Bass Tuning

[bdmtb]

Can someone give me the basics of Bass Tuning?

[Ray D]

All you need to know (hopefully) (http://www.canadianstandard.ca/wtsi/bass2.html)

[bassdrmmr]

Hi bdmtb: I have been playing the bass for 5 yrs. Iuse a dial tension tuner. I have found that if you set the tension at 80 this gives you the b flat . I tune mine before competing . I also use the muffle stips for dampening. the sound is quite consistent.

[jmonty]

I've also found that you can use the same type of musical tuner that the pipers and tenors use, and just make sure you're playing the same pitch as they are. Good idea about the tension tuner!

[Mike Cole]

The thing I like about tuners is that you can get the pitch you're looking while a park load of pipers are playing, well...all over the park. :D

You really don't need to have the same model tuner the pipers are using, Rather than trying to compare and set your drum/s to, say, an exact 478hz; check a set of drones (preferably belonging to a strong and steady blower) with your own meter. You will then have your reference point and you don't have to be concerned with meter calibration.

With the differences in drum sizes, materials, etc., assigning a specific tension for a particular pitch isn't really an exact science. I find the best use for the watch is to get even tensioning around the drum. I double check by tapping around the edges with a tenor mallet.

Cheers.

Mike