Is it possible to do this and has any one tried?

[jpalir]

I have always been curios to see if I can install a low B on my four string. Just a B E A D without the G. Are there any issues in doing so?

[Dave M]

Not too uncommon at all. You would have to make sure the nut is cut properly for the strings. Then setup the bass as normal.

[garmenteros]

Lots of people do it, your going to need to adjust the bridge for appropriate intonation, and you might have to file the nut a bit for thicker strings although sometimes some nuts can handle larger string sizes...

A player that comes to mind that does this is tim c. of rage against the machine if I'm not mistaken...

[jpalir]

Really? Any advice for setting the nut?

[jpalir]

Is it possible the intonation could be so far off I could have issues?

[hdracer]

It's easy, just have to open up the nut slots and give it a full set up. Truss rod, bridge. I have my Cirrus set up that way

[jpalir]

Any recommend guage strings?

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by jpalir

Is it possible the intonation could be so far off I could have issues?

If You mean without any adjustment to the bridge, yes, You'll have issues.

If You mean the required room for adjustment on the B-saddle, possibly. On some bridges and on some basses, there's not enough room to back the saddle enough.

Roughly, You eye the existing (correct intonation) positions and transfer them directly, extrapolating the B obviously.

I wouldn't use less than .135 B.

Regards
Sam

[NKUSigEp]

Originally Posted by jpalir

Is it possible the intonation could be so far off I could have issues?

Do you know how to set your intonation? Because you WILL have to adjust it. It's not a big deal, but if you're not familiar with how to do this, that is the absolutely numero uno thing you should learn to do.

[Joospocks]

Originally Posted by jpalir

Any recommend guage strings?

.130-.065 or something around there, in my opinion.

[jpalir]

Yes I can do a full set up

[BassBerg]

I just did this to an SX jazz bass and it went alot smoother than I was expecting. The nut did have to be cut to fit the new strings gauge...65-85-105-125. Also had to tweek the saddles for intonation, but only a little. My only concern is if you decide to go back to E-A-D-G you may need to replace the nut.

[jpalir]

Actually going to Guitar Center today to buy a brand new bass for this setup. If they have what I want in house that is.

Some of my concern was the low b saddle. I have been there before and run out of room on one of my 5 strings with a normal setup. ( B E A D G )

In that case what is the fix?

[Tommygunn]

I did BEAD with just regular strings just fine. I didn't notice any intonation problems. And the string tension, was looser but wasn't unbalanced.

[mech]

Be careful to just widen the nut slots and not make them deeper.

The saddles will need to be moved about 1/8" toward the butt of the guitar. You can remove the spring if it stacks up since it only holds the saddle in place with no string. I have had to enlarge the hole for the B string in a couple of bridges to 5/32" dia. Back bow on the neck may need a slight adjustment.

I've been doing this since the mid 90s. Changing back to EADG is no problem. I have 5 basses set up this way and change one back to EADG for open jam nights when I know someone will need a "normal" 4 string.

mech

[JLS]

Originally Posted by jpalir

Really? Any advice for setting the nut?

Nut files.

[jpalir]

Thanks mech.

[jpalir]

Brand new Geddy Lee Jazz Bass purchased and one all project under way.

[jpalir]

*small

[Hookus]

A tapered B will help if you have intonation issues. They also give you a little better witness point, IMO.