Strings for BEAD tuning

[j_micho]

I would like to tune my G&L L2K to BEAD, but I don't want to modify the nut.

I've read some people have done this using GHS Boomer .050 .070 .095 .115 strings.

I was wondering if someone had tried this with the new d'addario balanced tension heavy set, which is 050 .067 .090 .120.

At 120, I'm still worried I'll have to modify the nut...what do you think?

 

[j_micho]

I just answered my own question. I found an old .045, .065, .085, .105, .125 set I had laying around and installed the four heaviest ones on my G&L. Surprisingly, the B string fit perfectly! The E string though doesn't (a .100 gauge would probably be perfect).

 

[pfox14]

Tuning that low will have your strings flapping around like rubber bands.

 

[j_micho]

Tuning that low will have your strings flapping around like rubber bands.

I don't see why, if I use the right gauge of strings...

 

[Nephilymbass]

A little trick for this is to just buy an adjustable nut. I had a brass one on my warwick FNA where the height of each string was individually adjustable at the nut. Was able to use all kinds of strings from dark lord low f# to piccolo strings and didn't have to modify the nut.

If you don't want to pay that much, nuts for 4 and 5 strings are actually pretty cheap. But i would file the nut a little. Its likely at least one or two strings aren't going to sit down in the nut all the way which will throw off intonation and make it harder to play. A bone nut for 4 strings costs $10. Much less than you'll have to spend on the strings you need for this