Using a 5 string set (BEAD) on a 4 string bass in Drop-B ????

cmor15 · #1 03-25-2010, 07:41 PM

My band tunes to Drop B (B F# B E)

i currently use regular 4 string bass strings and do drop tuning but the low B is like a floppy donkey d*ck. Ive read about putting the lower 4 strings from a 5 string set (the B,E,A,D) and tuning the top 3 strings up a note.

Is this legit? will the strings fit in the nut grooves and through the bridge? will it be too much tension on the neck? I'm playing a thru-neck bass (Ibanez BTB570) btw.

Thanks alot

apaniagua · #2 03-25-2010, 08:17 PM

You could do that just fine. You won't get the best sound out of it, like using an actual 5 string bass, but it'll definitely sound better than a standard set dropped to C. You'll probably have to buy a set with thinner gauges to fit the nut grooves without modifying it. That's how I have one of my 4 string basses set up right now.

Cannabass · #3 03-25-2010, 08:50 PM

yeah and if the higher strings are from a thinner guage set than the low B then it should help to bring them closer to a similar tension with the high ones tuned up

Cannabass · #4 03-25-2010, 08:51 PM

though i bet the low B will feel waay thicker than the other strings, and will be noticeably lower tension than the rest

jscomposer · #5 03-25-2010, 10:15 PM

FWIW, I tune my 6-string guitar to B standard, with 12-52 (or 54). Basically, a 7-string without the high E. So your idea is spot-on.

Or you could try 4-string "drop tune" sets like Rotosound Drop Zone or DR's new DDT, which are practically what you're talking about, except you don't pay for a 5th string you won't use.

Ka_Ve_86 · #6 03-25-2010, 10:25 PM

You can use a 5 string set and string it do a 4 string i did it with my p-bass you may have to file you bridge saddles and nut a little depending on how worn in they are..

But i agree it would much much better the drop tuning a normal 4 string set

gumtownbassman · #7 03-25-2010, 10:31 PM

wouldn't you need to re-adjust the truss rod and intonation too?
Maybe get a 5 string bass as another solution.

chump stain · #8 03-25-2010, 10:53 PM

You could tune BEAD. You would just be in standard tuning (4ths). The lowest string (B) would be the same as your guitarists, and the rest would be tuned standard to that. Then you wouldn't have to get a custom set of strings. Just use the lower 4 of a 5 string set.

When I play with dropped D guitarists, I tune DGCF. I think it helps support your ear. 5ths should always be where 5ths should be, I think. Unless your doing some kind of crazy finger tap pattern, or chords that could only be played in that tuning.

Good luck. Either way, you'll probably have to file your nut a little.