Are the E-G strings of a 5-string set the same as the equivalent 4-string set?

[iiipopes]

As above: usually they are the same. Confirm by reading the gauges on the package or consulting the manufacturer's web site.

 

[Slevage]

Usually yes.
I use to have to buy a six string set to get a high C for my fivers. I’d easily sell the low B.
Lately it’s been easier to get a high C single, so that’s what I purchase along wit a four string set.

 

[in tune]

If they have the same gauge ...they're the same...

 

[Plain Old Barry]

If both sets were nickel, I'm surprised the seller didn't tell the OP to simply toss or give away the B string and save the postage and time. I suspect the RS665 may have been stainless steel, not nickel as ordered, even if the same guage.

FWIW, all but one of my basses use D'Addario XL's. The spare set I keep in my gig box is a five string set, as the first four are identical with the four string set, so only one package of spare strings is needed. I've never actually used a spare string at a gig, so being prepared must provided good juju.

 

[themickster]

I ordered a couple of sets of Rotosound RS66LDN 45-105 nickel-wounds on eBay, but I received 5-string RS665 45-130s. The supplier is becoming a problem with what to do, and I might have to just stop arguing.

If I end up keeping the strings, can I use the 45-105 four as a standard 4-string set and just put the 130 B string aside, or are those four strings different from a 4-string 45-105 set?

And no, I don't want to start filing nuts and downtuning.

Your best bet is to buy a 5er bass. That way you won't be sinking money on an unused string.

 

[Zooberwerx]

A cast-off B string can be re-purposed as a "snake" to unclog the drains in your vehicle's sun roof.

Riis

 

[micguy]

Yes, and if you want a B that actually matches the set tension wise, it's better to buy 4 string sets and buy the B as a single (in a larger guage so it isn't floppy)

 

[TrevorR]

michael_t answered the question. My thought was that the G string would be shorter, because the post location is switched to the opposite side of the headstock.View attachment 5311626

No. Because… …that’s not always the case!