.115 (B)

[Ron G]

I'm getting a new bass to tune BEAD, I don't like the feel of a (5). On my other basses I use Fender 7250L (40 60 80 100) I'm thinking of using Fender 7250L(5), the (B) string is 115 will it be okay?

[smo]

.115 may be a little thin for a B, but that's only a guess.
Gauge isn't always the be all and end all of predicting string tension.

But my guess is that a .115 is gonna be a bit floppy.

[nightcityburn]

.115 will be a little on the loose side. I played a .115 with tuned to drop C, and it barely had enough tension, you may try .120 or .125. It shouldn't have any adverse effects on your bass.

[Meatrus]

Yeagh, that wont be great tension wise, you will be able to get away with it if you really want to, but it wont be very pleasant (floppy). I played drop B on a 105 for a few practices a while back, it was pretty awful, but if it had been an emergency I still could have got away with it. It made playing it no fun, and there were a few rattles which werent audible through the amp.

If you are desperate to not go any higher than 115 then trying a stiffer make of string may be a good idea. Flats with a 115 B would be more pleasant also.

[Ron G]

Thanks, I guess I'll try DR lights 120 on the (B).

[RickenBoogie]

I've been playing a 4 string tuned BEAD for nearly a year, and found that 65-85-105-125 gauge strings worked best, for me. I agree, 115 seems a bit small for a solid B string. Heck, I use a 110 E string on one of my basses.

[Solarmist]

We told you in the other thread you started what to do - use the 4 lowest strings from a 5-string set like 65-125/130.

A 115 is too small for B.

[Ron G]

On the other thread my initial question was tuning BEAD would I missing having a (G) string. I guess being up in age my hands like (40 60 80 100) I understand that I will be using the 4 lower strings of a 5 string set I just want to use the lightest set possible.

[Solarmist]

^ 60 / 80 / 100 / 125 is as low as I would go. Any smaller, and there wouldn't be enough tension IMO. A 125 B string is somewhat floppy on a 34" scale, but any less

What type of strings are you getting ... nickel rounds, SS or?

[Thunderscreech]

I tuned a bass to BEAD with .115 as a B. It was loose, but sounded okay. I would go a little heavier myself.

[Greevus]

I've been playing a 5 and a bunch of 4's tuned BEAD, and I am having the same thoughts and concerns. The 5 string is set up very nicely and the .130 feels right on it. Just like a standard E. However, the 4's that I've converted myself to BEAD are sort of spotty. I'm not a luthier by any means, but I'm not afraid to grab the tools either. I rather enjoy it, but I cannot get a 4 to just feel right. I've debated how light a gauge B I can use also. I recently tried tuning down with standards, but it is really hard to play clean and stay in tune. I really love the sound of tuning to B. However, I find that standard 4 strings work best in C#. It's just a freaking dilemma really. I just love the lowness of B strings though. There's some tradeoffs for sure. I like the 5, but I keep wanting to return to the 4s.

[Zapnut]

I use .50-.110 DR Black Beauties on my Ibanez and tune to BEAD. The tension is at least as good as when I had .65-.130 Ken Smith Bass Burners on my old ltd, and it plays really well, so I'd say it also depends on what instrument you are using. Buy a couple of different gauges and see what works for you.

[Ron G]

Zapnut, Black Beauties have a round core which has less tension. I should have asked my question before buying the bass. Well I did my part to help the economy.

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by Ron G

. I should have asked my question before buying the bass. Well I did my part to help the economy.

I dont get it...? You would have not bought the bass if you had known a 115 wouldnt work?

[Ron G]

Yes, sounds funny. I have a book by Anthony Vitti that has some grooves that are toned BEAD. I got the bass to play them, no other need.