Putting a low B string on a 4 string bass?

[2F/2F]

It's fairly common. I built a bass just for it, myself, but before that, I did it on my friend's Epi T-Bird.

You do need to alter or replace the nut...but this is a standard repair that most instruments will need at some point in their life, so it's not a problem, even on an old and collectible instrument (just keep the original parts).

The over all tension on the neck will likely go down or stay the same, not increase.

 

[Christcr]

Filing/changing the nut is no biggie at all--if you have nut files. I went with BEAD on one of my basses because I simply do not like 5-strings that much even though I've had quite a few of them over the years. I prefer narrower necks and standard string spacing. As for the intonation/pickups/etc... there is NO issue at all if you know how to adjust a typical bass.

Honestly, some of the responses here are a little bizarre. What, don't 5-string basses have pickups? The mechanics are exactly the same and electricity works exactly the same regardless of whether the string is 125 or 105. Sure, there are minor differences in response, etc, but why would anyone get the idea that a pickup that "picks up" a 105 string will not "pick up" a 125 string? Come on folks. This reminds me of the argument that electricity from a Duracell is a different kind of electricity than from an Energizer.

 

[mrcbass]

I just don't want to change anything once I buy it. I like things stock, original. I may have to get over that. I don't know. I'm wrestling with the whole thing, realizing I'll probably get a five because I'd miss that G string.

Word of caution - if you don't change the nut or file it out, you risk breaking it. I found this out the hard way. D string wanted to fit in the G nut slot - so it busted out the bottom of the nut. Still works, but will be an issue when I sell it...

 

[mcnach]

Anyone have any experience playing a 4 string tuned to B standard? I need the lower notes for a heavy rock project I'm starting and I no longer have my six string.

I'm in the market for a nice American Fender. I could go 5 string, but I would much rather invest in a vintage instrument, probably something from the 70s, and tune it to B.

My concerns are the B string fitting in the nut and neck issues with the extra tension without the extra mass of a five string neck.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You'll have to widen the slots at the nut, but the tension is likely to be lower, actually, so the neck will not suffer but you'll have to turn the truss rod a bit. A lot of people think thicker strings = they'll pull more, but the opposite is true for the tunings we're talking about here.

So... Go for it. Nuts are relatively cheap.

 

[mcnach]

Changing the nut is out of the question. I need something plug and play. Reliability is key. That being said, I think I need a new or lightly used 5 string.

If you won't change/modify the nut then forget it...

 

[TheDominoKid]

Perhaps these will do the trick with little to no modes.

DR Drop Down Tuning DDT 4-String Electric Bass Strings DDT-55 Heavier 55-115

 

[fourstringburn]

Well, you admitted to using a very lite gauge string.

If you had strung up a .130 or .125 you wouldn’t have complained about wrestling a noodle.

I did try a .125 and found little difference. Keywords "little difference". I only previously mentioned a lighter gauge because the OP didn't seem to want to do any major mods to his Bass. A light gauge can fit in the existing nut with just a little filing.

 

[fakeneckplate'65]

I have a beautiful, new to me Peavey Millennium USA that is a 35" scale length four string bass. As soon as money allows, I will have it set up in B-E-A-D.

I have it in D Standard @ the moment with very light guage strings from the previous owner, & I can't believe how low it sounds. B-E-A-D is going to be insane!

 

[lucianoxrp]

Perhaps these will do the trick with little to no modes.

DR Drop Down Tuning DDT 4-String Electric Bass Strings DDT-55 Heavier 55-115

I used the DR DDT tuned at standard C and worked perfectly. Nice tension, not to flappy, solid tone.
I'd give it a try for B.

 

[bobbybass85]

With all due respect, change the nut and move past the desire for plug and play. Fender 4-strings are designed for E-standard tuning, and if you want to do a dramatic shift like BEAD tuning, some changes need to happen so that it will play well. A new nut is key, and a slight setup will help as well. I have an AM STD precision that I ran BEAD and CFA#D# for a while. I went for a while on the original nut, but was always out of tune while fretting notes since the nut kept it way to high at that end. The benefits of getting the new nut is that I now have both a standard and a low tuning nut that I can swap out as easily as changing strings.

 

[TheDominoKid]

I used the DR DDT tuned at standard C and worked perfectly. Nice tension, not to flappy, solid tone.
I'd give it a try for B.

I use them for C standard as well.

 

[31HZ]

<snip>

I’ve strung quite a few 4’s BEAD and never had any issues with them. Widen the nut slots a bit, adjust the truss and bridge as needed, and go. I’ve done cheap Ibanez to expensive Warwicks and they all take to it just fine.

Bingo.

Why is this hard?