Upright Bass

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Tuning Steps

Sweetened Tunings

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Tuning Upright Bass, Double Bass, Contrabass & String Bass
Peterson tuners are highly accurate, precise and simple to use, you can tune and/or intonate your bass to perfection even if you’ve never used a tuner of any type before. Peterson counts the many of the world’s top upright bassists, past and present, among its users so you’ll be in very good company!

The upright bass is commonly tuned to EADG regardless of music genre, but there are other tunings. Many seasoned professional bassists “tweak” their tuning to improve their sound; we call this “Sweetened Tuning”.

If you are not familiar with this kind of tuning jargon, relax, because there is one tuner that does it all for you. Because of Peterson tuners unique “Sweetened Tuning” feature, each tuner has a host of tempered presets which you simply choose - the tuner then guides you automatically – just like using an ordinary tuner – but sweeter. Its easy! Using your Peterson strobe tuner, your bass will sound much better than when tuned using an ordinary tuner.

Many tuners have difficulty deciphering pitch from an upright bass due to the complexity of tone, Peterson Tuners have been used for many decades in orchestras around the world to track the lowest pitches including double basses with B and C extended ranges.

Tuning an upright bass to Standard Tuning (EADG)
  1. Begin with the first string, if you’re right-handed it’s located furthest away from your bow or plucking hand when holding the bass in normal playing position.
  2. Pluck to sound the 1st string and observe the tuner display, check that the note “G” is displayed. With your left hand, adjust the tuning peg to stop the strobe pattern image from moving contuously in any one direction, continue to adjust until the strobe pattern is motionless.
  3. Repeat the above for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings until all strings are tuned.
Checking Intonation
    Correct bridge placement is paramount, not only for tuning, but for the cello’s tone, even its structural integrity. The bass bridge feet should be placed on the median between the notches on the inner edge of the f-holes while standing perpendicular to the top, flat side facing the tailpiece, belly side facing the fingerboard.
Practicing Intonation
    When tuning with a clip-on tuner such as the Peterson StroboClip, attaching it to the pegbox makes sense, when practising fingering and intonation, clipping it to the bridge can sometimes be more practical.
= Standard Tuning
G4
= G in the 4th octave

Upright Bass

I Play This
Orchestral Tuning
Solo Tuning
Scordatura
Early Instruments

E1 A1 D2 G2

Standard

F#1 B1 E2 A2

Standard

E1 G-1 B0 D2 G2

Berio

A1 D2 G2

Contrabass Fourths

C1 G1 D2 A2

Fifths

A1 D2 G2 C3

Fifths

F1 A1 D2 E2

Scelsi

G1 D2 A2

Contrabass Fifths

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String I

E1 A1 D2 C3

Raised C

F1 A1 F2 E3

Scelsi

C1 G1 C2

Contrabass Fifths II

C1 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String II

D1 A1 D2 G2

Drop D

E1 G1 D2 A2

Berlioz/Strauss

F1 A1 D2 F#2 A2

Viennese

E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

5-String III

C1 A1 D2 C3

Glen Moore

E1 B1 E2 A2

Combination

C1 A1 D2 G2

Violone

Double Bass

I Play This

Contrabass

I Play This

String Bass

I Play This

Upright Bass

I Play This
Orchestral Tuning

E1 A1 D2 G2

Standard

C1 G1 D2 A2

Fifths

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String I

C1 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String II

E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

5-String III

Solo Tuning

E1 A1 D2 G2

Standard

C1 G1 D2 A2

Fifths

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String I

C1 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String II

E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

5-String III

Scordatura

E1 A1 D2 G2

Standard

C1 G1 D2 A2

Fifths

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String I

C1 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String II

E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

5-String III

Early Instruments

E1 A1 D2 G2

Standard

C1 G1 D2 A2

Fifths

B0 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String I

C1 E1 A1 D2 G2

5-String II

E1 A1 D2 G2 C3

5-String III

Double Bass

I Play This

Contrabass

I Play This

String Bass

I Play This
Unlike other tuners which offer no alternative to generic Equal Temperament, Peterson Tuners contain many choices of “Sweetness“, in other words, several degrees of harmony or consonance in a tuning preset. The Sweetener feature is exclusive to Peterson Tuners and there is one for almost any musical instrument.
In the case of the Bass Sweetener (the preset is called BAS), these additional “tweaks” allow the instrument to cut through as only an expertly tuned instrument can. Some call it “voicing” or optimizing the quality of tone produced by the instrument. Using a Sweetener is simple – your Peterson tuner does the work for you.

