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Best bass to tune to BEAD?

SuperSnake2012

SuperSnake2012

floppy b strings
Dec 12, 2006
1,180
6
36
Bronx, NY
www.myspace.com
#1
My band plays with 7 string guitars which requires me to have a low B string. My 5 string isn't really working out for me (it's a lot heavier than my two Fenders and the neck is difficult to play on) so I was thinking of getting a Fender P bass and tuning it BEAD, since I love the way my Fender P sounded when we recorded with 6 string guitars :p Do some basses work better in BEAD? I was thinking getting the MIM Classic 50's P bass.
 
#2
I wouldn't recommend it. P-bass pickups sound woofy and undefined on the B-string if you just use the stock Fender ones. I had my P strung BEAD for a while, and I tried everything to get it to sound decent, but it would not. This is with my bass and in my experience though, your results may vary. Make sure to have a new nut made (or make one yourself) to eliminate buzzing or tuning problems if you do decide to go ahead and try it.

Also, a much better pickup (EMGs or active Bartolinis come to mind) might make it a lot more usable.

Good luck!
 
#3
My P is tuned CGCF and Earwigger is right. Aftermarket pickups are suggested. I'm going to slap an EMG P set in there, and maybe a MM sized EMG too. Just to hotrod the **** out of it. As far as stability and playability, the P wins.
 
#6
I had an ESP LTD F-104 (pretty much their cheapest one) and I strung it BEAD. It needed some minor fixes, nut needed a little routing (i used a file, took 2 min) and of course some intonation adjustments and some action and neck fixing, but after 30 min of work it worked and sounded great. That was with their cheapest one, I'm sure the higher up ones would sound much better.
 
#7
Fender...Fender.....Fender can somebody please change the record....(sorry personal opinion)

I have an ESP F Series that came with EMG's (35DC's) the bridge and tailpiece are ESP design and this bass was designed to be tuned B-E-A-D and it delivers absolute brutal low end....I suggest you give it a try...that or step up to a different 5 string. You should be able to pick up a F-254FM for around $400.00 bucks used even cheaper or you could step to the F-404 for around $600.00 new give or take

For some reason ESP's don't get the respect they deserve but the list of Metal bands that use them is almost unending

anyway my two cents (being an ESP owner who tunes B-E-A-D) and a guy that plays a lot of Metal

Play what you like, and like what you play...
 
#8
Spector Euro 4 LX models - 35" scale and they are made for tuning BEAD. I suggest looking for the longer scale - the strings flop a lot less and pick playing becomes easier.

The ESP basses (as mentioned above) are also a good choice if you are on a budget - the basses are decently made. Definitely make sure to use Humbuckers - single coils and B strings don't really give you the "beef" as in the heavy/thick low end you need to rumble past the guitars. That's my opnion though, try out what you can and see what works for you.
 
#9
Hey guys after re-reading my post it came off as sort of pissy and pushy (sorry)

I understand Fender has a great name and tons of history but there are other companies out there to try and explore...

SuperSnake2012 try them all and pick what is best for you, style and sound wise...

"I suggest looking for the longer scale - the strings flop a lot less and pick playing becomes easier."

This is good advice take it, and good luck on your hunt

OT....oh and whats with the screen name? I use my screen name because i raise and breed snakes as a hobby. Do you keep snakes as well?
 
#11
I know it's been said, but my Fender American Deluxe handles the four thickest strings of a five-string set (tuned a half step up) amazingly well. I suppose it might be the graphite reinforcement.

Also, the aforementioned ESP basses do a heck of a job. A guy in a band I share a practice space with tunes his four string ESP Tom Araya bass and it has killer tone and playability.
 
#14
wow... i'm surprised no one has said this...

The Warwick Corvette Taranis comes standard (in the 4 string version) strung BEAD... and it's WONDERFUL.

It was just released this year but i has had GREAT reviews.

it's pretty too, with a sandblasted swamp ash finish, it isn't too heavy, like many people complain about other warwicks.

anyways, check it out.

Invalid Link Removed

check out http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/corvette_taranis.htm
or
http://www.warwick.de
and then go to products, basses, warwick series, corvette, then corvette taranis. there's a picture of a pretty blue one there.
 
#17
XxBassPlayerxX said:
wow... i'm surprised no one has said this...

The Warwick Corvette Taranis comes standard (in the 4 string version) strung BEAD... and it's WONDERFUL.

It was just released this year but i has had GREAT reviews.

it's pretty too, with a sandblasted swamp ash finish, it isn't too heavy, like many people complain about other warwicks.

anyways, check it out.

Invalid Link Removed

check out http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/corvette_taranis.htm
or
http://www.warwick.de
and then go to products, basses, warwick series, corvette, then corvette taranis. there's a picture of a pretty blue one there.
Click to expand...

+1

it was frigging made for this tuning, it gotta have a nice sound tuned that way.
 
#20
Slam dunk. Dingwall 4 string Afterburner, If strung B-D will still have a thunderous 36.25 inch B (and 34 inch G), will be light and balance well, will be loud and cut like a scimitar. There's one available used on the for sale forum.
 

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