Can I put a B string on my 4-banger?

Toastfuzz · #1 10-13-2007, 01:21 PM

Its really all in the title. I haven't been playing bass for more than a year, so really don't have the need or the funds to buy a 5-string bass on top of the Ibanez 4 string I already have. But, I've lately been getting into different metal styles and want to be able to go lower with the B string. So can I buy a set of 5-strings and string em up BEAD?

Also related, will I still be able to tune them down?

I don't see any limitation here, other than if the bass is structurally unable to handle the heavier string, which I dont know. So any experienced advice would be helpful. Thanks!

(Rockin an Ibanez GSR190 by the way)

Basshole · #2 10-13-2007, 01:47 PM

BEAD will put LESS tension on the neck, not more.

I have a Fender Jag strung BEAD. Zero probs. I didn't even need to change setup (YMMV), the shop where I bought it just ran the strings back and forth through the nut to make the slightest bit more clearance.

Second time this week, same question. Answer will be the same next week too.

(Somebody should sticky this)

Enjoy the lows!

Toastfuzz · #3 10-13-2007, 01:59 PM

I figured this had been asked before, tried searchin but couldnt find it.Thanks for the response!

Foxworthy925 · #4 10-13-2007, 04:04 PM

yeah, you'll need to make the slots in the nut wider to accept the larger strings. I've never heard of running the strings back and forth in it to do that, but it seems like it would work. or you could just use a file.

xXMurderSoulXx · #5 10-13-2007, 04:38 PM

Yeah you can tune down with it. I tune my 5'er down to A. Remember, it doesn't matter how long you've been playing, string count is just a string count. Personal preference.

ducatiman · #6 10-14-2007, 10:02 AM

sure, can be done. you may likely require some tweakage in the setup (string heights/intonation) department as well as nut slots.

---------------duc

flakeh · #7 10-16-2007, 07:37 PM

My EPI is tuned like that. I had to file the nut alot with the string to get it too fit, but it did. I had to redo all the intonation and the action, and a quick trussrod adjustment. After that, plays like a beaut.

Mr. Timmy C tunes several of his fender jazzes BEAD. except he uses a lefty neck. Which BTW DOES increase tension on the bstring. I did a tech/design project on it and from all the guages and junk we used, the Bstring had more strength with a longer scale, even after the nut.

Can 'o' worms - opened