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What are some basses that come BEAD from the factory?

bassphreak

bassphreak

Feb 13, 2007
2,589
78
Lehigh Valley Area, PA
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#1
I'm in the very early stages in my research (wish state) but I'm thinking about picking up something different to handle some of the songs I'm doing now. I currently have one of my basses set for drop c but wanted to know what 4 string models are available from the factory tuned BEAD?

The only one's I'm aware of are:

- Ibanez PGB1 (Paul Gray Sig ATK)
- Schecter Scorpion (not sure if there is a specific model)

I know I could setup many 4 string models to BEAD, but I don't want to replace the nut or chance issues with the neck. I was curious how many models may come stock BEAD from the factory.

Let me know if there are any other models. I thought this may be helpful for others too. I have seen a number of threads on BEAD tuning but have not found a thread on basses that come that way from the factory.

Thanks.
 
#11
Hey man, don't be afraid to try modding a bass to suit your own tastes. Do, however, start on a cheap pawn shop model, or something similar, 'til you are comfortable with your own skills/abilities. I have damn near whittled a Lyon/Washburn down to a nub, trying different mods, but 'cause of this, when it came time to convert a brand new MIJ Geddy Lee Jazz to BEAD, I was totally cool, drilling out the E bridge to fit a B string. It works fine, the neck tension is somewhat less, I believe, and thus, the neck is not really affected. HOWEVER, I have a neighbor whose wife had to show him how to change the tag on the car. If your skillset is simply not in the mechanical/technical environment, don't be afraid to ask your fellow bandmates, they can do it, or know someone...they jus gotta...Cheers...
 
#12
5string5fingers said:
This. Just guy any bass you like,go get the nut filed and have the strings put on there. Probably cost less to have that done than seeking out a "special" bass thats set up like that from the factory.
Click to expand...

The cost of designating a "special" model can be somewhat expensive on the mass production side of things. With customs, no biggie whatsoever, but that's also a big price difference.
 
#14
The Warwick Taranis was....but it is now distcontinued.

The good news is, it has exactly the same nut as the EADG strung Warwick have - so any Warwick 4string can very easily adapt to BEAD with no mods at all (other than a quick set up). I've swapped between EADG and BEAD on my Thumb BO 4 LTD quite often, 5 min job :)
 
#17
All ther ESP Ltd F series are built to allow for BEAD strings. 35" scale. Nut and bridge ready for std 5 string sets of 130B. Though they come strung with regular EADG string set from factory. I'm using one of their F154's currently strung std E-G. Next string change will prob do BEAD set. Currently enjoying its 35 scale for std tuning and doing more multi string strumming type stuff. The longer scale gives it comprable feel of switching from 24 &3/4 scale guitar to 25 & 2/2 inch scale guitar as good comparison imo. You can string them thru body though dr neons wont quite reach correctly so tuning peg end is with end of strings little above nut so tapered part. So one would use std thru top of bridge stringing for most string sets. Great choice of bass for either B tuning or std E with little more rhythm guitar like feel (25&1/2" scale).
 
#19
darkstorm said:
All ther ESP Ltd F series are built to allow for BEAD strings. 35" scale. Nut and bridge ready for std 5 string sets of 130B. Though they come strung with regular EADG string set from factory. I'm using one of their F154's currently strung std E-G. Next string change will prob do BEAD set. Currently enjoying its 35 scale for std tuning and doing more multi string strumming type stuff. The longer scale gives it comprable feel of switching from 24 &3/4 scale guitar to 25 & 2/2 inch scale guitar as good comparison imo. You can string them thru body though dr neons wont quite reach correctly so tuning peg end is with end of strings little above nut so tapered part. So one would use std thru top of bridge stringing for most string sets. Great choice of bass for either B tuning or std E with little more rhythm guitar like feel (25&1/2" scale).
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the responses. Some very good points and some of these things I've considered. I've been a little hesitant to mod any 4 string. I have gotten some opinions that didn't think it was a good idea and read some horror stories about stringing BEAD.

I'm digging the Taranis great specs and I've wanted to try a Warwick for the growl that I think would fit into what I do. But they only made them for a short time and I doubt I'd find one or could afford it if I did HA. The Dark Lord is just sick....simply sick. I guess it would allow me to do some of the downtuned A songs.

Hmmmm. I'm sitting on a sweet LTD TA-500, 35 scale. I love the weight and feel. I picked it up on a trade. I thought the nut was filed at the E. Since it's based on the F series I bet it just came like that from the factory. Good to know. I haven't been sure what to do with it. I think I just found a good project.
 
#20
bassphreak said:
Thanks for all the responses. Some very good points and some of these things I've considered. I've been a little hesitant to mod any 4 string. I have gotten some opinions that didn't think it was a good idea and read some horror stories about stringing BEAD.

I'm digging the Taranis great specs and I've wanted to try a Warwick for the growl that I think would fit into what I do. But they only made them for a short time and I doubt I'd find one or could afford it if I did HA. The Dark Lord is just sick....simply sick. I guess it would allow me to do some of the downtuned A songs.

Hmmmm. I'm sitting on a sweet LTD TA-500, 35 scale. I love the weight and feel. I picked it up on a trade. I thought the nut was filed at the E. Since it's based on the F series I bet it just came like that from the factory. Good to know. I haven't been sure what to do with it. I think I just found a good project.
Click to expand...

Just grab a corvette $$ 4 string and string BEAD. Or get a 5 string!
 

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