Just posted another thread about this, but here's my all black Carlo Robelli tuned down to BEAD via some DR Black Beauties.
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- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,008
- 1
- 31,708
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
Huh?? All I see is a menacing demonic shadow, beckoning me towards a white door. I've seen Bill and Ted, and I ain't goin'. 
I just converted my fretted 4-string to BEAD tuning and it sounds awesome. My first time owning a bass with a B string and right away I loved how it sounds. I'll post pics this weekend.
I installed 120 - 100 - 80 - 60 DR Fatbeams and I think the 120 B string sounded great. I've read lots of complaints about the B string sounding different than the other strings, but I think the thinner gauge non-tapered B string would make this less noticeable, and should retain some of the highs needed to keep it sounding muddy, and I think it did that well. I had good clear notes from the open string up until about the 16th fret. I do play with a lighter than average touch, but didn't have any issues with floppiness,
I don't understand why some people find it so hard getting used to the low B... The first songs I played, I chose songs specifically that only used the EAD strings, and just remembered to play them a string higher than I'm used to, after that I added in some songs that used a G string, but I moved a string lower and five frets over and it was fine - I think it sounded better too with the thicker strings. Then I played songs with drop tuning and I got used to it pretty quickly.
Anyways, I'm going to sleep now, and am looking forward to waking up tomorrow fresh and practicing some more. Thanks everyone - this thread is what influenced me to try it out. Seems like a keeper. I'm going to buy a 5 stringer in the near future (I want one for funk because I play funk with lots of octaves and such), but have already decided to install BEAD flatwounds on this 4-string after I get the 5'er...
Any recommendations for a good BEAD flatwound set? I'm thinking of the lightest gauge of La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats
I installed 120 - 100 - 80 - 60 DR Fatbeams and I think the 120 B string sounded great. I've read lots of complaints about the B string sounding different than the other strings, but I think the thinner gauge non-tapered B string would make this less noticeable, and should retain some of the highs needed to keep it sounding muddy, and I think it did that well. I had good clear notes from the open string up until about the 16th fret. I do play with a lighter than average touch, but didn't have any issues with floppiness,
I don't understand why some people find it so hard getting used to the low B... The first songs I played, I chose songs specifically that only used the EAD strings, and just remembered to play them a string higher than I'm used to, after that I added in some songs that used a G string, but I moved a string lower and five frets over and it was fine - I think it sounded better too with the thicker strings. Then I played songs with drop tuning and I got used to it pretty quickly.
Anyways, I'm going to sleep now, and am looking forward to waking up tomorrow fresh and practicing some more. Thanks everyone - this thread is what influenced me to try it out. Seems like a keeper. I'm going to buy a 5 stringer in the near future (I want one for funk because I play funk with lots of octaves and such), but have already decided to install BEAD flatwounds on this 4-string after I get the 5'er...
Any recommendations for a good BEAD flatwound set? I'm thinking of the lightest gauge of La Bella Deep Talkin' Flats
Hey guys can i join? I used to own a BEAD tuned sx precision and atk300. Right now, my spector performer is tuned G#Eb G# C#. I usually use either DR DDT or dunlop heavy core heaviest.i think theyre around .125 to .120. I remember using .130 from a 5 string daddario set but i find it muddy.
The DR Flatwounds are a pretty great string if you like the DR round core stuff. Although, I have never played the Fat Beams, only Sunbeams. The tension of their flats is a lot closer to the hex core tension (I also use the Nickel Low Rider). So they are tighter than the Sunbeams or Hi-Beams. Definitely my favorite string right now. But it only comes with a 125 B, so maybe too big for you?
I never played the LaBella, but after a ton if reading it seems the DR flats are lower tension and might have a slight edge in sustain if that's what you are after.
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Thanks, but I would want something lower tension than Lo Riders for flats. I've read good things about Sadowsky Black Label Flats, but I'm not sure how they are in the mids - I'd like something with a little mid scoop.
Chromes may be what you are looking for. I personally prefer the Sadowsky BL (standard gauge), but they have a great mid presence... which is why I like them.
