BEAD Tuning

pi_r_squared · #1 08-12-2010, 09:49 PM

Not sure if this should be posted under Basses, Pickups, Hardware or Setup.

I wanted to try a 5 string, so I picked up a really cheap Rogue. Decided I really wanted the low B, but didn't care for having 5 strings.

I found a deal on a Peavey Grind, and strung it BEAD. Compared to the other bass: amazing sustain (even with flats), incredibly beautiful tone, and 4 strings feels way more "natural". WAY better 99 ways out of 100.

One question. The only thing that isn't insanely nicer on this bass is playing a low B or C. It's hard to describe, just doesn't "resonate"? like there are too many harmonics? not enough? just doesn't sound right, but only at the extreme low frequencies. Almost sounds out of tune, but the tuner says it's right on. The low E-flat and D sound great. It isn't a huge deal, there are only a couple songs we play where the low B or C get used.

I used an emery board to carefully open up the top nut slots for the bigger strings, no changes other than that. I even used the old strings (GHS brite flats) that I had on the Rogue.

Not sure if it might be:

I didn't open the top nut enough? too much? (doesn't buzz).
The pickups just aren't designed to go that low?
Re-using the strings from the other bass?
Something I'm not thinking of??

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Meatrus · #2 08-13-2010, 05:29 AM

My guess would be the strings or the nut. The nut could be choking the note if the slot is too tight. Or it could be your string gauge is too low for B and 34" scale. I believe the 4 string Grind is 34" scale, most fivers (not all) have 35" scale increasing the tension and making the B less floppy. Increasing the gauge of the B will increase your tension, making it less floppy and more clear. If your B is .130 or under I would get a new set anyway, .135 should be ok.

Seeing as you have altered the nut this would still be my main guess to the problem though, just thought the string info may be helpful

.

pi_r_squared · #3 08-13-2010, 06:55 AM

The low B string is a .130, so it may be a little light for a 34" scale. But I still wonder if maybe it's the nut. I was really "sneaking up" on the width as I widened the slots, so I wouldn't go too far.

I believe the cheap 5-string I am comparing this to was also a 34" scale, so the string/scale length combination should be essentially identical. It was "growly" on the old bass, but still sounded ok, compared to the way it does on the new one.

I may chase this around a little, but since everything else sounds SO GOOD compared to the old one, I may just live with it.

Since the Grind is passive, does it follow that there shouldn't really be any low frequency issues with the pickups/electronics?

Thanks Again.

MNAirHead · #4 08-13-2010, 10:03 AM

I'm not a hater.. just realist.

Flip the bass over and tell us the country of manufacturer.

BEAD is my rock goto tuning.. makes it tons easier when it's time to go back to BEADG

Meatrus · #5 08-13-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

I'm not a hater.. just realist.

Flip the bass over and tell us the country of manufacturer.

BEAD is my rock goto tuning.. makes it tons easier when it's time to go back to BEADG

That's an interesting approach to realism....

. The country of manufacture isnt going to change too much, its still a 34" with a 130 B. Of course there are differences in quality (stiffness of neck etc) but its not going to be "my bass has a problem" bad.

pi_r_squared · #6 08-13-2010, 07:27 PM

ok, opened up the nut around the B string just a little, then I noticed, the B string didn't "stack up" on the tuner as it should have. It crossed itself, and as a result was very high on the peg, had almost no angle with respect to the fretboard. Once I got it to wind properly, with a decent angle above the nut, all was good. The low B sounds as good as the other strings.

Put it down to "operator brain fade". I guess a .135 would be nice, but this got me really close.

Thanks for the help.

To answer the earlier question, I think the new Peavey Grind basses are made in Vietnam.

Ric5 · #7 08-13-2010, 07:40 PM

Me I prefer BEADG ... I tried BEAD and I really missed the G string. But EADG I really miss the low D. So if I played a 4 it would be DGCF.

pi_r_squared · #8 08-13-2010, 09:06 PM

Maybe this is a noob thing, but even with BEADG, I tended to treat the 5th fret like "home", treat it like EADG, and move up or down as required. Pretty much ignore the high G string, so BEAD is an easy switch. My hands aren't very big, so I enjoy the smaller fret spacing from the 5th fret on up. After switching from the 5 string back to the 4, it feels like my hands grew 2 sizes.