Using the four 'low' strings from a five string bass on a four string

[hellsgate]

Lo folks,

Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this, but here goes anyway.

Anyone ever tried stringing a 4-string bass with the low strings from a 5-string set? By this I mean putting the B-, E-, A- and D- strings from a 5-string onto a standard 4-string bass. Would there be any issues that would prevent this from working properly?

I'm not thinking about doing this, but I am curious (although if the answers seem positive, I might give it a try for a while)

[theLimeyBrit]

It's been done. Issues to consider are the nut (you may need to switch it out for one that can accommodate a B string) and your scale length (the B *can* sound a bit anemic on shorter scale instruments). Go for it and see if you like it.

[Fishbrain]

its been done yes, i think the paul gray sig ibanez comes strung that way, but if ur that way inclined then have a look at this... http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/vampyre_darklord.htm



edit: sorry i completely forgot about this one too http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/corvette_taranis.htm

[Rawk Bassist]

Another "yes this has been done" answer here. The bassist in my girlfriend's band, "Sirens of Titan" has his bass strung this way. They are tuned down 2 steps, so their low note is "C". He uses the "bottom 4 of a 5" to accomodate the slackened tuning. He has an old gibson bass of some kind. (not an SG shape nor a Les Paul either), so I'm not sure of the scale. As others have said, check the space available in the nut.

If anyone cares to hear them, visit www.myspace.com/sirensong

[funkybassplayer]

I usually tend to use the top 5 in a six string set. i am going for something completly different though.

[Lalabadie]

Originally Posted by funkybassplayer

I usually tend to use the top 5 in a six string set. i am going for something completly different though.

I did the same on my acoustic bass. Essentially, it's a matter of using a proper nut, and in the case of lower strings, making sure the scale and/or string gauge allows proper tension.

[nastyn8c]

It's certainly an idea, but generally I like just going for a 5 or 6 string. That way, you only add to your capabilities. If you take away your G string to add a B, you lose something. If you just migrate to a 5 or even a 6, you only gain.

[lug]

I've done it to an old Peavey T-40. I've seen some basses offered for sale new this way (Dean?).

[funkybassplayer]

I don't know about any low tuned 4's from dean but the aforementioned (sp) Warwicks and an Ibanez or two are tuned BEAD or even the curiously low F#BEA. Also,Spector has a 35" scaled 4-banger that i believe would work quite nicely with the low or low low tunings.

[JDHayes]

Originally Posted by nastyn8c

It's certainly an idea, but generally I like just going for a 5 or 6 string. That way, you only add to your capabilities. If you take away your G string to add a B, you lose something. If you just migrate to a 5 or even a 6, you only gain.

+1
I used the BEAD tuning until I picked up a 6 string. I would suggest getting at least a 5, your gonna miss that G string. You are going to feel boxed in without that string in regard to your root-5-octave fingerings.

just my 2 cents

[chaosMK]

I've done it, but had to adjust the action on it a bit.

[hellsgate]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think I have access to an old instrument which isn't strung at the moment, so I'll give it a go and see how it feels. I'll let you all know how i get on.

[PilbaraBass]

I did it for a while on one of my basses (tuned BEAD)...

only to confirm that I definitely would like a 5-string...

[Shoewreck]

I always wanted to try that, but currently I have only one bass and I won't do anything until I know it works good for me and my band.