Possibly not a super interesting (or very good) picture, but this is my 80s Squier Jazz I picked up second hand, loved the neck and needed something to potentially break stringing it BEAD. Stuck a Gotoh 201 bridge on it and DiMarzio Model J pickups and it sounds BEEFY 
Just got the Ibby all set up. I really like the sound and tension of the DDT's.
I haven't been playing this bass much the last few months but I see that changing now.
I haven't been playing this bass much the last few months but I see that changing now.
Chef
In Memoriam
Tried it.
Missed the G sting.
Been playing 5's ever since.
There are 5's with narrow string spacing that you might like, but, that's not my preference.
I like 18-19mm spacing so it still feels more or less like what I grew up on.
Missed the G sting.
Been playing 5's ever since.
There are 5's with narrow string spacing that you might like, but, that's not my preference.
I like 18-19mm spacing so it still feels more or less like what I grew up on.
Hey guys,
I've been playing with a 4 tuned to BEAD for a few months now, and am in the market for a new bass. I'm kind of stuck if I should get another 4 and tune it to BEAD or get a 5 string. I put more detail in the thread linked below. If any of you can help me out that would be hugely appreciated. Thanks.
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/questions-for-bead-players.1089920/#post-16146092
I've been playing with a 4 tuned to BEAD for a few months now, and am in the market for a new bass. I'm kind of stuck if I should get another 4 and tune it to BEAD or get a 5 string. I put more detail in the thread linked below. If any of you can help me out that would be hugely appreciated. Thanks.
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/questions-for-bead-players.1089920/#post-16146092
I have an Ibby 1200 that I changed to BEAD and the bass sounds better than ever. Also plan on modding my Peavey Millennium as well.
Tried a 5 for a while but hardly ever used the G. If I want some higher notes I can just shift up on the neck. Also,I prefer the feel of a smaller neck.
Tried a 5 for a while but hardly ever used the G. If I want some higher notes I can just shift up on the neck. Also,I prefer the feel of a smaller neck.
i'm prolly selling my 5er on craigslist because i dont personally have a need for that range. i'd rather play higher up on the neck than pluck fishing line again. i do have a bass in standard e but i rarely play in that tuning.
I'm in. I play in BEAD about 2-3 years. I like to use Dunlop "Heaviest set" strings for this.
Few days I've changed my strings to D'addario EPS220-5. Not bad.
Few days I've changed my strings to D'addario EPS220-5. Not bad.
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Doner Designs
Steve Doner
- Jun 2, 2012
- 5,784
- 6,819
- Disclosures
- Doner Designs is an alias for Steve Doner
I have tuned BEAD off an on over a few years and have sort of settled on it. Today I switched my nicest bass (a Ball Family Reserve Stingray and the B sounds killer on it) which sort of signifies that I consider it my primary/default string setup now.
I have a short scale tuned to standard which makes it a little easier to read tabs. Also have one fretless in E standard because the whah sounds better on the higher strings, but I might switch that one over too. I'm debating whether to keep my 5 string or sell it. I just don't need the G and the extra weight and width may not be worth it for me.
With my small hands, treating the 5th fret as home in BEAD mode is actually more comfortable than E standard on a shorty. My Mustang may end up getting sold too.
One nice thing on the Stingray - no nut modification was needed and I'm using LaBella Jamerson flats on it (and every other bass too, including the Mustang).
The other thing I really like about BEAD is that if you treat 5th fret as home it can be easier to "find" scale patterns because no open strings are needed. The open strings always throw me for a loop on scale patterns for some reason.
I have a short scale tuned to standard which makes it a little easier to read tabs. Also have one fretless in E standard because the whah sounds better on the higher strings, but I might switch that one over too. I'm debating whether to keep my 5 string or sell it. I just don't need the G and the extra weight and width may not be worth it for me.
With my small hands, treating the 5th fret as home in BEAD mode is actually more comfortable than E standard on a shorty. My Mustang may end up getting sold too.
One nice thing on the Stingray - no nut modification was needed and I'm using LaBella Jamerson flats on it (and every other bass too, including the Mustang).
The other thing I really like about BEAD is that if you treat 5th fret as home it can be easier to "find" scale patterns because no open strings are needed. The open strings always throw me for a loop on scale patterns for some reason.
