5 String set on a 4 string bass.

[PrinceCinnaBoot]

So, I was just wondering, would it be possible to use a pack of 5 strings on a 4 string bass? I figure you'd either replace the E with the B, or maybe just omit the original G, leaving the bigger strings.
But my question is, would that damage my nut? And would it make any REAL difference in my tone?
Any help would be much appreciated

 

[kb9wyz]

You can use pretty much whatever strings you want, but you're right to think that there are other considerations.

First, if you're going with strings that much heavier, you should be drop tuning. The neck on any stringed instrument is designed for a certain range of tension to be held by it. Go outside of this range, and you will not be happy with the result. (Or I guess you could damage the neck in extreme circumstances). You can find guides that will show approximate tension on a gauge of string at a particular tuning. D'Addario has one on their website for their strings. I would imagine that this can be used to approximate other brands.

Second, the jump up in size will require that you do work on the nut. The difference between the string sizes will most likely mean that nothing will sit in the nut correctly. Just leaving the strings sitting on top may result in nut damage. It will definitely result in damage to the playability, action, and tone of your bass.

You may want to go with a custom set if you're not tuning BEAD. This is at least my experience.

 

[PrinceCinnaBoot]

I see. And I normally have my bass a half step down, so down-tuning isn't much of a concern.

And while I'm at it, are there any strings in particular you'd suggest for a good beefy tone, with nice mids?

Thank you, sir :]

 

[dudelove]

my yamaha has many owners before me, some one fil it so thicker string can fit on it, but it doesnt have any problem to use "normal" strings, but i think the tone was diffrent before

 

[john grey]

Speaking of Yamaha.....They might be some of the best strings I have ever used. They also appear to have a heavier E (105). Worth a try if you want something different: I really like them. They seem to stay bright for a very long time. They are not too easy to find; some places that sell Yamaha stringed instruments have their Bass strings.

 

[Turock]

If you tune it BEAD you will have less tension on the neck.

 

[RickenBoogie]

If you're only going a half step down, there's no reason to use a 5 string set at all. There are plenty of 4 string sets with a .110 E string that would be p-lenty good. The only reason to use the 5 string set is if you're tuning BEAD, or even D standard, DGCF. The nut would most likely need to be filed out a bit to fit the larger strings, and yes, BEAD would create LESS tension on the neck, so a set up would also be required.

 

[pi_r_squared]

I tune BEAD and do this all the time. You have to tweak the intonation a little, open up the top nut a little. The down side, you end up (oh this sounds sooooo wrong) with a bunch of un-used g-strings in your case, better than used ones, I suppose.....sorry, couldn't resist

 

[xxfaux_punkxx]

hmm this is interesting since i was planning on doing this to my bass (birthday money coming soon HELLLO new strings).

What if you kept it tuned EADG but used a lighter set of strings for something that's like 40 - 120?

 

[dudelove]

Speaking of Yamaha.....They might be some of the best strings I have ever used. They also appear to have a heavier E (105). Worth a try if you want something different: I really like them. They seem to stay bright for a very long time. They are not too easy to find; some places that sell Yamaha stringed instruments have their Bass strings.

i never says strings by yamaha, but bass by yamaha
the best i ever used is slinky, they are bright, but sounds great, but the best i ever used on four to bead tuning is Rotosound RB45-5 Roto Bass 45-130