ESP LTD DF-404 Good Beginner???

[Bobdudeman]

Hi, just picked up this sweet ESP bass and not sure if it is good for a beginner. It is setup from factory as BEAD (130,110,90,70). I love it, but is it going to be hard to learn bass on since the strings are different than a normal eadg setup? Scales, chords ect? Not sure if I should sell it for a normal setup. I would appreciate any help, as I really want to play the bass well. Thanks, Steve

 

[Bobdudeman]

help please

 

[crguti]

first help... just call it by its name, LTD bass.

 

[bassfunk329]

first help... just call it by its name, LTD bass.

Come on man he's new. Shame on you.

And to the question. I think any four banger is good starter. One thing you could do is just change the nut. It would be a lot easier than go threw the hassle of selling it. But thats what i'd do.

And oh yeah welcome

 

[Florox]

Well, it depends. There is no obliged way to play bass, only different methods with different priorities. If you're getting a teacher I would suggest just buying a new, standard, set of strings and tuning it standard, as I would think not many teachers would like to teach a beginner with a BEAD bass. However, bass playing is about fun so if you like it like that, then keep it that way! Also, if you're playing in a metal band then going that low is a pretty desired feature, so I would keep it that way. In reality, even if you played standard music, the truth is that there's always more use for a B than a G on a bass, in any type of music.

So in the end, it is really up to you. Heck, if you do get a teacher there might be some that will be ok with this! But again, only do whatever makes you have the most fun.

P.S. To answer one part of your question that I did not address: Amount, or types, of strings are not what decides wether an instrument is hard to play or not. It will be the same as hard as playing any other bass. The only difference might be that you may feel your fingers hurt more on a B than a E, but it's because you're just a beginner, and your fingers aren't used to it, and it will hurt a bit anyway no matter what type of string you play.

 

[stanley00]

I would string it with a normal EADG set. You probably won't have to change anything other than intonation and string height. I have used BEAD strung tuning for a specific purpose and reason. I wouldn't suggest trying to learn on one unless you plan on playing music where you specifically need the low B. There aren't going to be any easy to find tabs or books for anything other than standard EADG tuning.

 

[Porkbun]

I also recommend going to get it set up as an EADG. The B string is fun and convenient on a 5 string, but a lot of times its too low and sounds muddy if played to frequently. Not to mention nearly every instructional is for EADG basses. Youve got a sweet bass though! Ive had an F254 (which is similar except for the inlays and B string) and it was a great bass!

 

[dudelove]

i started on bead and work well after jeg try eadg, but i get confused first many times , but it is sweet if you wanna go 5iver after you learn it
my first timer was a yamaha bbn4III back from 2000 or something, it was secondhanded(many times) and one of earlier owner made it to be "bead" so the nut "holes" was bigger than usual, but i try "eadg" on it and works ok

 

[darkstorm]

Thats an excellent bass for a begginer imo. Much better then many of the basses I see reccomended for begginers around here. But yes I would restring it reg strings eadg. Should not require any change or mods to bass at all other then trussrod adjustment. Congrats on picking a very nice bass to start on. Much better choice then buying some cheapie starter bass imo.

 

[Bobdudeman]

Thanks for all the replies, I think I will have the nut changed and restrung standard eadg. I will be on here alot. I understand there are alot of good players on here, but being 38 and wanting to try something new, I appreciate the help.

 

[Bobdudeman]

first help... just call it by its name, LTD bass.

Thanks for the help buddy

 

[wcriley]

In my experience a truss rod adjustment isn't likely to be needed unless the 2 sets of strings have radically different overall tension.
Bridge adjustments are pretty much a given.
Replacing the nut falls somewhere in between, but isn't often necessary.