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BEAD tuning on a 4 string

#4
None.

Start with a fresh set of strings.

Assume you'll have to loosen the truss rod a half rotation or so if you're sticking with the already fat string sizes you've currently got tuned up to EADG.

I'd not use Rotos for practicing, save them for tone-priority gigs and studio work as their great fresh sound dies really quick even with vigilant pre-play hand washing and post-play string wipedown.
 
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#5
JohnJr said:
I would like to detune to BEAD.
I have a peavey dyna 4 string bass guitar with roto sound 65-75-100-115 strings
a Bugera 2000-watt amplifier
and 2, 2-10" speaker cabinets rated at1600 watts.
What are the downsides of doing this.
Click to expand...
It's doable. You need a light touch if you're sticking with the current strings. If you go to the larger standard string sizes for BEAD, you'll need to do some nut work and probably tighten the truss rod a little. I just tried downtuning my fender Meteora like you are suggesting. I ultimately chose to go all in and get the standard bead string sizes as the lighter gauge strings felt too loose to me. Now it has a tight B that sounds monstrous.
 
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#9
Slade N said:
I suggest these, they are very stable strings for down tuning - https://www.drstrings.com/ddt-bass
Click to expand...

+1 on the DDTs. I strung my rat rod BEAD using these strings and they work really well.

IMG_5577.jpeg
 
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#12
There have been several long threads on the subject recently. So definitely seek them out for lots of good information.

To summarize my BEAD conversions:
  • Use proper string gauges. Either a specialized set like the previously mentioned DDTs, or a 5-string set will work. I like the SIT Power Wound nickel strings with the .130 B string.
  • File the nut and bridge saddles if necessary to accommodate the wider strings. Remember to widen only. Be careful not to file lower than the existing cuts.
  • Perform a standard setup, including adjustments to the truss rod, bridge saddle height, and intonation.
Good luck!
 
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#13
There are excellent light gauge 5 string sets available. I have several 34" scale 4 bangers strung BEAD with 120 B strings. These gauges (which I prefer anyway) will not require the nut of a conventional EADG bass to be re-filed, just a regular setup with no irreversible mods. I use DR Fat Beams & Pure Blues, Rotosound Swing Bass and la Bella Low Tension Flats, but other companies also make 5 string sets with a 120 B. Trying to tune BEAD with a set designed for EADG is like taking a road bike with skinny tires down a mountain trail; you'll make it to the end but it won't be fun. If you want to see what a BEAD 4 can feel and sound like, it's worth doing properly, and not worth doing badly.
 
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#14
JohnJr said:
I would like to detune to BEAD.
I have a peavey dyna 4 string bass guitar with roto sound 65-75-100-115 strings
a Bugera 2000-watt amplifier
and 2, 2-10" speaker cabinets rated at1600 watts.
What are the downsides of doing this.
Click to expand...
I did that with good success. Before I got 6t's I thought I'd experiment and got a 5 string set, omitted the G and strung it onto a cheap used Celebrity (by Ovation!)
I didn't adjust the truss rod but did raise the bridge saddles a bit.
I didn't groove out and he nut either. It was a cheap $80.00 used bass so I let the strings gnaw their way in.
It took done refiguring but was a blast to play
I finally got into the 5 and eventually the 6 string world, so I converted the lowly Celebrity back and still dig it out from time to time and pretend I'm in some 80s hair band lol
 
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#15
Just be aware that a nut filed for the gauges you would use with BEAD will most likely cause buzzing with the gauges you would normally use with EADG. Which means that filing your current nut for BEAD isn't really reversible if you ever want to go back to EADG. You'll have to get a new nut made.

Of course you can use stuff like baking soda+superglue to fill in the nut slots an re-file them for EADG but personally I see methods like this as a temporary emergency fix. It also has the potential to get REALLY messy if you don't know what you're doing!
 
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#18
I just ordered a set of flatwounds to do the same. From what I read, flats have a higher tension, thus being able to down tune further but maintain the current nut slot. I haven't done it yet because I want to make some before and after recordings of it.
 
#19
JohnJr said:
I would like to detune to BEAD.
I have a peavey dyna 4 string bass guitar with roto sound 65-75-100-115 strings
a Bugera 2000-watt amplifier
and 2, 2-10" speaker cabinets rated at1600 watts.
What are the downsides of doing this.
Click to expand...

I don't see a downside as far as the guitar side other that when you tune to BEAD, along with these low notes you are gaining, you losing a corresponding amount on notes from upper range of your bass. If that isn't and important factor your good.

I do have questions with regard to your rig, specifically your cabs.

RE: Cabs Questions

Ohm rating of each cab?

!,600 watts combined or each?

1,600 watts RMS or peak power?

Brand and model?
 
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#20
My only 4 string is tuned BEAD. I use the DR LoRider SS 60 80 100 120 out of their light 5 string set. Works perfect. Sounds amazing. Just remember to do the intonation on your bridge and you will be fine.
 

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