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Over four years ago I converted a cheap Ibby (GSR200EX) to BEAD. I optimized a few things, like neck to body joint and bridge to body contact. I removed the active electronics, as those humbuckers are loud enough anyway. This bass, strung with Ernie Ball flatwounds is a beast, period. Here are a few examples.
Now that I think back, I did have to use a tapered reamer to open up the E-string hole on the bridge. That is the only modification I have done. I would post a sound clip, but I'm still a mostly root player and it would be too embarassing after hearing Jay2U's clips.
JB
JB
The formula that relates tension to scale length to pitch was given back on page 2 of this thread. String mass appears in that formula, no other detail of the string construction does. Structurally speaking it is the core of the string that actually carries the tension. The windings would just unravel if you tried to apply tension to them instead of the core. However the windings are there for some reason, aren't they? It would be cheaper to make strings without them! The windings are there to add mass to the string to lower its vibration frequency at any given tension which means you have to apply more tension to get up to any given vibration frequency.
A tension label like you seek would be helpful but since people use any given string at a variety of tunings and scale lengths a simple label like that would not serve everyone, other than to give a general guide. A tension label at some specified pitch and scale length PLUS the mass/length value would let everyone set their tensions up in any pattern that suits them. You can use the mass/length value in the formula on page 2 to calculate the tension for whatever tuning and scale length you use. Some string makers do publish tension charts or information for at least some of their strings: D'Addario, GHS, Kalium, LaBella, and I am sure I have missed someone.
Oookayy...
- None that I know of;
- Anything with 33" scale or longer seems to work; my Carvin LB-20 does;
- I dunno; never played one (and don't want to);
- Intonation seems to be the most frequently mentioned problem;
- Not at the moment;
- You're welcome.
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
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- Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
Bringing up a topic from NOV...I was thinking about this, searching TB threads to see what would need to be done.
The majority of this thread is saying that 34" will work just fine, that you'll probably have to adjust the nut, and that you may have to adjust the bridge (both to accomodate the thicker B string).
One suggestion at 35" was the ESP F-104. In this thread, this guy is having some issues with the BEAD conversion: ESP F-104: Issue with lower string tuning
For those of you who already have basses at BEAD, did you have any similar issues?
The majority of this thread is saying that 34" will work just fine, that you'll probably have to adjust the nut, and that you may have to adjust the bridge (both to accomodate the thicker B string).
One suggestion at 35" was the ESP F-104. In this thread, this guy is having some issues with the BEAD conversion: ESP F-104: Issue with lower string tuning
For those of you who already have basses at BEAD, did you have any similar issues?
No such issues at all for me. Filed the nut, installed new 5 string set (SIT Power Core), did a setup (saddles, truss rod, intonation), and done! I'm playing a Schecter Damien-4 34" scale bass. All strings - including the B - sound great!
It actually comes strung up F#,B,E,A. You know, because metal
Look how huge the string is. If I remember it's a .175. It's number 2 on my gas listLow F# on bass: Too metal for human ears to hear!
I think I remember hearing that Warwick has those strings made by a company who makes cables for suspension bridges.
I bought a set of Rotosound F# .175,maybe not my brightest idea to try on a 34" P-bass
The wee Korg tuner had trouble with F# too
I'm thinking it's something you feel rather than hear. Peavey Patriot took to BEAD well so the Grind might be next for the change.
The wee Korg tuner had trouble with F# tooI'm thinking it's something you feel rather than hear. Peavey Patriot took to BEAD well so the Grind might be next for the change.
No, not really. Had to be retuned several sessions in a row as the strings stretched and settled in, but that is normal. I do need to redo my intonation now that the strings have settled in. I will be double checking the truss rod as well.
JB
I have put C strings on four Fender MIM Jazz Basses and one Squier VI (which is 30 inches!) without any intonation issues. That is half a step higher than B of course but it should not make much difference. Don't know why the ESP owner would have had so much trouble as the ESPs I have handled have all been well built instruments.