DBB
Peterson Sweetener for Contrabass/Double Bass/String Bass/Upright Bass
DBB
Peterson Sweetener for Contrabass/Double Bass/String Bass/Upright Bass
DBB
Peterson Sweetener for Contrabass/Double Bass/String Bass/Upright Bass
DBB
Peterson Sweetener for Contrabass/Double Bass/String Bass/Upright Bass
bAS
Designed for use with basses tuned to standard EADG and BEADG.
 Strobe™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

Strobe™ (Android)

$9.99

Strobe™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. Use your mobile phone's internal microphone to quickly and easily tune with 1/10th cent accuracy.
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 The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboClip HDC

$79.99

The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. This versatile tuner comes complete with a bright high-definition screen, over 50 Sweetened™ tunings, alternate temperaments for a vast array of string and wind instruments, and soft rubber-lined jaws to protect your instrument's finish while offering a firm grip for maximum signal tracking.
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 For over 75 years, Peterson has been trusted by some of the biggest names on stage and in the studio as the standard in tuning precision. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp Mini

$119.00

For over 75 years, Peterson has been trusted by some of the biggest names on stage and in the studio as the standard in tuning precision. The StroboStomp Mini™ delivers the unmatched 0.1 cent tuning accuracy of all authentic Peterson Strobe Tuners in a mini pedal tuner format. Featuring a high-definition LCD strobe display with variable LED color backlight, your instruments will never sound more in tune. A pop-less true bypass mode and a buffered output mode place you in command of your precious tone without compromise. With over 130 exclusive Sweetened Tunings® and Guided Tunings on-board, you'll be able to dial in your sound and tune like the pros!
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 Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp LE

$169.00

Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. The user-selectable colors can be used to personalize the tuner or to increase display viewing quality in different levels of ambient lighting depending on the usage environment. The vibrant screen colors can also be assigned to stock or user presets to significantly reduce menu navigation time and increase on-stage tuning confidence at the gig. For tone purists, the StroboStomp HD provides a 100% silent, true-bypass operation mode to keep precious tone safe, as well as, eliminate the often annoying “pop” experienced when engaging such a feature in other products. It uses a unique series of timed relays incorporated within its circuitry to shunt the signal, draining the cause of the popping sound prior to breaking the connection, and effectively shutting the tuner down for direct play through without affecting tone quality. The StroboStomp HD also includes a long-time, user-requested buffered output operation mode that can be user engaged. The buffered mode can be used in or out of monitor mode. It is designed to boost instrument drive to overcome potential tone loss in signal chains that incorporate multiple low-impedance guitar pedals or those that utilize long cable runs. The buffered output modes preserve sonic quality all through the instrument range and keep prized core tone intact. The StroboStomp HD features over 100 exclusive Sweetened Tunings™, as well as, numbered guided tuning presets for a large variety of instruments and playing styles. Sweetened Tunings are exclusive to Peterson tuning products and are designed to help correct inherent tuning issues exhibited by many instruments. The new "Guided Tunings" mode allows the StroboStomp HD to display numeric string values instead of traditional note names making for sure-fire intuitive and rapid re-tuning to any number of open and alternative tunings. The Guided Tuning mode was instituted for beginners who want to experiment with popular alternate tunings, as well as, experienced players who employ multiple tunings in rapid succession. Numerically expressed scales are also included.
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 The StroboPLUS HDC encompasses decades of tuning authority and technology to deliver the ultimate strobe tuner/metronome combo!

The StroboPLUS HDC’s 0. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboPLUS HDC

$179.99

The StroboPLUS HDC encompasses decades of tuning authority and technology to deliver the ultimate strobe tuner/metronome combo! The StroboPLUS HDC’s 0.1 cent tuning accuracy will tune any instrument with the utmost precision. Featuring a high-definition, multi-color display with variable color LED backlight, the StroboPLUS HDC display can be seen easily across the stage, bench, studio or classroom. Over 200 exclusive Sweetened Tunings® and Guided Tunings on-board accommodate a variety of instruments, temperaments, and musical genres. The highly configurable metronome features precise 0.1 BPM adjustability in eighth notes, quarter notes, dotted quarter notes or half notes, a tempo range of 10-280 BPM, over 100 subdivisions, accent patterns, and polyrhythms. The StroboPLUS HDC can also be used to play thousands of bars of tempo maps, programmable from the Peterson Connect Web App. A single tempo map can play an entire score of meter changes, accent patterns, subdivisions, bar colors, silent bars and gradually curved tempo changes like accelerandos and ritardandos. The StroboPLUS HDC is the perfect tuning, ear training and rhythm tool all in one package!
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0

