Contrabass and Requinto Guitars
To achieve the best sounding guitar ensemble, consider adding a requinto and/or contrabass. As nylon-stringed instruments, their unique timbre blends beautifully with standard classic guitars. The result is a full and satisfying spectrum of sound. Both instruments are transposing
The Requinto tuning is A-D-G-c-e-a, with each string sounding a 4th higher than standard. Recommended requintos:
Tip: If you can’t purchase a requinto, you can make one by re-stringing a standard guitar. First remove the 6th string E; then shift the other strings over one notch to the left on the nut. Remember to tune the B sting up to C. For the high A string, use fishing line (sounds weird, but it works!).
The Contrabass are available as 4- or 6- string instruments and are tuned the same as standard, but with each string sounding an octave lower. Four-string contras are tuned the same as an electric bass or upright double bass (which could be used as substitutes if you can’t afford to buy). Recommended Contrabass guitars:
Contrabass strings (Hannabach 841MT–4 string set) or (Hannabach 841MT–6 string set) are available from Strings by Mail or Just Strings
