Stringing B-E-A-D on a 4 stringer.

DeepCalls2Deep · #1 06-27-2007, 07:18 PM

As a faithful 5 string guy, I am used to having those few extra notes that a low B gives. However, I would like to try a 4 string strung lower. I rarely play the G string on my 5'er, so I know loosing it won't be a huge gap to overcome.

I know this has been done, and can be done (Timmy C comes to mind, but is NOT why I am choosing to do it), so my question is, has anyone done it before?

If so, what kind of mods/changes need to happen? I know filing the nut for the larger strings, but is there anything else?

Jonny B · #2 06-27-2007, 07:27 PM

Nope, not really. You'll probably need to make a slight adjustment to the truss rod, as well as filing the nut but that's about it.

Thunder Pulse · #3 06-27-2007, 07:29 PM

I just searched for "BEAD", subject line only, and got 66 results.

bassic_element · #4 06-27-2007, 07:31 PM

I did it on my AV 75 RI with just a bit of truss rod adjustment! and let me say the B string was great!

PilbaraBass · #5 06-27-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonny B

Nope, not really. You'll probably need to make a slight adjustment to the truss rod, as well as filing the nut but that's about it.

I did mine on a cheap bass with a cheap bridge...and the hole in the bridge needed to be enlarged slightly to allow my 0.130 B string to pass through...

other than that, a bit of a nut filing (i used the string itsself, since they were round wounds)...truss rod adjustment...and, of course, you will need to adjust action and intonation...

not hard to do at all..

Jonny B · #6 06-27-2007, 07:58 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot about intonation. Good call PilbaraBass.

DeepCalls2Deep · #7 06-27-2007, 08:52 PM

Thanks for the info guys, it was much appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

I just searched for "BEAD", subject line only, and got 66 results.

Pardon me for being a bit tired and rushed, and not searching. On a side note, I only found 29 posts.

johnvice · #8 06-28-2007, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeepCalls2Deep

As a faithful 5 string guy, I am used to having those few extra notes that a low B gives. However, I would like to try a 4 string strung lower. I rarely play the G string on my 5'er, so I know loosing it won't be a huge gap to overcome.

I know this has been done, and can be done (Timmy C comes to mind, but is NOT why I am choosing to do it), so my question is, has anyone done it before?

If so, what kind of mods/changes need to happen? I know filing the nut for the larger strings, but is there anything else?

I think Ross Valory of Journey does this.

ducatiman · #9 07-01-2007, 05:07 PM

i recently went the BEAD route on my MIM jazz. minor adjustments to bridge heights, intonaton, nut slots did the trick. using XL170-5 d'addario strings. love it, not lookin back.

--------------duc

pablomigraine · #10 07-01-2007, 05:14 PM

I recently switched from a 5 string tuned (ADGCF) to a four string which will alternate between Drop C (CGCF) and D standard DGCF.

For this I bought a set of Daddario XL nickel 5 string Xtra lites, and just discarded the G string. This gives a great feel and isnt too floppy.... you might try using a lighter gauge 5 string set to avoid filing the nut.... as there's no going back after that......

PilbaraBass · #11 07-01-2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

you might try using a lighter gauge 5 string set to avoid filing the nut.... as there's no going back after that......

I disagree...

for one...nut changes are not rocket science and anyone with some basic tools and a sense for detail can slot a new nut...

but, aside from this, there are even things that can be done to a filed-out nut...such as filling and re-filing...

finally, when going back, always just try the nut, AS IS, first...many bassists have used piccolo sets in standard nuts without issue, the same philosophy applies here...