BEAD to Standard

Vendele197 · #1 10-02-2009, 01:24 PM

A few months back I was playing with a deathcore *shudder* band that played in Drop A *also shudder*. Since I don't like 5 strings, I restrung my 4 to BEAD, tuned down, etc. etc.

Anyways, I got out of that band and am back to playing more bluesy, classic rock stuff and want to restring my bass to standard tuning again. When I had it strung to BEAD, I had a guitar tech do it, but quite honestly, it cost a little too much money and took to much time, in my opinion.

That being said, what exactly do I need (material wise) and need to do to set it back up standard? I play a Schecter Stiletto Custom-4, and am planning on putting on halfwound strings.

Currently, my shopping list is:
New strings (duh...)
New nut?
Allen wrenches for saddles
Wrench (not exactly sure what kind) for the truss rod.

Alright, now what else do I need, if anything, and are there any words of wisdom, tips, resources, etc. I need/should check out?

Thanks.

**Thor** · #2 10-02-2009, 01:34 PM

My tech recommended to me that I pick up the full set of
individual Allen wreches in both English and Metric sizes.
I got mine from the local True Value. The individuals are
easier to work with than the ones that are bolted together
in a combo. That way you will have the right wrenches.

The wrench for the truss probably is an Allen as well.

I would try stringing it without changing the nut, but if the
tech modified the nut when he made the change last time, in
all likelihood you may have to change it. You may need some
small files as well.

I am sure the TB regulars would agree with this suggestion:
Leave this one strung BEAD and buy another bass for EADG.

Vendele197 · #3 10-02-2009, 01:37 PM

I have a set of individual allen wrenches. Not sure if they're metric or english though. And I'm pretty sure the tech filed down the nut to fit at least the B string in. Is nut "uninstallation/reinstallation" relatively pain free?

**Thor** · #4 10-02-2009, 02:12 PM

I have never done it myself, so I can't speak to that.

Meatrus · #5 10-02-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendele197

I have a set of individual allen wrenches. Not sure if they're metric or english though. And I'm pretty sure the tech filed down the nut to fit at least the B string in. Is nut "uninstallation/reinstallation" relatively pain free?

Its quite easy, first buy a new nut with the right dimensions (try Ebay). Then whack the old one out (wedge it out with a screw driver carefully), glue new one in and BAM.

Vendele197 · #6 10-02-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor

I am sure the TB regulars would agree with this suggestion:
Leave this one strung BEAD and buy another bass for EADG.

Didn't see this portion the first time around. I agree, that would probably be the "best" choice in the long run in regards to versatility, but I hardly ever use the B string as it is. My band only plays in standard tuning, and I very seldom need anything lower than E2 (or maybe it's E1, can't remember...).

Also, I was looking online about truss rod adjustment... Does my truss rod necessarily need to be adjusted if I restring my bass?

Meatrus · #7 10-02-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendele197

Didn't see this portion the first time around. I agree, that would probably be the "best" choice in the long run in regards to versatility, but I hardly ever use the B string as it is. My band only plays in standard tuning, and I very seldom need anything lower than E2 (or maybe it's E1, can't remember...).

Also, I was looking online about truss rod adjustment... Does my truss rod necessarily need to be adjusted if I restring my bass?

Maybe, a B (130) may have more tension than a E (105), I'm not sure either way as one is higher in tune, the other lower tuning, but bigger. Check the neck after the string/nut change, if too much of a bow, tighten it up, and the other way round too.

**Thor** · #8 10-02-2009, 02:38 PM

The lighter tension string will probably give the neck a slight
backbow leading to fret buzz. Probably won't take much to
straighten it out, one crank to loosen it slightly. It's not a
big deal.

Vendele197 · #9 10-02-2009, 02:40 PM

Awesome. I have my strings on hold, the necessary tools on standby, and am looking for a replacement nut just in case. Hopefully this will be a relatively easy project.

ByF · #10 10-02-2009, 08:17 PM

I would suggest you string it up and try it first with the nut as is. I have done that (converted to BEAD, then back to EADG) and didn't have any problems with buzzes at the nut or anything.

Putting in a new nut is easy, but if you need to deepen the slots that can be a bit of a job--you have to go very slowly so you don't go too deep. If you go too deep, you'll have fret buzz on the first few frets when you play an open string.

Ed

Vendele197 · #11 10-03-2009, 05:21 PM

Well, I went for it and now have a standard set of D'addario Half Rounds on my bass. Loosened the truss rod a bit and used them same nut. Everything works great.

Thanks again for the advice, tips, etc.

Meatrus · #12 10-03-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vendele197

Well, I went for it and now have a standard set of D'addario Half Rounds on my bass. Loosened the truss rod a bit and used them same nut. Everything works great.

Thanks again for the advice, tips, etc.

Cool, well done, glad you don't have a sloppy nut...no one likes one of them, especially the ladies

.

LaklandBass · #13 10-03-2009, 05:40 PM

I did the same thing when I played guitar in a metal band. for drop Bflat tuning i used a 6 string ibanez jem with a set of 15-65 strings. gotta love being a bass player haha they didnt feel that thick to me