Tune to B - on a 4 string?

[kyral210]

Ok, i want to convert my P-Bass to tune B-E-A-D, so I need some thicker strings. Where can I get these?

[depalm]

Originally Posted by kyral210

Ok, i want to convert my P-Bass to tune B-E-A-D, so I need some thicker strings. Where can I get these?

Well I guess you can get it from the best music stores, I usualy buy from <www.juststrings.com>. I suggest you take your bass to a pro to make some adjustments on the nut. Maybe it's better have the nut replaced.

[edbutler3]

I used to do that with a 4-string fretless Fender Jazz bass many years ago when it was hard to find fretless 5s in my area. I would just buy a 5-string set and throw the G string in a drawer somewhere... IIRC, that was a lot cheaper than trying to buy singles. And you don't want to de-tune a heavy 4-string set down to B E A D -- it would be too floppy.

[Stay Gold 1337]

yeah, i've always just bought a 5 string set and didn't use the G

[kyral210]

So does anyone know if you can buy a set of heavy guage strings to tune to B with? I know there are a number of basses on the market that are factory tuned to B.

My dream bass at the moment is a Sandberg Terra bass (rammstein), which is B-E-A-D.

[barebones]

Originally Posted by kyral210

So does anyone know if you can buy a set of heavy guage strings to tune to B with? I know there are a number of basses on the market that are factory tuned to B.

My dream bass at the moment is a Sandberg Terra bass (rammstein), which is B-E-A-D.

As mentioned above, just buy a 5 string set and pretend there's no G string. Voila! B-E-A-D!

You will need to widen your nut slots and probably adjust your truss rod and bridge as well. If you don't know how to do these things yourself, you'll want to consider a professional setup. Otherwise, you may end up disappointed with the results. If the bass is set up well, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Good luck!

Matt

[Thangfish]

The way I do it on my Geddy, since I use DR Black Beauties, is to buy a regular set of 4 and order a single .130 for the B. Gave the G away on here. Seems like the 5 string sets have a .125 B... or at least they did last time I ordered from juststrings.com
I just like the .130

[Bassbasixx]

the thickest 4 string set I have found are Ernie Ball power slinky that has a 110 e string but IMO still way to light for that and you will have a floppy B as mentioned above get a five string set with at least 125 gauge B or heavy set with 130 b string and again as mentioned take it in and have adjusted and have them put on or your neck will most likely be all out of wack with all the added tension.

[Thangfish]

Not really any added tension to speak off, depending on strings you choose.
Heavier strings, yes, but remember you are tuning down.

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by Bassbasixx

the thickest 4 string set I have found are Ernie Ball power slinky that has a 110 e string but IMO still way to light for that and you will have a floppy B as mentioned above get a five string set with at least 125 gauge B or heavy set with 130 b string and again as mentioned take it in and have adjusted and have them put on or your neck will most likely be all out of wack with all the added tension.

A B string tuned to B has about as much (or even less) tension than an E string tuned to E.

[D.Don]

Oh man, I saw this lovely Ibanez Musician, Japs 198x, the other day in a store, 330 euro, and man did it sound great. First thing that crossed my mind was "hmm, wonder if it will do tuning this as a fiver", store clerk told me they could adjust the hardware for me included in the price.

Though I can't buy it, I have two great fivestrings now, and my lady will totally not like the idea of another bass in our 49 sqm apartment.

(I am gonna show the bass to a friend tomorrow, maybe he buys it for his studio and it stays "in the family", think I can trick him to get it BEAD tuned......?)

hehe.

D.Don

[Bassbasixx]

the thickest 4 string set I have found are Ernie Ball power slinky that has a 110 e string but IMO still way to light for that and you will have a floppy B as mentioned above get a five string set with at least 125 gauge B or heavy set with 130 b string and again as mentioned take it in and have adjusted and have them put on or your neck will most likely be all out of wack with all the added tension.

[Turock]

Originally Posted by Bassbasixx

take it in and have adjusted and have them put on or your neck will most likely be all out of wack with all the added tension.

There will be less tension on the neck.

[Bassbasixx]

Originally Posted by Turock

There will be less tension on the neck.

So you are saying that if you use a 5 string set with a 130 B, 100E, 80 A, 65 D instead of a regular 4 string set 105 E, 85 A, 65D, 45 G, there is going to be no more tension on the neck

[Turock]

Originally Posted by Bassbasixx

So you are saying that if you use a 5 string set with a 130 B, 100E, 80 A, 65 D instead of a regular 4 string set 105 E, 85 A, 65D, 45 G, there is going to be no more tension on the neck

No, I'm saying there will be less tension.

[Bassbasixx]

ok I was looking at this all different thanks for the info so the neck would have less tension and still need a adjustment plus the nut would also have to be filed were the E string was correct?

[Turock]

Originally Posted by Bassbasixx

ok I was looking at this all different thanks for the info so the neck would have less tension and still need a adjustment plus the nut would also have to be filed were the E string was correct?

It depends, I have strung up a bass like this and didn't have to make any adjustments (to the neck or nut).

[Bassbasixx]

well if there is less tension wont that cause relief on the neck?

[Parabolic Box]

The lost tension may not be too noticeable. If your neck is somehow reinforced (with rods), you might not need to adjust your truss rod. It'd be the same as down-tuning some of your strings.

But, anyway, just check your relief once you change strings. That'll tell you definitively.

[Turock]

Originally Posted by Bassbasixx

well if there is less tension wont that cause relief on the neck?

I suppose so; however, it may be minuscule. That's why I say "it depends".