Hi, new guy here. Wondering if my current string setup has/will have any ill effects on my guitar. I like the deep sounds of a 5-string but don't like playing the bigger neck so I put the 4 thickest strings on my standard 4-string bass. So instead of the E-A-D-G setup, I'm playing a B-E-A-D* Thoughts? *to clear up any confusion, I'm tuning it B-E-A-D (not E-A-D-G with thicker strings)
yeah i was actually thinking of doing that to my Precision once i get something new... I expect it would be harmless, because that necks always have more strength than they need
The neck doesn't need more strength. There will be less tension on the neck when strung BEAD than EADG.
I understand your confusion...but check out these tension specs on page two of this .pdf document for TI Power Bass strings. Click Here! Joe.
You're right in thinking that there is more mass in the thicker string, but it won't be tuned as an E so there will be less tension thus floppier.
Tuning like that would work and I've seen basses do that, but you might run into a problem with your nut not being able to fit the thicker strings. So you may have to get one made.
Don't let a simple nut replacement be an impediment to you though. They are generally relatively inexpensive (50 bucks), and if you really want to go BEAD, that's really all it takes.
You can 'massage' the nut if need be. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, take your bass to a qualified tech.
+1 on less tension You also may want to shift 3 of your saddles over and modify a spare bridge saddle for the B - depends on your bridge. See this current thread in strings: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232873 Peace, S
I don't think he's changing the string gauge if i understand his first post As mentioned, you can tune down, your tension will decrease on your neck and it probably will shift. In which case a slight tweak of your truss rod and re-intonate and done. Is this a one time thing or are you switching between B-D and E-G often?
Hey guys, thanks for all the responses so far. Correct, the string gauge will stay the same (I think I play 45's). There'll be no switching or alternate tunings, the B-E-A-D setup will be permanent. I've been playing an entry level Yamaha and it seems to have held up really well with the thicker strings, I don't remember adjusting anything come to think of it (action, intonation, nut filing). It stays in tune ALL the time (plus I keep it in a hard case). I recently invested in a Jazz Bass, and I'm thinking of setting it up the same way ASAP. Any last minute advice?
