 10, 2017 10:23 am

I didn't know there was an American system. Anyway, I set the Rath up so it could be used with pretty much ANY tuning... You get to choose.

Chris Stearn

ttf_blast · Post by **ttf_blast** » Thu Aug 10, 2017 10:23 am

I didn't know there was an American system. Anyway, I set the Rath up so it could be used with pretty much ANY tuning... You get to choose.

Chris Stearn