Hello richbass. Thanks for asking, I'm glad to share on this. We do play a lot in E flat, B flat, F, C, and keys that are good for the vocalist and keyboard. Not a lot of guitar open string keys. Once in a while we get an E, A, or G. Sometimes we start in a key and modulate up a half, or whole step. I had never tuned down to E flat, but had thought one of those D-Tuner tuning device would help. The 5 string has really helped in that I have the ability to get that E flat,D,and notes below to the B. I like to use the B string to play my root, keeping the fat in the bottom whenever I can. I have to be careful with the low notes below the low D, they can sound boomy or muddy unless it's like a slow passage whole note thing. Then it's great. When I bought my first Alembic, I wasn't thinking about any of this. It was a love at first sight and touch thing. My older brother who is not with us anymore, was a bass player who had incredible talent, completely self taught, who inspired me to pick up the bass. He was a huge Alembic fan, and always wanted one since his exposure to Stanley Clark back in his early days. However he never got to own one. I now see why he liked them so much. I am very pleased with mine, and it is the best instrument i've ever owned. Again, thanks for asking. Also, may I add that the church gig is a very rewarding and fun gig. When people are worshipping God, and you are helping fascilitate that worship, WOW, it's great, my favorite gigs. Talk to you later....... Tom
