Best bass to tune to BEAD?

[BruceWane]

Dingwall basses are often said to have the best low B in the business. Although kinda rare compared to the 5 and 6 string models, Dingwall Afterburners are available as 4 stringers.

And there happens to be one for sale right here........

(I am not associated with this sale in any way, just happened to have seen it a few days ago)

 

[spade2you]

While you can't change the weight of current gear, perhaps examining your fretting hand technique might help your 5er work better. Guys who can't handle the 5+ strings often have poor left hand technique, often making attempts to wrap their thumb around the neck. This usually causes a lot of discomfort and quick fatigue.

 

[meev992]

I have a P-bass, strung BEAD, and didn't find the tone woofy.

Then again, I have 1/4 pounders in them.

 

[nun lover]

i'd pick up one of those 35" scale esp's if they didn't look so damn cheesy.

 

[popeguilty]

I have an Epiphone Eb-3 that I have tuned BEAD. I had the nut replaced (so I can switch back easily if I want). I also had the bridge replaced with a Badass (which is OK since the 3-point gibson bridge is quite possibly the worst design ever). The neck pickup is overwhelming low-end mud (hence the "mudbucker" name), but you can balance it with the bite of the bridge to get a pretty workable sound. it's not bad at all for 300 dollar bass

 

[wazzel]

Since you are considering a new bass to string B-D why not get a 5er and go B-G? You will find a use for all 5 strings.

 

[fenderhutz]

Music Man SUB.

I tuned mine to CGCF when I had it and recorded "Warm Winter" on Link Removed with a SUB tuned down with Power Slinkys.

 

[CHILDISHGAMBINO]

I have a peavey T40 tuned BEAD, and i absolutely love it. but if your 5 is already too heavy, then i can't in good conscience recommend a T40

I have a T-40 Strung BEAD too I also have a Foundation strung the same. The strings don't get all floppy if you use a five string set and just don't use the G(the shop here buys it back from me). The first time I did this I was worried about string tension but the tech I took my bass to said he worked it out and the the tension is almost the same(a little less) as standard tuning. I haven't tried this with a P but both of my basses are passive it works fine for me although I think a bridge pickup helps decrease the mud.

 

[CThompson]

I haven't played one, but I want one. My plan was for a partscaster P bass with a Darkstar. Something tells me the DS would shine on a low B.

 

[Darkstrike]

I use a heavily(very) modified MIM Jazz Bass in BEAD no problem.

 

[punisher911]

Don't laugh, but I love my Yamaha RBX-170 tuned BEAD. Probably helps that I have standard gauge D'Addario Chromes on it. I like the flats, they have a bit more tension in them so not to be overly floppy when tuned down like that.

 

[fullrangebass]

Dingwall AB I 4str. By far the best

 

[higgi]

I use a Fender P with a SD 1/4 pounder strung BEAD as my main bass. Excellent tone. You must have a snug neck pocket for it to sound good, if not then epoxy it.

I also use an ESP C304 35" strung BEAD. The C304 doesn't look goth like the F series. I love the way girls look in goth but not basses.

 

[Blackbd]

Ibanez Paul Gray bass is a factory standard 4 tuned B-E-A-D. Shame about the lame inlays though. Maybe you can cover those?

Never played one but I do like standard ATKs.

 

[Shroom]

+1

it was frigging made for this tuning, it gotta have a nice sound tuned that way.

+2