B, E, A, D on a 4 string

[Walking]

I like the bass for the low notes, and don't even like the tone of the g string on my 4 string. The idea of a B string intrigues me, and I was wondering if anybody strings a 4 string to include a b string, leaving off the g string?

Maybe issues would be the size of the grooves on the nut, extra stress on the neck...

[SC Bassboy]

Originally Posted by Walking

I like the bass for the low notes, and don't even like the tone of the g string on my 4 string. The idea of a B string intrigues me, and I was wondering if anybody strings a 4 string to include a b string, leaving off the g string?

Maybe issues would be the size of the grooves on the nut, extra stress on the neck...

You might have to enlarge the notch for the E string on the nut so that the B will fit correctly, but that's about it. A properly tuned B string will have about the same tension as the E string. It's really no big deal.

[Bass-desires]

Yeah, its a-ok to do. I have a string through body bass and had to file the nut a bit to get the string to fit well. (Not hard)
I didn't even get the heavy gauge strings and never had a problem.

[alexei]

Originally Posted by SC Bassboy

You might have to enlarge the notch for the E string on the nut so that the B will fit correctly, but that's about it. A properly tuned B string will have about the same tension as the E string. It's really no big deal.

+1 to this.
Actually, you should have less tension in your neck tunning B, E, A, D on your bass since thinner strings use more tension, normally.

But still, you will need to enlarge the notch for all the strings in the nut: you will be placing a .130 B string (for example) in a .100 E string notch, a .100 E string in a .080 A string notch, an the same for the other two strings.
Anyway, this is an easy task to do if you have some patience and a very little file tool.

My only advise: when filing the notches, be careful not to scratch the fretboard, or the head stock, in the way.
And remember that, if you don't like it, you will need to buy a new nut and replace the modified one because a normal set of strings will fit loose in those enlarged notches (you can do it anyway, this will not hurt the bass)

[Walking]

Thanks, guys. I think the best thing to do would be to order a new nut before I start messing with it. On the warwicks, I believe they are screwed in and easily changed.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by Walking

Thanks, guys. I think the best thing to do would be to order a new nut before I start messing with it. On the warwicks, I believe they are screwed in and easily changed.

Is that nut adjustable? If so, a Search in the Hardware, Setup, & Repair Forums might land you detailed instructions.