My used NS/Stick came strung-up in straight (bass) 4ths. I've been giving some thought to Dual-Bass Reciprocal, lately, and the previous owner had also played around with this tuning. The only problem is, the extra string sets I have don't really make sense. I do have an extra saddle that looks like it was machined out for the tuning. I also have:

-A package of 4 Stick Strings (previously installed, no longer individually wrapped) labeled "NS/Stick Custom Tuning Dual Bass Reciprocal." These strings seem exactly the same gauge as the low bass B-E-A-D strings currently installed on my NS.

-A package of 8 Stick Strings (also previously installed, no longer individually wrapped) labeled "NS/Stick Medium Gauge." The lowest of the set seems slightly *smaller* than my current B-string...what would be the E-string seems the same...and what would be the A-string seems slightly *larger* than what I have installed.

I'm pretty sure I'm the one who took the strings out of their individual wrappings trying to save space for whatever reason...seem to remember Glenn sent me *everything* he had--meticulously packaged. What a "Doh" moment!

Is it possible for me to try this tuning with what I have on-hand?

I asked my guitarist buddy if he had a micrometer. he said, "What's that?"

LOL...normally a musician wouldn't need one if they don't re-use their strings.

I just realized...my dad used to have one he used (may still be using) for sizing cartridge shells for reloading. Maybe I can borrow that to figure out these gauges...

Be careful reloading your Stick. they can go off at the drop of a hat...

We wouldn't want it to go off "half-cocked," now would we?

Update: I approximated string gauges based on pitch/string relationships and went ahead and tried it. I probably didn't get it perfect, because string tension was a little higher than I would've liked, but it was good enough to try and work through Greg's DBR video.

The Verdict - For me, the NS/Stick is not really an optimal instrument for this tuning, IMHO--at least to this bassist. Greg points out that the stick really needs to be inside the shoulder--and it's really true. If the instrument isn't really in front of you the shapes don't really feel that ergonomic (they do once you get the fretboard up and in front of you, but that's not how the NS is designed).

Also, some of the nice open voicings cross all 5 inverted-5th strings of a 10-string instrument. Just not going to happen on an 8-string.

What I did find out in going through Greg's video is that I've needlessly locked myself into more closed voicings, so it was still a useful exercise.

I guess I may be relegated to "Guitar and Bass," after all. Probably a good thing as I don't think my brain could even fathom some of the three-part pyrotechnics Greg was demonstrating in that video.

Hey i'm glad your still enjoying your stick! I know I sent all the strings and the saddles that Emmet sent me when I tried that tuning. The tuning was interesting at first, but it was a bit limited. The standard tuning was not working out for my needs, so thats why I tried the dual bass tuning. After that I determined the stick was not my thing! I'm really glad it found a happy home! If you do stain it by the way, email me some pics so I can check it out! Take care!

Hi Glenn!

Yes I've been quite happy with it. I did refinish it and I was quite happy with the results. I'll post a thread on here with pics when I have time!