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4 strings tuned BEAD

#81
When I switched I wanted a 5 string bass that did what my 4 string bass did but with the extra string, extra notes and extra flexibility.

I don't see the point in giving up the G string in order to gain a B string. You can turn as many back flips as you want but IMO just bite the bullet and get a proper 5 string bass.
 
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#86
This is the only "real" BEAD bass I know of:

image.jpeg
 
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#89
The Ibanez fanned fret models look like a good conversion platform to BEAD, 35" scale and all you have to do is file the nut. I have a home-brew BEAD project in the planning stages, maybe I'll actually get to it some day...

I can't feel my feet any more, and they are all black and crusty, is that bad?
 
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#91
35" scale is hype. Proper construction and a massive bridge impact WAY more in the quality of a B string. I use my 200€ Epiphone Viola bass (30.5" scale) tuned DAEB live for overdriven fast modern punk stuff, and nobody (even soundguys) could ever tell such "lack of B-string authority" compared to my usual StingRay 5ers in such "tessituras" (besides it definitely gives my old and sore back a break).
 
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#92
bdwgml said:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/string.html

vibstr7.gif
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Be careful, my friend. Square roots are the entry drug for calculus....

If you want to tune low then there are advantages to a 35 inch scale or longer. They are just as telling when tuned EADG for that matter. And if you do all the math and study all the arcane knowledge about "clank tones" and what not you would quickly conclude that nothing less than 60 inches would be sufficient! Except that 80 would be better....

The bottom line is that a new set of strings will convert any 34 inch bass you currently own to BEAD. Try that and see if you like it. Most people who like BEAD at all will be perfectly happy with a 34 inch bass. If 34 inches does not work in your opinion then you can look at longer scales or other 34s to find whatever it is that speaks to you in a B string. I tune all of my four strings to CGDA and they are all 34s. I use C strings that range from 128 to 145 with excellent results and one of them has a Hipshot tuner that will drop as low as an A at a need. Even that sounds pretty good although it is not something I would do very often. In three years I have never done that in fact although I have dropped to a B once in that time period. But I also have a 30 inch Squier VI which I tune CGDAEB starting on a 120 C string. MUCH lower tension but the strings are so tightly spaced that a light touch is needed anyway and the tension has not been an issue for me. Sounds good, plays great, my vote is that 34 inches is good for BEAD!

But what would I know, I always wear socks?!
 
#93
JMacBass65 said:
No



yes



Yes, because my feet were cold.



Any time. Well, not "any" time, exactly, I got stuff to do. But glad I could help, regardless.
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I have done this before. No 35 scale inch is needed. You don't have to go super heavy on the string gauge either. Another aspect is string material. Usually stainless steel feels harder to me than nickel. I have tried a light nickel 5 string set 120-40 and it was ok but I preferred a heavy stainless 4 string set of 110-50.
 
#97
I've got a Fender P Bass tuned BEAD and it sounds just awesome ! As for 35' scale basses, I know Spectors are usually tuned down, and many owners I read here use the BEAD as well. In fact, I purchased one recently from a TBer and when it gets home I'll tune it BEAD without any hesitation !
 
#99
Mantis Tobaggan said:
I thought about doing this but i am unsure in how the different tension would affect a neck that is designed to hold EADG. Would it cause the neck to twist? Also, you would need a nut designed to hold those strings instead of EADG
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The low strings have lower tension than high strings. By adding an even lower tension with the B, you're removing the G, which is extremely high tension. Like I mentioned earlier, I have an Ibanez Talman that I use for B-E-A-D, a cheap, low priced instrument, and it has held up very well.
 
#100
Rocked BEAD for years.

Found minimal benefit going 35" instead of 34" scale.

The best thing is to know how to setup the bass. Doing tension calculations to determine custom gauges helps playability - at least for me, I prefer more balanced tension. Tapered B string is underrated. No need to modify the bridge saddle.

Will you miss the G? Depends on how you play. When I use a 5 I found myself rarely using the G.

Another cool tuning is DGCF. With a Drop Tuner you can get the low C. I realize I don't use B1 that often.
 
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