downtuning to BEAD on 4 string bass

entertoexit · #1 02-20-2011, 10:25 AM

I'm not sure if this is the proper forum for this thread. Mods feel free to move it if it is not.

Currently my bass is at the shop being setup and restrung. I opted to downtune to BEAD. This requires a custom filed nut on my bass, so that's being done as well. I'm really looking forward to having the extra 5 low notes personally, and I basically never used my G string at all.

Has anyone else opted for this tuning? What was your experience with it? Even other odd tunings like CFCD opinions are welcome. What can I expect technique wise?

Here's hoping on not the only one who doesn't Conform!

Stevieconlon · #2 02-20-2011, 10:36 AM

yes

I have three basses tuned BEAD and like it a lot.
A number of players use this tuning.
It does require setup and nut work for the strings you use and the tuning.

ZombieSpacebat · #3 02-20-2011, 10:36 AM

It's a fairly common thing to do, if i didn't have my 5 string then i would definitely have to have one of my 4 stringers tuned like that.

entertoexit · #4 02-20-2011, 10:42 AM

Originally I planned to buy a Shechter Omen in a 4 string, but now I'm thinking about getting a Schecter Damien in a 5 string. I love a low B. But having a G can't hurt either. But for now, I'll stick to my 4 string downtuned.

I'm kinda glad I'm not the only one... any famous or notable players playing this tuning? I'd love to watch some videos and get some tabs down.

Josh Pelican · #5 02-20-2011, 10:44 AM

My Spector is strung BEAD (well, drop B to be exact). If you can get tapered strings, like Circle K, you won't need to file the nut very much, or at all. Circle K have custom sets for any tuning you desire.

I had another four string setup for BEAD as well. It's one of my favorite setups.

entertoexit · #6 02-20-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh Pelican

My Spector is strung BEAD (well, drop B to be exact).

If you can get tapered strings, like Circle K, you won't need to file the nut very much, or at all.

I'm having DR lo riders put on... luckily nuts are cheap and easy to swap out so I figured having a custom nut and the original one would work out great for me.

Ric5 · #7 02-20-2011, 10:47 AM

I tried BEAD and I really missed the G string. So I went to BEADG

Phendyr_Loon · #8 02-20-2011, 10:56 AM

The BEAD tuning works well for my jazz bass too. One of my concerns going into it was the 1.5" nut width, but I don't notice a significant change in string spacing at the nut.

The first two weeks of playing the new setup, I grabbed the low "D" thinking it was a "G" more times than I can count!

MikeBass · #9 02-20-2011, 11:04 AM

I have a HipShot D-Tuner on my PRS 4 with the new Double Stop lever. I have the bass in normal tuning- EADG. But have the lever set for drop D in first setting and then drop B in second setting.

So
EADG
DADG
BADG

It took a while to really get used to it that way in drop B. But after a while, I can get around pretty good.
Kinda have to be a little cautious on that E string dropped that low (I use a .105) and not bang away. But I have a VERY light touch, so it doesn't get to weird.
But it can get a little out sounding if I dig in too hard on it.

I say if you only need to go lower than E every now and then, get a HipShot.

entertoexit · #10 02-20-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeBass

I have a HipShot D-Tuner on my PRS 4 with the new Double Stop lever. I have the bass in normal tuning- EADG. But have the lever set for drop D in first setting and then drop B in second setting.

So
EADG
DADG
BADG

It took a while to really get used to it that way in drop B. But after a while, I can get around pretty good.
Kinda have to be a little cautious on that E string dropped that low (I use a .105) and not bang away. But I have a VERY light touch, so it doesn't get to weird.
But it can get a little out sounding if I dig in too hard on it.

I say if you only need to go lower than E every now and then, get a HipShot.

I found a website that sells a hipshot tuner in the exact size and style my bass has for like $70. Its something to think about, I'd love to be able to go from E to C to B without hassle. I play alot of black metal and prog rock and really use those low notes. Thanks for the tip!

Edit: is tension something to fear with a hipshot tuner? I use a medium gauge string.

mech · #11 02-20-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entertoexit

....is tension something to fear with a hipshot tuner? I use a medium gauge string.

Yep. Drop D will do fine. Drop C or B will be floppy. If you don't use the G that much go BEAD.

mech

eaaa410 · #12 02-21-2011, 07:43 AM

I use BEAD on my one and only bass. I think it largely depends on the type of music you tend to play. I use mine for church and find that the patterns and positions are more natural. The low Eb is essential and I can't think of one time I have ever used the G string in a hymn. It is kind of pain to transpose everything else, there aren't any BEAD tabs. I see it as a good compromise to a 5 string for those that don't really need one.

MikeBass · #13 02-21-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mech

Yep. Drop D will do fine. Drop C or B will be floppy. If you don't use the G that much go BEAD.

mech

It's floppy yeah, but not as much as you would think.
I have a youtube video of the HipShot dropped down to C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU-Vdgji8sw
Go to about halfway or two thirds through to see the HipShot part.

At the time I was using a .100 E, I use a .105 now and it helped.

If you do get the HipShot, you have to order the Double Stop lever to get both positions.

If you're a heavy pick player or just have a heavy touch, then it might not be the best idea, but if you're fairly light to med and consistent in your right hand, you should be fine.
I use the snot out of mine with not a lot of issues.

entertoexit · #14 02-21-2011, 05:53 PM

Well I just got my bass back today and the B is rather floppy... but nothing that impedes my playing. I'm trying to use a lighter finger stroke and I find that my sound is tighter when I do anyway, so it almost forces me to be a better, tighter bass player. The rest of the setup is spectacular... he even put in custom cut height screws on the bridge in a hollow center style that makes them appear invisible.

Daniel J · #15 02-21-2011, 06:37 PM

I played several different 4 bangers tuned BEAD for years and still have one that way. I much prefer the neck of a 4 string in my hands, and I really like the extended low range. It was great for the band I was in for 6+ years.

It surely took some specific setup and light, cheap, and easy mods; nut, bridge, setup, and I used a neck shim to get the action the way I like with one bass.

What I discovered very quickly when I went BEAD was that with some basses the B was just terrible and floppier then a *I don't know what* and took some serious EQ/effects to make it marginally acceptable to me.

Classic things that make a B string tight make a big difference as to what bass you set up this way IMO. I gigged a Fender P (57 reissue) setup BEAD and the B was terrible.

I have since re-set that P to EADG and am much happier with it.

The best results I've gotten with a 4 banger BEAD setup was a '77 Gibson G3. Amazing B string. Tighter then some B's I've experienced on 5 string basses. I attribute this to the larger neck break angle, string through body, and 34.5 inch scale. It's a Gibson bass so say what you will about it, but I think it's a great one to set up BEAD. It has a dry and thick piano like tone IMHO and recorded really well for me. On stage it would fill the room with thick fundamental.

I digress... I hope this was helpful or informative in any way

Cheers and have fun with it. You can always spend a few bucks (unless you are skilled enough and confident enough to work on your own basses...then it's virtually free minus parts!) and put it back to EADG if it doesn't work out with a particular bass.