0

 Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp HD

$149.00

Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. The user-selectable colors can be used to personalize the tuner or to increase display viewing quality in different levels of ambient lighting depending on the usage environment. The vibrant screen colors can also be assigned to stock or user presets to significantly reduce menu navigation time and increase on-stage tuning confidence at the gig. For tone purists, the StroboStomp HD provides a 100% silent, true-bypass operation mode to keep precious tone safe, as well as, eliminate the often annoying “pop” experienced when engaging such a feature in other products. It uses a unique series of timed relays incorporated within its circuitry to shunt the signal, draining the cause of the popping sound prior to breaking the connection, and effectively shutting the tuner down for direct play through without affecting tone quality. The StroboStomp HD also includes a long-time, user-requested buffered output operation mode that can be user engaged. The buffered mode can be used in or out of monitor mode. It is designed to boost instrument drive to overcome potential tone loss in signal chains that incorporate multiple low-impedance guitar pedals or those that utilize long cable runs. The buffered output modes preserve sonic quality all through the instrument range and keep prized core tone intact. The StroboStomp HD features over 100 exclusive Sweetened Tunings™, as well as, numbered guided tuning presets for a large variety of instruments and playing styles. Sweetened Tunings are exclusive to Peterson tuning products and are designed to help correct inherent tuning issues exhibited by many instruments. The new "Guided Tunings" mode allows the StroboStomp HD to display numeric string values instead of traditional note names making for sure-fire intuitive and rapid re-tuning to any number of open and alternative tunings. The Guided Tuning mode was instituted for beginners who want to experiment with popular alternate tunings, as well as, experienced players who employ multiple tunings in rapid succession. Numerically expressed scales are also included.
MORE

0

0

 The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboClip HD

$59.99

The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. This versatile tuner comes complete with a bright high-definition screen, over 50 Sweetened™ tunings, alternate temperaments for a vast array of string and wind instruments, and soft rubber-lined jaws to protect your instrument's finish while offering a firm grip for maximum signal tracking.
MORE

0

0

 The Peterson StroboPlus HD (SP-1) is THE premier desktop digital tuner on the market!  Equally as comfortable on a tech’s workbench as it is in a player’s guitar case, this tuner, with all of its features, is no exception to Peterson’s reputation for being THE most accurate in the industry — don’t let its demure palm size fool you! Players of both acoustic and electric instruments can rest assured— a built-in electret condenser microphone and ¼” input jack provide excellent connectivity. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboPLUS HD

$149.99

The Peterson StroboPlus HD (SP-1) is THE premier desktop digital tuner on the market! Equally as comfortable on a tech’s workbench as it is in a player’s guitar case, this tuner, with all of its features, is no exception to Peterson’s reputation for being THE most accurate in the industry — don’t let its demure palm size fool you! Players of both acoustic and electric instruments can rest assured— a built-in electret condenser microphone and ¼” input jack provide excellent connectivity. Gone are the days of having to carry extra batteries and tripping over power cables during a performance! This tuner is rechargeable via computer bus or outlet power, and its large, circular screen is easily viewed in both the darkest and brightest environmental conditions. Features such as Auto Off, easy menu navigation, tripod mounting capability, over 90 of our Sweetened Tunings, tone generation ability via built in speaker, and a headphone output jack round out the package. Finally, future-proof updating and parameter editing is made possible by the tuner’s unobtrusive side-mounted USB jack. And for those feeling exceptionally adventurous, this tuner can be upgraded to also feature our super flexible Body Beat metronome option, along with both audible AND tactile mode operation. Hear the beat or feel it…the power is in your hands. This tuner is fit for the most discerning of players and technicians for sure!
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 iStroboSoft™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

iStroboSoft™ (iOS)

$9.99

iStroboSoft™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. Plug in your electrics or use the built-in mic for acoustic instruments to quickly and easily tune with 1/10th cent accuracy.
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1. Make sure to keep strings in good condition, wipe them down with a cloth after playing and replace them with new strings when they become old or worn. If you break a string while playing or tuning, it often means the strings are at the end of their useful life. Old strings will never hold a tuning. Replace all strings at the same time.

2. Tune UP - not down – when tuning to the pitch of a note on your bass.

3. Tune as you intend to play, with bow or fingers.

The bass made by Gasparo da Salò in 1590 and played by Domenico Dragonetti, Serge Koussevitsky’s 1611 Amati bass, the bass built by Carlo Giuseppe Testore in 1716 and played by Giovanni Bottesini, Franz Simandl’s 1893 Maggini, Ray Brown’s Amati/Glassel, the Lion’s Head Bass built in 1927 by Ernst Heinrich Roth and played by Charlie Mingus, Eberhard Weber’s 1960 Grazioso Arco, Ron Carter’s 1910 John Juzek bass and Bill Black’s Kay M-1 Maestro are some of the most iconic.

The violone, bass viol, bass violin, electric upright bass (EUB) are all relatives of the upright bass.

Viola
Harp
Upright Bass
Pedal Steel Guitar
6-String Electric Guitar
Banjo
Cello
Violin
Electric Bass Guitar
6-String Acoustic Guitar
Dobro® & Resonator Guitar
Ukulele
Lap Steel Guitar
Buzz Feiten
Bagpipes
Mandolin
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Strobe™ (Android)
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StroboStomp LE
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StroboClip HD
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AutoStrobe 490-ST
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