BEAD Tuning on a 4-string

[t-bird fan]

I know I'm going to get ripped for asking before searching.

I'm getting a Epiphone Goth Thunderbird and I want to tune it to BEAD. It has a 34" scale. I have read that I will want to get a 130 or bigger for a B string and I may need to file the nut.

Can anyone suggest good string gauges to promote good even tension? I'm mostly concerned with blending the tones of the B and E so they sound like one string. I want to keep the action low and the tension medium with limited string buzz (don't we all).

Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[eastcoasteddie]

There is no real science to it. .130" B string, .100" E, .080 A, .065" D. That's what I use on all my basses. 34" scale.

[GeoffByrne]

Been there, done that - no problem - just remember to open out the nut sideways - *not down*!!!

[wonkey cat]

And maybe a quarter turn, or two, on the truss rod, clockwise.

[tim5bass]

I always use 130, 105, 85, 65, 45 on 5-strings. To get the tonality of the B and E strings to match I would go with the thicker E string (105 as opposed to 100)
When I tuned and Ibanez 4-string BEAD I had to drill out the hole in the back of the bridge just a little to get the B string through.

[Ampegged Paul]

I had the exact same bass with the exact same tuning. I used GHS heavies(B=.115). I filed the nut very little and didnt adjust the truss at all. I had to get rid of it because it was so friggin neck heavy.

[AN0INTD]

If I may, consider using JR345 from Thomastik Infeld. My 4 stringer is setup BEAD. The strings have almost the same diameter and tension as a regular EADG setup. TI strings have excellent balance across all the strings.

[fenderthrupeave]

I was a 135 on my SX 5er and I like it alot, I also use a 105 e string. feel very natural to me.