Bad for my bass?

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

 

Lots of players do this. Shouldn't be a problem, just get it set up properly.

 

The neck doesn't need more strength. There will be less tension on the neck when strung BEAD than EADG.

 

what what?

 

BEAD is lower in pitch by a 4th, so the tension on the neck will be lower.

 

mmm yes, but i though that the fatter string in some way bends that neck more...(???)

 

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.

 

Or do some filing.

 

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?

 

wow. I'm surprised that the difference is that high...