Tuning to flats

[MykeMyke]

Do you think you need to tune to flats to make certain songs feel authentic? It's funny how a half step changes the sound of the bass.. imo

[StooB]

I used to think a lot of gospel bassists were amazing players who find playing in flats a synch, then I discovered they tuned to flats 

If you have a four string you may feel the need to detune, but other than playing in Bb, if you have a five string I don't see the need to detune. Interesting to hear from other detuners here...

[funkStrat_97]

If you have a 5-string, you probably don't need to de-tune unless you want/need to go lower than B (some guys drop the B string down to A to match the lowest note on the piano).  If you are a 4-stringer, you may want to consider de-tuning or investing in something like a Hip Shot X-Tender key.  Otherwise, you can play those lower parts an octave higher and just do it in standard tuning.

[Fingers!]

I would like to purchase a second bass strictly for that purpose. 

[mjl422]

The benefit (for me) of tuning in flats was the lower string tension.  I was developing wrist problems tuning to standard tuning.  When I found out about alot of guys tuning flat, I decided to try it and it made a big difference.  There's also a benefit if you play open strings alot.  If I hadn't tuned down, I may not be still playing now.

[Fingers!]

The benefit (for me) of tuning in flats was the lower string tension.  I was developing wrist problems tuning to standard tuning.  When I found out about alot of guys tuning flat, I decided to try it and it made a big difference.  There's also a benefit if you play open strings alot.  If I hadn't tuned down, I may not be still playing now.

Yea, I understand.  That one fret down makes a big difference in the tension.  There are some songs that I hear that's waaay down there and I want to be capable of doing exactly what I hear, hence, second bass tuned flat.  Outside of that, I like playing in standard tuning. 

[phbrown]

If you have a four string you may feel the need to detune, but other than playing in Bb, if you have a five string I don't see the need to detune.

+1