putting 5 string set on a 4 string bass

[Lowner]

I have a guitar playing friend that bought a lot of string from a music store that was going out of business. They are old strings and all are 5string sets. He says you cant use a five set on a four string. I say you can. All you do is not use the b string. Whose right?
Also the strings are atleast twenty years old. When do new strings that are old do bad if at all?

[CorryJobin]

You are correct, just don't use the low B...as for shelf life, I'm not really sure how long a pair Of strings will last. Most likely it's dependent upon packaging, humidity, etc.

[OUT51D3R]

Yeah, just don't use the B string. Or, if you play alot of downtuned stuff, use the BEAD strings and toss the G. BEAD will probably require filing your nut a bit though.

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by OUT51D3R

use the BEAD strings and toss the G. BEAD will probably require filing your nut a bit though.

Do this... if it doesn't have a B, it ain't a bass

[robbotbass]

I had a buddy who made a poor mans 5 string bass. 4 string bass sub the low e for a b. as for your situation yes just use the b string as a dog leash or something