Tuning a bass to BEAD

[lowbass68]

You need to do four things to setup a bass for BEAD tuning:
Refile the nut so the strings sit in the grovers properly.
Adjust the intonation
Adjust the action/string height
And usually tweek the truss rod a little.

I never take an instrument to a tech as I service my own basses and several freinds gear. None of these adjustments are difficult, but you want to be carefull if you file your own nut.

 

[Sparkdog]

I know there must be a reason guys would want to retune a 4 string to BEAD, presumably because you are more comfortable on that, but wouldn't it be easier and more versatile to just go to a 5 string?

What is the advantage of a retuned 4 over the 5?

Not bagging on anyone, just trying to understand the logic there.

 

[lowbass68]

I know there must be a reason guys would want to retune a 4 string to BEAD, presumably because you are more comfortable on that, but wouldn't it be easier and more versatile to just go to a 5 string?

What is the advantage of a retuned 4 over the 5?

Not bagging on anyone, just trying to understand the logic there.

Speaking for myself, I like the string spacing on my J-basses. The 5's that I have tried do not feel comfortable. If I get a 5 that maintains reasonable spacing, the neck is too wide for my short fingers. And if the neck is narrow enough for my left hand, the strings are too close for my right hand technique. I have been playing since around 1980 and have tried many different 5's over the years. Never found one that felt good other than a Sadowsky and may be one or two others.
And if I went 5, only 5 I would consider would be tuned E-A-D-G-C. I would envision going higher than lower with one for solo purposes.

 

[The Lurker]

+1 to the above. I am far happier on 4-strings than on 5's.

And yeah, you'd need to see to the nut and give the whole thing a general setup just to be certain.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

Which guitar and strings did you use for AEADF#B?

I know its not a guitar forum but im curious...

I used an 13-60 set that I pieced together at the guitar store after much experimentation on my part

if I was to do it again I would use the 13-62 baritone set: Invalid Link Removed
The 14-68 would be quite interesting for downtuning from baritone too: http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.aspx?CodaID=741&ID=1&Class=AABA

Hope this helps

 

[Ampegged Paul]

It just so happens that Im putting BEAD tuning on my Geddy Lee right now. I adjusted the saddle height and intonation but I havent touched the truss at all. Im finding that the action is pretty high so the low B doesnt buzz(.115 Boomers). Ive got 2 questions:1..I also put passive Bartolinis in and even with both volume knobs cranked it sounds "quiet". DO I need to make the pups closer to the string?
2..when do you know if the rod needs adjusting? What symptoms tip you off?
Thanks for letting me hijack this thread! ha!

 

[sasebastian]

I know there must be a reason guys would want to retune a 4 string to BEAD, presumably because you are more comfortable on that, but wouldn't it be easier and more versatile to just go to a 5 string?

What is the advantage of a retuned 4 over the 5?

Not bagging on anyone, just trying to understand the logic there.

For me price and comfort was the advantage. I wanted to have that low b rumble, but a) couldn't afford a 5-string and b) I didn't like the feel of the wider neck on the basses I tried out. Tuning the 4 down I didn't hurt my hands, and I realized I really didn't use the g-string. I don't really play across on the g-string so much as play up the neck. Eventually I found a comfortable 5er that fit my hands and made the transition easier.

 

[lowbass68]

It just so happens that Im putting BEAD tuning on my Geddy Lee right now. I adjusted the saddle height and intonation but I havent touched the truss at all. Im finding that the action is pretty high so the low B doesnt buzz(.115 Boomers). Ive got 2 questions:1..I also put passive Bartolinis in and even with both volume knobs cranked it sounds "quiet". DO I need to make the pups closer to the string?
2..when do you know if the rod needs adjusting? What symptoms tip you off?
Thanks for letting me hijack this thread! ha!

If the output is weak, I would raise the pickups a little.

As for the truss rod, I press the string at the 1st and 20th fret and measure the string height at the 8th fret, this is how I measure the relief in the neck. I like a relief between 1/64 inch and 1/32 inch depending on my bass. If the relief is too high, the rod needs a little tightening, if it is too low, it needs a little loosening. Each bass is a little different and playing styles are different so there is no absolute best. This works for me.

 

[D.Don]

I know there must be a reason guys would want to retune a 4 string to BEAD, presumably because you are more comfortable on that, but wouldn't it be easier and more versatile to just go to a 5 string?

What is the advantage of a retuned 4 over the 5?

Not bagging on anyone, just trying to understand the logic there.

I have 2 five strings and 1 four, the four I can't get in five since it does not exist in five, hence BEAD ...



D.Don