Tuning a 4 banger down to B standard

[Infiltration12]

I'm performing OM- Cremation Ghat I at my school's annual "Coffee House" show in about a month. I can play the song on either my five string Lakland 55-01 or my four string Stingray 4, but I find the Stingray much more playable and it causes less fatigue on my hand since the bassline is pretty busy.

My 'Ray has some heavy guage Ernie Ball strings on it, because I often tune down to D or C standard because I like to learn songs from my favorite black and death metal bands. However, I never have changed the setup since my Uncle gave it to me in standard tuning. Will I be OK to tune down to BEAD on the Stingray or could I cause some real damage in the few practices I plan on having and the performance itself? I would tune it back up in between practices and playing of course.

Thanks for reading.

[Fair Warning]

My tech says that a new set of BEAD strings tension in the neck is not that different than the EADG set. I play a 5 string where I know I need the range, but my 4 string is set up with a 5 string set, starting with a 125. On a 34inch scale bass, this set feels good to me. If you like stiffer action, maybe you should try a 5 string set starting with the 130.

[Infiltration12]

Thanks, FW. the set of strings on there definitely isn't heavy enough to be considered a five string set, so perhaps I will get a five string set put on there to be safe.

[testing1two]

Just remember that the BEAD strings won't fit properly in the EADG nut slots. You may have some tuning issues if you don't open the slots up. The problem is that this change is irreversible.

[madmatt]

I have found that I like regular strings tuned bead. The action is downright crazy floppy and makes for some pretty funky "tone" for lack of a better word.

[entertoexit]

Originally Posted by testing1two

Just remember that the BEAD strings won't fit properly in the EADG nut slots. You may have some tuning issues if you don't open the slots up. The problem is that this change is irreversible.

I had mine tuned to BEAD and had the shop custom file a nut for me, then I kept the original nut as well. They are super easy to swap out with a good 2 days of drying and setting time.

I use a medium gauge DR lorider 5 set, and love the fact that I can go to C or D with one or 2 quick twists. Its a little bit of work, sure... but it was all worth it.

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by entertoexit

I had mine tuned to BEAD and had the shop custom file a nut for me, then I kept the original nut as well. They are super easy to swap out . . .

^^^This

Look for a B string with the same tension as your current E string - it will save you setup time.

If you like .100 at E look for a .136. If you prefer .105 for E find a .140.

[Infiltration12]

I just remebered that these strings I currently have are the Ernie Ball Power Slinky Bass Nickel Wound .055 - .110 set. Will these be OK to tune down to BEAD with since they are such a heavy guage? Or should I get a 5 string set?

[jtc_hunter]

All my basses are tuned BEAD. The very best you can do is get a tusq or bone nut , and a set of Circle K balanced 142's. Dont let the large gauge scare you, they are easy on the fingers and you will have the correct tension for great tone. I actually use .150's, but if that scares you, go with .142's