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Best bass for B E A D tuning.

#41
I've done it with both Squier VM Jaguar and an Ibanez SR. No problems with either one. I doubt you need to go to 35" or 36". Esp with short fingers and small hands. There are people making 32" with good B's so I would think whatever you have now would work just fine.
 
#42
Doner Designs said:
I was just noticing your name Fretlessbaby. I have been reluctant to try this on a 4 string fretless because the frets are closer together as you move up the neck which makes it harder to hit the notes in tune. It's also easier to get a good "whaa" sound from the thinner strings.

I'm guessing you are looking for a fretted bass based on the discussion so far.
Click to expand...

Yes. I will be using a fretted bass for this project.


:bassist:
 
#43
Doner Designs said:
Fine choice, but I'm 99% sure the tension is less in BEAD tuning than in EADG. The higher strings have much higher tension.
Click to expand...

Yes, no, maybe so. You can buy strings willy-nilly, paying no attention to tension, and end up higher or lower with BEAD versus EADG. For example the D'Addario ProSteel EPS180 EADG string set runs (String, Gauge, Tension in lbs):

G____0.0350____45.200
D____0.0550____33.850
A____0.0750____34.490
E____0.0950____30.810

Whereas the bottom four strings from the ProSteel EPS160-5 BEADG set runs:

D____0.0700____54.180
A____0.0850____44.170
E____0.1050____36.670
B____0.1350____33.240

Every string in that BEAD set runs higher tension than the equivalent string in the EADG set. You can get the tensions you like in any tuning within reason by doing your homework. Only a few string makers (D'Addario, Thomastik-Infield, Circle K Strings) publish the data you need but you can get a wide variety of strings from those three. D'Addario supposedly is offering all its strings as singles starting some time this year, if not already. Talk to BassStringsOnline.com about that. Some TI singles are available from the same source. CircleKStrings.com offers a HUGE variety of string gauges in their one line of roundwound strings and you can make your own set by picking and choosing. They even extend the top end of their offerings with a nice selection of light gauge plain strings if you have an ERB or want to up tune.

Ken
 
#46
khutch said:
Yes, no, maybe so. You can buy strings willy-nilly, paying no attention to tension, and end up higher or lower with BEAD versus EADG. For example the D'Addario ProSteel EPS180 EADG string set runs (String, Gauge, Tension in lbs):

G____0.0350____45.200
D____0.0550____33.850
A____0.0750____34.490
E____0.0950____30.810

Whereas the bottom four strings from the ProSteel EPS160-5 BEADG set runs:

D____0.0700____54.180
A____0.0850____44.170
E____0.1050____36.670
B____0.1350____33.240

Every string in that BEAD set runs higher tension than the equivalent string in the EADG set. You can get the tensions you like in any tuning within reason by doing your homework. Only a few string makers (D'Addario, Thomastik-Infield, Circle K Strings) publish the data you need but you can get a wide variety of strings from those three. D'Addario supposedly is offering all its strings as singles starting some time this year, if not already. Talk to BassStringsOnline.com about that. Some TI singles are available from the same source. CircleKStrings.com offers a HUGE variety of string gauges in their one line of roundwound strings and you can make your own set by picking and choosing. They even extend the top end of their offerings with a nice selection of light gauge plain strings if you have an ERB or want to up tune.

Ken
Click to expand...


Thank you Ken. You bring up some interesting points that never occurred to me. :o I am sure that string selection and set up will be just as important as my bass selection.
 
#47
miles'tone said:
Hi there.
A Fender American Special Jazz bass will be perfect for your requirements.
Very lightweight due to a slimmer profile body, and an incredibly fast and easy neck to play. Not only is the neck slim as per a normal Jazz (1.5" at the nut) but it's very thin front to back so it's a breeze to play. Comes with graphite support rods in the neck for stability so they're solid as a rock and will handle BEAD easily.
Plus they have great build quality with the classic look you need.

Good luck with your search.

Miles.
Click to expand...

I find the MIA Precisions are lighter in weight and have more low mids for the B string. Ernie ball regular slinky 5's work very for a good B.
 
#53
Neck through bass? Spector or Warwick maybe? Jason Newsted used a 4 string Spector NS2 to record Sad but true and that sounded epic! Believe that was tuned B,E,A,D
Not sure buy maybe a 35inch scale may help if you want extra tension and soapbars?
 
#55
Fretlessbaby said:
I need a P with a thin neck like a J to mod to BEAD. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I have pretty small hands myself, and I just bought a Fender Japan PB70 Precision, it's narrower at the nut than a standard P (though not quite as narrow as a J), and has a pretty slim neck-profile:Link Removed

Bought it from here:Link Removed Not shure if it's listed on the site (I found mine on ebay), but if you shoot them a mail i'm sure they'll get one for you.

799usd plus about 150 for shipping, had it in my hands six days after i placed the order. Really sweet bass and I'm planning on stringing it BEAD too, should be good.
 
#56
Something with a 35" scale and a tall nut will be a good place to start. I have a ESP/LTD TA-600 that I've put .115 GHS boomers on for a BEAD tuning. It felt ok, there was a little fret buzz, but it worked. Ultimately I went back to having that bass be DGCF with .105 strings because it just sounded better.
German made Warwick basses have a lot of adjustment options for the nut and bridge, which may be useful for you, plus they have a super deep tone. You might need an engineering degree to get it all set.
 
#57
Get a vintage "longscale" Gibson, 34 & 3/8". Non-reverse late 60s Thunderbird or early 70s Les Paul. Tilt-back peghead, the extra bit of length over a Fender 34" but not as stretched out as a 35" scale, a bit less "belly-button" bassish, ie not everyone has one, but still in keeping with Glassic Rawk N Rawl.

Failing that, look into getting a Japanese 80s P-bass in 32" scale, or a new one such as this Link Removed. If you're petite, consider a Japan Fender Smart Size.

Best of luck with your quest!

Cheers,
FF
 
#58
you can 'convert' any four string bass to BEAD. i did it on a 4001, thumb and squier affinity J [flats]. only squier needed nut filing.
for painless process pay attention to following - pick strings that in said tuning have the same/similar tension as the strings you have now, to minimise truss rod adjustment. check your bridge if tapper core strings would suit it better.
 
#59
Fretlessbaby said:
I need a P with a thin neck like a J to mod to BEAD. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

My producer has an American Standard Deluxe Precision which he tunes to G# standard. I was all up in his face about how it was a garbage idea but it was actually a really good player. It's all about string gauge and tension.

That's a great bass, with the jazz pickup as well. Might be something to think about.
 

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