BEAD

[Jay2U]

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]

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]

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.

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

[lowendfriend]

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]

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

[Jay2U]

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]

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

[mmbongo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Jay2U]

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.