Do I need to change anything to set my bass up BEAD?

[EADGCoffee]

Pretty much the topic, I'd like to change my 4-string from EADG to BEAD. I'm using 45-105 gauge strings.

[bassteban]

I'd be a little surprised if tuning the 45-105's BEAD didn't result in a very floppy feel; I'd expect the lower 4 strings of a typical 5er set to work better. THAT said, you'd likely need to file your nut to accept the larger-gauge strings, as well as adjust your setup.

[EADGCoffee]

Thanks for the reply.

I was kind of hoping for a floppy feel, too floppy is too floppy, but I wouldn't mind them bouncing around a bit, I don't keep my action super-low in EADG.

What I was really wondering is if I tuned to BEAD with my current strings, and didn't set anything up differently, if it would have any negative effects on the instrument itself? I'm just wondering about the tension change and if it would effect the neck.

[dbhokie]

You may want to check your setup and intonation again, why not just use a B string and file down the nut a bit?

I may be completely chastised for saying these things, but I would check the intonation, action, and feel again as if you are going to try and use the same string (It may be way too floppy), the tension will be decreased and you may even need to slightly adjust your truss rod if you are going to continue playing that way and want the same feel, but then I have no clue how your bass is currently setup. I would get a new set of strings (5'ers) and file the nut a bit to accommodate the B string, and take the time to do a full setup in the meantime while you got the strings off, little spit and polish etc.

[walterw]

tuning a regular set of strings down that far will likely result in a buzzy, floppy mess, as well as dead notes from a backbowed neck due to the loss of tension.

you need the bottom 4 of a 5-string set, and to widen all four nut slots accordingly.

[Bill Posters]

Rotosound do 4 string sets specifically for this tuning (ROTOSOUND DROP ZONE 66 BASS STRINGS). Other manufacturers may do so as well.

As has already been said, if you stick with the strings you have the tension will be very low and even if it is playable the neck will need adjustment.

[fretlessguy]

To prevent floppiness and tune Id use no less than a .120 B set. Some would say that would leave it too floppy but I kinda like it that way. You will need to ream out the nut to fit, and also it will require to be intonated and the string height to be adjusted, and the neck relief will need to be changed.
You could use a .110-.50 set, but I'd tune it down no lower than DGCF. Obviouls, I just cannot see a .105 set doing an adequate job of BEAD.