Just a question

ReitaRocksBass · #1 02-14-2009, 08:43 AM

Hi all i have an ibanez gsr200fm and was just wondering can you put a B string on a 4 string bass? so its still only 4 strings? Thanks hope that didnt sound stupid cause i really have no idea...

jsingles · #2 02-14-2009, 08:44 AM

yes you can string B E A D.

you might need to adjust your instruments nut to accommodate the thicker strings, and you may need a setup due to the higher tension.

ReitaRocksBass · #3 02-14-2009, 08:47 AM

Oh really thats so cool thanks man! and how would you adjust it? Thanks for your help.

jsingles · #4 02-14-2009, 08:49 AM

well it might not need too much of an adjustment at all, but it might. I have never done this myself. But the tension of the strings pulling on the neck will be greater with the thicker strings, so your truss rod might need to be adjusted, and your bridge might also need slight intonation/string height tweaks.

I would take my bass into the shop with the new strings and get them setup on the bass nice and proper.

It will work though.

ReitaRocksBass · #5 02-14-2009, 08:51 AM

Alright thanks man i really appreciate it!

jsingles · #6 02-14-2009, 08:52 AM

good luck

ctufankjian · #7 02-14-2009, 10:05 AM

I've done it before with no nut adjustment necessary. But It does depend on the instrument

xgator4u · #8 02-14-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsingles

yes you can string B E A D.

you might need to adjust your instruments nut to accommodate the thicker strings, and you may need a setup due to the higher tension.

Yes sir BEAD
most likely will need to tighten the truss rod to compensate, from there its set up on an individual basis

Arvin · #9 02-14-2009, 05:06 PM

Maybe I'm out to lunch, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that stringing BEAD actually lowers the overall string tension, in that a tuned-up G string exerts more force than a B string.

My memory may be faulty here, though, so take this with a grain of salt.

xgator4u · #10 02-14-2009, 05:30 PM

bigger diameter string=more torque.

ReitaRocksBass · #11 02-17-2009, 12:19 PM

Hey thanks for all the replys... do you guys think its worth doing or should i just get a 5 string? i mean it cant mess the ibanez bass up can it?

RickenBoogie · #12 02-17-2009, 06:55 PM

Go for it. I did it to a brand new Ric. Fearless.

Arvin · #13 02-18-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudocat

Maybe I'm out to lunch, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that stringing BEAD actually lowers the overall string tension, in that a tuned-up G string exerts more force than a B string.

My memory may be faulty here, though, so take this with a grain of salt.

Check this out:

D'Addario XL 5-String Set

The G string exerts 48.5 lbs of tension, whereas the B string exerts 39 lbs.

I can't definitively state that this will be the case with all string sets, but this is probably pretty representative.

Stringing BEAD will actually lower the tension on the neck, so tightening the truss rod will be the opposite of what you want to do.

Solarmist · #14 02-19-2009, 12:57 AM

OK - I just went to the D'Addario string tension chart, and totaled the tensions for EADG using 45 / 65 / 85 / 105, and got a total of 182.8 lbs

I did the same for BEAD using 65 / 85 / 105 / 125, and got 171.4 lbs

Nick Kay · #15 02-19-2009, 01:07 AM

Lower tuning, even when compensated for with larger strings, means lowered tension. This means you're going to have to LOOSEN the truss rod when you go down to BEAD, along with putzing with intonation, string height, and possibly nut slot depth and width. Not an operation for the faint of heart.

unbridled · #16 02-19-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReitaRocksBass

Hey thanks for all the replys... do you guys think its worth doing or should i just get a 5 string? i mean it cant mess the ibanez bass up can it?

If your Ibanez is in decent shape, you'll be fine and, in fact, trying BEAD will help you decide if you want a 5 string. You will need an action adjustment at the t-rod and saddles and possibly work on the nut. Ibanez nuts are easy to replace if you decide to go back to standard if your old nut requires modification for BEAD.