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Good strings for tuning down to BEAD?

S

SGS

Mar 21, 2010
100
0
#1
I tried to search for BEAD and a few other combinations but I got too many results that have nothing to do with it.

I'm looking for a good set of strings to put on my Squier Jazz so I can keep it in BEAD tuning. I'm not sure what gauge is on it now as the previous owner replaced the original strings with Ernie Ball Slinkies (or super slinkies, again, not sure what).

I would need to go to a heavier gauge string to have them a little tighter in that low of tuning right? The strings are a bit too loose for my liking, playable, but too sloppy. I need some recommendations.


Dropping to BEAD tuning is what will get me to keep the Squier Jazz. I don't use it much since I always end up having to pick up my 5 string to play things. I like the sound I'm getting from the E tuned down to B, it's pretty clean. I had been debating changing the nut on the Squier and having it strung BEAD. After seeing that the strings can handle it, I figure I'll just repalce them with something that can handle BEAD a little better. This way I can tune back up to EADG if I want or if I ever do decide to sell it the new owner won't have to change the nut for EADG tuning.
 
#7
I'm using the BEAD strings of a Rotosound RS665LD Swing Bass 5 String Set 45-65-80-105-130 on a Squier VM fretless. Works nice. If you need to, file the nut in a v-shape until the strings fit correctly.
 
#8
BuzzKing said:
I have 2 of my 4 strings tuned BEAD. I just use bottom four strings from a 5 string set. On this bass I use DR strings. All you have to do is a little filing on the nut to get the strings to sit right. Problem is you can't go back to standard tuning without replacing the nut but I have plenty of 4 string basses.

BK
Click to expand...

tedsalt said:
I'm using the BEAD strings of a Rotosound RS665LD Swing Bass 5 String Set 45-65-80-105-130 on a Squier VM fretless. Works nice. If you need to, file the nut in a v-shape until the strings fit correctly.
Click to expand...

I don't want to file the nut to fit the lower 4 strings from a 5 string set onto it and don't want to replace it if I don't have to.
 
#9
SGS said:
I don't want to file the nut to fit the lower 4 strings from a 5 string set onto it and don't want to replace it if I don't have to.
Click to expand...

So, you want to have bigger strings, but don't want to file the nut ?

Seriously file your nut or buy a 5 string. A low B that sounds good with .105 string, it isn't going to happen.
 
#10
Alucard817 said:
Or you can just grab a 5 string bass and not have to worry about tuning down.
Click to expand...

I have a 5 string. Both basses sound completely different and I like the sounds I get from each. If I need to use the G string I can pick up my 5 string.

I've been debating getting rid of the jazz bass for a while since I can't play a lot of stuff on it that I can with the 5 string. Tuning it down gave me a reason to keep it, for now at least. When I can afford to I'll probably pick up a Jazz V but that's not going to happen for a while. So I'm going to make do with what I've got and try to find a set of strings that will work well with it tuned down to BEAD.
 
#12
Hi.

Unfortunately a 5er set is still about the only option if You want availability and/or freedom of choice. There is several BEAD sets available, but as it's a rather limited market, the selection is also limited.

SGS said:
Forgot about that sub-forum. A mod can move it if they want.
Click to expand...

They may not notice it, so best to give 'em a holler. They've been very helpful when I have had similar brainfarts.

Regards
Sam
 
#13
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You will never find these in stores. They are a great company, Just Strings, and since I live an hour away they let me drive there to pick up an order if im overly obsessed. Theres plenty of parking in town, terrible cell service, and a great diner right over the river with a killer grilled cheese sammich!

Like everyone else here, I didnt buy the drop tuning set- I installed a BEAD on my Ken Smith 4 string and bought a DR 5 string set and tossed the G string on my desk for later use somewhere else. I'm gonna have to get a new nut made tho- this instrument is collectible I'm not going to destroy the original nut.
 
#14
Nukes, I was going to order the .055-.115 set but decided stop in at the local store today and let the bass guy there play with it since I already needed a truss rod adjustment. I'd rather let someone more qualified do that and set it up for BEAD tuning.

He loaded the strings on and was starting to tune the low B and the corner broke right off the cheap plastic Squier nut. I guess he expected me to be really ticked off because he was a bit nervous when he showed me what happened. I even asked him before he started if I should replace the nut. He had said that we could make it all work. Whoops!

So now, in accordance with popular opinion (and rational thinking, and the cheap plastic nut breaking) the nut is being replaced. He's cutting me a bone nut to handle a .050-.115 string set and I'll have it back on Monday. The .100 string that was on there doesn't sound that great until the 3rd fret. The .115 should do the trick and I can still tune it back up to E if I really want to.

I'm itching to get it back now and put it to the test :bassist: I'm just hoping that this lives up to my expectations.
 

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