BEAD

Jay2U · #1 02-02-2012, 11:35 AM

Dear subsonic friends,

Over the last few months my mind has been busy with the idea of changing to BEAD-tuning. I hardly use the G-string (the one on the bass

) and if I use it I can use the D as well. Filing the nut is not an issue. I already took some measurements to find out whether the pickups can handle the lower frequencies: they can. The holes in the bridge aren't an issue as well. So why didn't I change to BEAD already? Lack of BEAD string sets. The only way to go, for a flatwound addicted guy, is buying a 5-string set. This is far more expensive. The price is 40 to 50 Euros, instead of the 25 Euros I pay for the ECB81 (d'Addo chromes). Did I overlóòk something, or does this planet really complete its daily rotation without flatwound BEAD sets?

Damascus · #2 02-02-2012, 11:49 AM

Yup. I had the same problem. It's actually hard enough to find flatwound 5-string sets as it is. My Aria SB-1000 ended up having to wear the lowest 4 from a set of 5-string Rotosound flats.

MNAirHead · #3 02-02-2012, 11:58 AM

I did this and sold all other EADG tuned basses.

INstead of flats.. I went GHS tapewounds

I have some mp3 clips if you'd like to hear it --- can send you a link.

----

I never get paid to play more, faster, or higher notes.

**lowendfriend** · #4 02-02-2012, 12:08 PM

Contact Bass Strings Online, register as a TB member and ask about individual strings. I think you'll be better off with 5 string sets though.

tdub0199 · #5 02-02-2012, 12:16 PM

Circle K offers individual strings but yeah I buy a 5 string set of chromes and exclude the G string.....

Jay2U · #6 02-02-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

I did this and sold all other EADG tuned basses.

INstead of flats.. I went GHS tapewounds

I have some mp3 clips if you'd like to hear it --- can send you a link.

----

I never get paid to play more, faster, or higher notes.

Yes, it'll be nice to hear. On another thread I attached some mp3 stuff just to demonstrate a pedal. Here it is: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attach...5&d=1319049388 It's simple, it's straight forward, it's fun. This was played finger style, on flatwounds with a cheap lead guitar pedal.

Jay2U · #7 02-02-2012, 01:52 PM

Just started a poll about BEAD sets... Should BEAD sets be made available? ...maybe we should continue there.

mmbongo · #8 02-02-2012, 02:26 PM

You can get custom BEAD sets at Bass Strings Online
Build your own string set!

But you'll have more choices and it's just as easy to buy a 5 string set and not use the G string.

ixlramp · #9 02-02-2012, 04:02 PM

Build a set from single flatwound strings, cheaper than wasting money on a G string.
Circle K Strings have a huge range of roundwound sets for BEAD and any detuned tuning possible: Circle K Strings - Standard Balanced 4 Strings
Rotosound have a roundwound 'drop zone' set for BEAD.

socialleper · #10 02-07-2012, 04:50 PM

I did this for a little while with my ESP TA-600. The GHS Boomers .115 heavy set worked pretty good. Boomers aren't super bright to start with, so you don't need to worry about trying to find heavy 4-string flat sets to offset the looseness of the strings. I didn't like the flats and half flats for this at all. They just sounded like dead strings.
When doing this, it also helps if your action is a little high and the neck is stiff enough to not be effected by the tension of the strings.

Jay2U · #11 02-07-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socialleper

I did this for a little while with my ESP TA-600. The GHS Boomers .115 heavy set worked pretty good. Boomers aren't super bright to start with, so you don't need to worry about trying to find heavy 4-string flat sets to offset the looseness of the strings. I didn't like the flats and half flats for this at all. They just sounded like dead strings.
When doing this, it also helps if your action is a little high and the neck is stiff enough to not be effected by the tension of the strings.

Tension??? You mean the lack of tension I suppose. If a 0.115 set is tuned to BEAD it'll produce some ten pounds less per string. The remaining tension, however, would be just enough to be playable for me.

hrbassji · #12 02-07-2012, 05:49 PM

DR Strings make DDT sets. They're basically BEAD sets. The B strings range from .115-.125 I believe.

Jay2U · #13 02-07-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrbassji

DR Strings make DDT sets. They're basically BEAD sets. The B strings range from .115-.125 I believe.

Yes, I know, but I'm so addicted to flatwounds.

**lmfreeman9** · #14 07-08-2012, 07:25 AM

Once you go BEAD, rounds are a much better option. Just roll off the tone and if that's not enough, use a mute. I have been a flatwound user but use rounds sometimes. I find that I like BEAD and the sound is HUGE.-flat or round.

Also, you can buy used or new 5 string sets on the classifieds here. One guy DanH........, long name is selling LaBella steel BEAD sets.

Jay2U · #15 08-05-2012, 05:56 PM

I didn't know this thread was still alive. I already found a store that sells single EB flatwounds for a reasonable price.

noeinstein · #16 08-31-2012, 11:27 AM

I bought a 5 string set of D'Addario Chromes (reg light gauge flats) and am ready to restring one of the following to BEAD. Which is the best candidate? Hoping for the tightest possible B.

1) Fender CIJ '62 RI P
2) G&L L1000 (Wunkay)
3) Squier CV '60s P

noeinstein · #17 09-04-2012, 10:16 PM

Well, it didn't work. Never got past trying to get the last of the B through any of the three bridges. I remember reading that someone drilled the bridge, but I don't think I'm that committed. Seemed like such a good idea.

**BassIsFun17** · #18 09-04-2012, 10:25 PM

i tuned my usa fender jazz bass to BEAD and im using DR Legend flatwounds. the way i see it is, if you're okay with rocking the same set of flats for a while, buying the 5 string pack isnt to heavy of an investment. i plan on keeping these strings forever if time allows. i love the old dead flatwound sound though. I have Legend's on 3 of my other fender basses. i love them.

khutch · #19 09-05-2012, 07:49 AM

That's a bit odd. A TI 0.136 flat fits through either a Fender standard bridge or a Hipshot A Style replacement bridge just fine. I'm running a 0.145 GHS Boomer through the Hipshot bridge without any issues, haven't tried it on the Fender bridge. D'Addario Chromes are only 0.132, I would have thought that at least one of those three would fit them. I guess one advantage of the cheap bent metal Fender bridge is that no one is afraid to drill them out if necessary....

Ken

noeinstein · #20 09-05-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khutch

That's a bit odd. A TI 0.136 flat fits through either a Fender standard bridge or a Hipshot A Style replacement bridge just fine. I'm running a 0.145 GHS Boomer through the Hipshot bridge without any issues, haven't tried it on the Fender bridge. D'Addario Chromes are only 0.132, I would have thought that at least one of those three would fit them. I guess one advantage of the cheap bent metal Fender bridge is that no one is afraid to drill them out if necessary....

Ken

You're right, it is .132 and it makes it okay up to the threaded part near the butt. I've thought of removing the threading... can't see what difference that would make.