would this even work?

[Timmay045]

ok, so i've got an issue, and it's with string rension.

I'm currently using a sucky old stagg bc-300. it's not the worst bass in the world but it has PLENTY of issues. I'm fixing to resolve two of em.

first is string tension. I was recently at a music store (demoing 4-stings WAY outta my price range) and it occured to me that every one of the basses i tried had the perfect string tension. I tried a variety of things to improve the tension on my bass, but nothing really seems to work. that's when i entered despiration mode and began wondering whether i could buy five strings (B-E-A-D-G) and use only the first four strings (essentially, tighten the B string to an E string, etc.). is this a plausable idea, or should i kill myself right now?

the other problem i have with the bass is fret rattle. i know that this can be resolved by just playing softer, but that idea doesn't appeal to me. i really don't know what to do about that issue.

any help at all would be appriciated.

[MuzikMan]

I definitely wouldn't recommend tuning strings as tight as you propose. There would be way too much tension and you would be likely to damage your neck. You're not entirely clear what your idea of "perfect tension" is but it sounds like you are equating string tension with fret noise. I suspect that your problem might be more related to the neck on the bass in question. A professional setup (neck relief, intonation, bridge saddle height) should be done before further evaluation.

[Timmay045]

thanks for responding muzikman.

to clarify, the fret buzzing is a separate issue.nothing to do with the tension.

anyway,to put things in perspective, the strings on my bass can stretch back about a half inch while i'm playing. to put it simply, i just don't like how rubberband-ish my strings can get.i know that having a bigger string would reduce that, so, putting 2 and 2 together, i wanted to know if mytheory of using a low B for an E would work.

[Martin Bormann]

Originally Posted by Timmay045

thanks for responding muzikman.

to clarify, the fret buzzing is a separate issue.nothing to do with the tension.

anyway,to put things in perspective, the strings on my bass can stretch back about a half inch while i'm playing. to put it simply, i just don't like how rubberband-ish my strings can get.i know that having a bigger string would reduce that, so, putting 2 and 2 together, i wanted to know if mytheory of using a low B for an E would work.

Perhaps you should take the bass in to get a "setup." Periodically people need to do that. Also are your frets worn out? You might need to have it refret.

[Nashrakh]

Originally Posted by Timmay045

anyway,to put things in perspective, the strings on my bass can stretch back about a half inch while i'm playing. to put it simply, i just don't like how rubberband-ish my strings can get.i know that having a bigger string would reduce that, so, putting 2 and 2 together, i wanted to know if mytheory of using a low B for an E would work.

half an inch?

man, thats bad... do you know what brand your current strings are?

some strings are more "wobbly" than others. Maybe you should try La Bella strings, they are said to be one of the tightest strings around... (you could try string sets with 105 or 110 on the E-string, but the latter may be too much already...)

[Timmay045]

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

half an inch?

man, thats bad... do you know what brand your current strings are?

some strings are more "wobbly" than others. Maybe you should try La Bella strings, they are said to be one of the tightest strings around... (you could try string sets with 105 or 110 on the E-string, but the latter may be too much already...)

i'm using a set of regular old boomers. I'm wondering if the tuning heads might be shot...

oh well, i'm going to go to my shop and get it checked out. i have a warrantee anyway...

oh well, just trying to pass an idea through. I do imagine that if i used a B for an E, the neck would warp and that wouldn't be good. i'll just get it checked out.


and the fret buzz seems to be a part of the model of bass. the cheap-o stagg basses just aren't great, but at least they play

[rollcall]

guitar repairmen such as myself make a living doing setups it needs a neck adjustment

[DocBop]

I've never liked the tension with GHS strings always seems light to me. i use D'Addario strings they seem to be high tension. I would say get a set of new string and head to a good bass repair shop. Explain you problem and what you'd like and they should be able to go over the bass check out the neck and do a setup.

[HaVIC5]

Tuning a set of BEAD strings up to EADG is BAD news, even on the lightest gauge. If you want tension, just get some La Bella flats. Tightest strings out there that won't kill your neck, and they have a great thump to em.