Looking foward to BEAD - String Gauge and Nut Noob question...

[magnusdeus123]

I have a 4 string Ibanez GSR 390 . I'm looking into stringing it down to a BEAD setting , rather than the standard . Now the problem I'm facing is that I'm not exactly sure as to what all I'll have to worry about while doing this . I know that I would have to get higher gauge strings , a set of 60-80-100-130 seem appropriate . My current strings are 40-60-80-100 , as it came from the shop , and I have a spare set of the same . Also I kinda realize due to the bigger strings , they might not fit into the nut , so either the nut will have to be changed or the current nut will have to be widened in the grooves a bit more . I also want to know , that if it is widened , and I want to someday go back to the standard guage strings , will it give me problems ?? Anyways guys , tell me whatever else there is to know about this .....thanks...

[dragoon419]

To widen the nut you can work your string back and forth through the string slot to widen it. I've done this for one of my basses before and it works out fine. I've also put a EADG set back on it without any trouble. As for the strings, you might want to try a lighter set of 5vers, maybe with a 125 or 120 B string. This light B string will make it easier for you to rework the string slot, though the E, A, and D strings will also be lighter.

[knuckle_head]

Stick to your .130 or consider a .135

As well I would suggest a new nut altogether as in addition to width the depth of the slot is a factor. A thicker string ought to sit higher than a thinner one (depth is usually 1/2 the string thickness from the fret board).

If you are careful in removing it, the old nut can be put back in if you want to sell it or change your mind.

[God of Rapture]

I use a 130 for my converted bass and it works and sounds great.

You might have to widen the slots in the bridge too. At least I had to on my spector.

[lowendgenerator]

Widen the slots just slightly. If you don't see daylight under the string when it's in the slot, you should be ok. Set your truss rod, string height, then intonation. Make sure you get plenty of winds on the tuning peg, from top to bottom, so you have a good break angle over the nut.

I have a set of Boomer Fatties on my SR800. .130 is the size I believe. They'll be dead after the first sweat, but I didn't have to make any nut adjustments to get them on. You might be as blessed with a .130.