Tuning a four string bass BEAD will I miss having a G string? I don't like the feel of a 5 string.
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4 String Tuned BEAD
- Thread starter Ron G
- Start date
You'll have to get a heavier string gauge if you tune down that much. Which may also mean you have to get a new nut. (I didn't like fives at first either but you get used to them (I now play both))
I have my Cirrus4 strung that way. If you have a 35+" scale and a 24 fret neck you are only giving up one note over a fender 20 fret neck It takes a little more hand shifting. You will have to modify your nut. Roto Drop Zones 65-130 work great
Yes you will. You think you don't use the G string that much but you do. At least that's what I found when I tried this many years ago.
And as others have pointed out, you'll have to use the bottom strings of a 5 string set and file the nut to fit them. That means to go back to a 4 string EADG setup you'll need a new nut. Not a biggie, but something to think about.
Since you don't like the "feel" of a 5 and it's important to never go against your feelings, here's the secret: For those couple of low notes that you almost never need, you'll find that your 4 stringer actually has those same notes an octave higher! You can use those and they almost work as well as the 5 stringer notes! And your feelings don't get rubbed the wrong way.
OK?
I've done the BEAD tuning for the same reason. I did have to file the nut a bit, and chose 65-85-105-125 gauge strings. While it worked fine, I've since tuned to standard D. DGCF, and find that much more useful. You could get away with a .110 D string if you choose to tune D standard, and NOT have to file your nut, (ouch).
Yes you will. You think you don't use the G string that much but you do. At least that's what I found when I tried this many years ago.
And as others have pointed out, you'll have to use the bottom strings of a 5 string set and file the nut to fit them. That means to go back to a 4 string EADG setup you'll need a new nut. Not a biggie, but something to think about.
Since you don't like the "feel" of a 5 and it's important to never go against your feelings, here's the secret: For those couple of low notes that you almost never need, you'll find that your 4 stringer actually has those same notes an octave higher! You can use those and they almost work as well as the 5 stringer notes! And your feelings don't get rubbed the wrong way.
OK?
I`d just get a 5-string. Nothing beats that low B.
Depends, if you play on the low B string a lot, then a BEAD bass could be great alt to a fiver with G string not missed. ESP Ltd makes a couple four strings spec designed for this in the F series. Nut ect allready done for BEAD bass strings and 35" scale.
One time up in Lake Tahoe I played for 3 nights in a row without a G string and that's when I was still playing 4 string bass. Now I play only 5 string and could still play without the G string if I had to.
.110 B will be flopping like a fish. Buy the SX, work with the nut and use the lowest four strings from a 5-string set. A .110 B-string will sound and feel awful. Just IMO.
I've had one of my basses tuned BEAD for a while. I don't miss the G. But I generally use it to play downtuned metal stuff.
The nut will need some filing, but otherwise, it works fine. I just use the bottom four strings from a five string set.
The nut will need some filing, but otherwise, it works fine. I just use the bottom four strings from a five string set.
My new bass is on the way (SX P/J), If .110 B string will sound and feel awful how about .120 DR or Fender 7250L.
.110 for B? Way too small.
I use 50 /70 / 90 /110 for DGCF which is about the right tension IMO
For BEAD I'd use 65 / 85 / 105 / 130tw, but that's me
The "Strings" Forum can be helpful
I use 50 /70 / 90 /110 for DGCF which is about the right tension IMO
For BEAD I'd use 65 / 85 / 105 / 130tw, but that's me
The "Strings" Forum can be helpful
I've tuned to BEAD as I needed the low B & low D and I did not like the sound from the G string. Trade-in on my axe was way to low and I could not afford another bass. I've added a .130 - not sorry I did the change.
I've read about some guys going back to EADG, but that urge has been very far away from me up to now and I don't think it will hit me soon.
I've read about some guys going back to EADG, but that urge has been very far away from me up to now and I don't think it will hit me soon.
A couple years ago I bought an Ibanez BTB200 for this setup. 35" scale but came setup for standard tuning. Had to file nut,buy strings, and adjust the truss rod. You know, for how popular modern metal is, there arent many options out there for this configuration. It was this Ibanez and an ESP (300-330$), then some high end stuff for at LEAST a grand.
Mostly depends on what and how you play. I play a fiver, but I probably would not miss a G string very much. I will almost always play the higher stuff higher on the neck of the lower pitches strings. I just prefer the tone. If you use your G string a lot now, then you are likely to miss it.
