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Advice requested: BEAD or DADG setup

PCR

PCR

Apr 11, 2008
606
634
#1
Hi folks,

I normally play EADG on my Fender Jazz using DR K3 coated strings. I drop down to DADG for a couple songs in our set, and everything is cool. All my guitars are 4 strings.

I recently joined a band that needs to go lower, and I don't have the funds to buy a 5 string at this point.

I can go DADG, but BEAD would be good too. I tried a set of DR Low Riders (stiffer) [45-65-85-105] to DADG, which works reasonably well, but going to BEAD was a floppy mess.

Honestly, I'm new to playing full time in Drop D, and a complete novice at BEAD.

What's a good set up for Drop D or BEAD?

I have not tried DR DDT strings: any weight better for either DADG or BEAD?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

PCR985
 
#2
Do you know what key the songs are in?

Both have there benefits. BEAD makes it a little easier to run scales onto the 4th string. It also let's you have options if you are playing in B a lot. DADG gives you an open D which can be helpful for songs in D. It also gives you some higher notes missing in the other tuning.
 
#3
I’m awaiting a set of Black Beauty heavy taper strings for my Dolphin, intending to tune to D standard. The heavy taper black beauties have a .110 Low string and the set is on a hex core. This would give you the strings you are used to with a slight higher tension than the Lo Riders.

Seeing as how you are starting a new gig I would suggest trying to get used to drop D. Having an open D is a lot easier than 3rd fret on the B when the guitar has an open D as well. I play 5’s primarily for comfort and found myself tuning to BDADG or even ADADG for ease of playing and heavier tone.

DDTs are great sounding strings, and would be a great choice for BEAD in .125 set or up. I have used as low as .115 for a B and it worked but was pretty loose.
 
#4
Do not switch between DADG and BEAD, it is too much of a difference, it will cause extreme tension and setup problems.
What tuning you choose depends on what lowest note is required of you, then use that for the lowest string.
 
#7
I have a S U B which I fitted with Dunlop 60/120 stainless steel strings. I tuned it to b e a d , I had to raise the action slightly and did a small truss rod and pickup adjustment. I just did not care for that tuning; it becomes confusing with my other four string basses in std tune. I tried d a d g and then 1/2 step down; d#,g#c#,f#. This bass is my beater so I frequently tune from standard e, a, d, g, to 1/2 step down for blues tunes or to d, a, d, g, with no issues. Usually I keep it 1/2 step down I’m playing a lot of blues but no issues. Maybe this will help.
 
#8
I'm a BEAD only player. For strings I buy 5 string sets and dispose of the G or let the store keep them.

With only the low strings I think it's helpful to use a HPF or dial back the bass and boost the upper mids a little so that you can play some of the notes an octave down without getting boomy or muddy.
 
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#9
I would use BEAD if I was routinely playing a four.
I find I get more use and benefit from a low B than the high G, and you can always shift up to the fifth fret and play all the patterns you know from there, which you can’t do as easily if you’ve dropped the bottom string and changed the interval.

I would go for a 60-120 set, that’s the bottom four of the six-string set I use.
 

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