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Converting EADG to BEAD.

TOOL460002

TOOL460002

Nov 4, 2004
3,680
9,243
Santa Cruz
#1
Hello. As the title says, I need to take my MM Stingray down a notch. Does anyone know any good luthiers in Santa Cruz CA? I need a new nut obviously. Anything I should look for? Can I just use DR Hi Beams? Or do I need something like Circle K strings? I don't want a floppy B. Thanks (didn't know what to search).
 
#2
Hi.

I'd suggest You cut your own.
Easy, cheap, and adds whole new possibilities towards YOUR personal set-up.

I assume that the Stringray bridge/saddles has the necessary travel to intonate the B properly.
If it doesn't look for exposed core B.
Or be prepared to move the bridge.

Regards
Sam
 
#4
It's just in most cases you have to kick back te bridge saddle so far it's a bad string break angle.Taper core can help in this situation. I'm runing a 110 as a B on my Ibby RB right now and works pretty well.
 
#6
I just recently did this with my stingray. I just bought a five string set in light gauge, ditched the high string, adjusted truss rod and bridge saddles and that's it. I think though I may go up a gauge and will have to file the nut. But if you're fine with light gauge...
 
#7
bunkmunk said:
I just recently did this with my stingray. I just bought a five string set in light gauge, ditched the high string, adjusted truss rod and bridge saddles and that's it. I think though I may go up a gauge and will have to file the nut. But if you're fine with light gauge...
Click to expand...

So right now you have the stock nut? I've had one replaced and it didn't cost much I don't think. Would you recommend just starting out that way?

Maybe I should just buy the strings I want and have a luthier set it up accordingly. My only worry is that I shell out $40+ for strings, bring them to the guy and they don't work out.

Lots of good advice here. Thanks for the Stingray-specific info. Good to know I can get around moving the bridge. Thanks!
 
#9
Nephilymbass said:
It really only takes a about a half hour with the right files on a nut. If you have a compensated nut you just have to be really careful. A good friend of mine plays a bead stingray. He's never had issues with it
Click to expand...

And now to see if the cost of a file is more or less than a nut from a luthier... And I'm sure there are YouTube videos on how to file it properly. Thank ye kindly sir.
 
#10
Nephilymbass said:
If you have a compensated nut you just have to be really careful. A good friend of mine plays a bead stingray. He's never had issues with it
Click to expand...

You need to be really careful whether or not the nut is compensated. One swipe too many with the file can take a beautiful nut setup to a problem. Not for the faint of heart if you want it done right.
 
#11
TOOL460002 said:
I need a new nut obviously. Anything I should look for? Can I just use DR Hi Beams? Or do I need something like Circle K strings?
Click to expand...

I need drill bits and sandpaper obviously. Anything I should look for? Can I just use DR Beams? Or do I need something like Link Removed the best string ever?

There, you go fixed.;)

:confused: What's so wrong with a floppy B :rolleyes: just make all the strings floppy so the B-string fits in with the rest of the set :rolleyes:
 
#12
Haha! Thanks. I've heard great things about Circle K strings. They're a bit pricey, but I may go that route.

Thanks so much for all the advice given here. I think right now I'm just going to take it to a luthier I found (former luthier friend recommended him) and have him do the nut. I'm going to start with DR strings and move on to Circle K strings if the string tension isn't where I want it to be.

Last question: which Circle K strings are the closest to DR Hi Beams? I have used those for 15 years and love them. The harmonics are amazing; best I have tried out.

Thanks again! You have all been extremely helpful. You may have revolutionized my playing. We shall see. I will report back when it's all done. Happy bassing and have a pleasant Veteran's Day!
 
#13
I have converted many basses to BEAD. I have never had to replace the nut. Just check that the groove is wide enough that the new larger string is seated all the way to the bottom of the groove. If the groove needs a little widening, just go after it with a file or sand paper.
Other than that, possibly a little truss rod adjustment and intonation, saddle height.
 
#14
TOOL460002 said:
Haha! Thanks. I've heard great things about Circle K strings. They're a bit pricey, but I may go that route.
Click to expand...

:confused: so your going to buy a 5-string set of DR's make a necklace out of the the G-string never wear said necklace because it pulls the hair on the back of your neck and all to save 10 cents. :rollno:

Try them once, if you do not like them, curse my name in some nasty pm.
You would not be the first.
 
#16
I have a p-bass strung Bb, F, Bb, Eb, (well, the tuner reads A#, F, A#, D#!) 130 - 55 gauge. The Wilkinson bridge I have on it has plenty of travel left too. I rolled up a piece of sandpaper into a really thin tube and carefully, and slowly worked on the nut to allow the thicker strings to sit right down in the grooves. I adjusted the truss rod slightly to compensate for the fact three of the strings are at a higher tension than they would normally be (if you get me - the E tuned to F, the A to Bb and the D to Eb).
 
#17
I done this... But you have to File out the nut to make a bit bigger Those. Since then I sold it becase I never really used it that much. The bad thing is you can't go back to E less you get a thnk E string and even then am not sure. But Really just go buy a 5 string it will save you the Pain later on.
 
#18
i've done this several times and NEVER had to file the nut! try it and see, first. IMO, the best shop in SC is on Mission,.. on the Bay St. corner, but why bother! if you do require a file, use sand paper as the amount of material to shave is in the nano's. gl.
 
#19
pacojas said:
i've done this several times and NEVER had to file the nut! try it and see, first. IMO, the best shop in SC is on Mission,.. on the Bay St. corner, but why bother! if you do require a file, use sand paper as the amount of material to shave is in the nano's. gl.
Click to expand...

Wait what... I didn't have too god damn it. I was told I had to by the shop keeper.
Well buy a new nut and buy my bass back then.
 

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