Affordable bass for BEAD?

[kln_bc]

I want to learn a number of metal tunes, and most of them need a B string, or at the very least drop tuning, so I've been putting it off. I've been trying out 5 string models, and I just can't get on with that nut width, so I'm going to grab a 4 string and set it up for BEAD.

I don't want to spend a ton on it, maybe like 1000 at the absolute most (less is better). Was tempted to grab an Ibanez or something because they seem to offer a lot for the money, but I need something with a beefier neck (I've got messed up hands, this helps relieve cramping). Love the 63 neck on my Pro II P bass....so something at least that size, and I prefer the P Bass nut width.

Thoughts?

 

[sgl]

Maybe some 35" scale basses? A Peavey G bass could work well for it if you can find one

 

[kln_bc]

Maybe some 35" scale basses? A Peavey G bass could work well for it if you can find one

Yeah I was thinking if I could find an old Ibanez BTB 4 string (they only make 5's now) thatd be cool. But then the neck is still too slim.

But then I'm gonna string it up with the low 4 strings from a 5 string set anyway so it doesn't "need" to be a longer scale length.

 

[lug]

Understand that a set of BEAD strings typically has slightly less tention than a comperable set of EADG strings on a neck so get whatever you want.

 

[BEADist]

A bass changed to BEAD might need re-intonation and have the saddles moved backwards. Look if there is enough room to do so (you do not want the 'knot' of the string over the saddle). Also some bridges need some modification because the hole or slot of the bridge isn't big / wide enough to accept a B-string. I have 3 basses, 2 needed some modding when converting to BEAD. I do not know how common this is but I thought I would mention.

Good luck!

 

[Supadope]

I think any 4 string could be set up BEAD. You'll just need widen the slots on the nut. I did this to a strat that I wanted to set up like a 7 string. They make files to do that, but you can just use some old round wounds - run the string back and forth like a cable saw.

 

[Supadope]

A bass changed to BEAD might need re-intonation and have the saddles moved backwards. Look if there is enough room to do so (you do not want the 'knot' of the string over the saddle). Also some bridges need some modification because the hole or slot of the bridge isn't big / wide enough to accept a B-string. I have 3 basses, 2 needed some modding when converting to BEAD. I do not know how common this is but I thought I would mention.

Good luck!

User name checks out!

 

[lug]

A bass changed to BEAD might need re-intonation and have the saddles moved backwards. Look if there is enough room to do so (you do not want the 'knot' of the string over the saddle). Also some bridges need some modification because the hole or slot of the bridge isn't big / wide enough to accept a B-string. I have 3 basses, 2 needed some modding when converting to BEAD. I do not know how common this is but I thought I would mention.

Good luck!

Good point, I did have to wallow out the E string bottom loading hole just a tad when I did this with my T40.

 

[Gervais Cote]

A friend of mine bought this to give a try to a 5 string bass. I tried it myself and was really pleased with the neck that was small and playable enough for my small hands.

https://www.amazon.ca/Glarry-Electr...5&sprefix=5+string+glarry+bass,aps,109&sr=8-2

 

[kln_bc]

I know the logistics of the change over, and understand that pretty much any 4 string can be altered...I've worked on a lot of guitars . I guess my biggest issue is finding something that's affordable with a good size neck and humbucker(s).

 

[poochiecheeks]

Epiphone vintage pro Tbird (neck through) or 70s CV jazz bass. Anything with pickups that are not offset/staggered for consistant tone between strings. String heights need to be individually adjustable as the B has to be higher than an E would be in that first string spot. Struggled with that on my 3 point bridge Gibson TBird so the overall action is a compromise at best, but the sound is just incredible

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Yeah, cheapest BEAD bass is one you already have, you may not even have to file the nut, but if you do, no biggie . It’s reversible later by replacing the nut.

 

[Slade N]

Any long scale 4 string bass

 

[thunesBARROW]

If you want a wide neck four string, you could get another Precision and have it setup for BEAD. I’d recommend a PJ because sometimes it’s nice to have the bridge J pickup for the B string.

 

[Wyrdlow]

If you like the feel of a P bass, you could get a Mexican Fender or a Squier - that way you're already getting the feel you like. If you didn't like it, it would be easy to sell too.

 

[Hiroi Kikuri]

a grand IS a lot of money lol...

 

[Discount Bassy]

When needing to purchase a tool, it is possible to spend a large amount of money or very little. If only needed for limited usage, I'd opt for the cheapest workable example and save the tool budget for a really nice hammer that I use every day.

 

[kln_bc]

a grand IS a lot of money lol...

I'm Canadian...everything is expensive here and our dollar is poo. A Fender Player is over a grand here.

 

[micguy]

Any decent long scale 4 string bass will work. If you have one that you don't play because of the dead spot on the G string, well...with BEAD tuning it won't have a G string, so that dead spot is not an issue.

 

[micguy]

I'm Canadian...everything is expensive here and our dollar is poo. A Fender Player is over a grand here.

That would be expensive if the money was real.