What strings are best?

[big0bassdude]

I have played 5 string basses for the last 15 years and now i play the somewhat lighter 4 strings due to back problems. Can I string my 4 up B-E'A'D with regular strings or do i need to use a 5 set? Any pros and cons either way?

[Beginner Bass]

1) A mod needs to move this to the string forum.

2) If you were to string a standard set up that low, it would feel like a loose rubber band.

[Jonathan1990]

You can buy heavy gauge strings, or just get some single ones that suit your tuning. I also recommend flatwounds, but that's another story.

[darkstorm]

No you cant use regular gauages for EADG strings to tune BEAD, Theyd be so loose theyd just flop around and sound bad. Swtiching to 4 instead of 5 for weight issues doesnt make sense to me. Ibanez SR 5 string basses for example generally weight less then most 4 string basses. 5 string basses tend to have neck dive more often due to extra wood etc in neck, but thats not same as overall weight.

[knuckle_head]

You can come by a 4 string set with between a .125 and a .135 on bottom - your best bet.