Can a regular Jazz Bass handle it...?

[jazzboi]

Hi guys,

Can a normal (not modded) 4-string Fender Jazz Bass handle a B-E-A-D tuning? (I think Tim Commerfold from Rage Against The Machine,Audioslave used to use like this one of his Jb-s) Because My 5 string is not that comfortable as my 4 stringed one,and maybe I switch the strings on the 4 string to be able to play the thing what I used to on the 5 string. Won't it wrap the neck,or something?

[meev992]

Originally Posted by jazzboi

Won't it wrap the neck,or something?

Nope, your bass will be just fine. Nut filing, truss rod, intonation, and you're good to go.

Just be warned, playing a BEAD bass is addicting and comfortable

I tune BEAD, because it's nice to jam with new people and hear them ask "what key are you playing in, why does it sound so low?"

It's like my secret weapon

[rstansfield64]

oh yeah, it can definitely handle it. your going to need to do some pretty serious set up work, at least i did. my usa jazz actually played better in b than i could ever get it to play strung in e.

[scotch]

The typical "B" string is actually less tension than the typical "E" string.

A typical BEAD set will exert less tension overall than the "normal EADG set.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by rstansfield64

oh yeah, it can definitely handle it. your going to need to do some pretty serious set up work, at least i did.

and that's no joke. I was cursing all weekend, trying to get the nut just right.

A lot of people say that you only need to widen the nut, but it would be really really tight feeling if you didn't lower it a good deal.

[rstansfield64]

i never had to lower the nut, but i did have to widen it slightly. i'm talking mostly about neck adjustment and intonation, thats really where i put a lot of energy. once it was set and i played a few shows, i never had to do another setup until it got stolen, which was close to a year. i think it was an '03 with the s-1 switch.

[meev992]

they must've stolen it because it had the s-1 switch, it's so fancy.

sorry to hear about the theft bro.

[rstansfield64]

ya, it was def. the s1, only the highest quality electronics get stolen right! it was partly my fault, i was drunk and wasn't paying much attention to my gear. i honestly dont really remember loading out so im sure there were plenty of opportunities for someone to snatch it. it still sucks though because i've played that club dozens of times and i know the owers and all the staff really well. oh well, its what i get for being careless with my gear.