what gauge strings...

[Devils138]

..would i use to be able to tune a 4 string down to use it basically as a 5 string. i just bought a new 4 string, and i wanna be able to use it for the songs i would need my 5 string for in my band. im thinking if i could tune it to B-E-A-D, without it sounding muddy, or the strings flopping around too much, than i could do without the G string, since for these songs i never use it on the 5 string anyway. problem is, i dont know what gauge would be able to do that. anyone know? thanks!

 

[spaz21387]

none will fit right in you will have to file the nut alittle to make the strings fit. the largest string that should fit in the e string slot in the nut would probably be a 105 or 110 at the largest.

 

[knuckle_head]

.136 .100 .076 .055 (or round to the nearest .005)

 

[KingRazor]

.136 .100 .076 .055 (or round to the nearest .005)

Shouldn't need a B that thick, a .130 or even a .125 should suffice, but I guess that depends on brand.

 

[knuckle_head]

Shouldn't need a B that thick, a .130 or even a .125 should suffice, but I guess that depends on brand.

If you want it to be less taught than the E string absolutely. Even tension does solve a good number of problems though, and is well worth a go.

 

[KingRazor]

If you want it to be less taught than the E string absolutely. Even tension does solve a good number of problems though, and is well worth a go.

Interesting. Well, what size B would you say to use with a .105 E string to maintain even tension?

 

[knuckle_head]

.140

I pair a .142 with my .106 in my balanced sets.

 

[KingRazor]

.140

I pair a .142 with my .106 in my balanced sets.

Sounds like that'd be monstrously thick.

 

[knuckle_head]

Sounds like that'd be monstrously thick.

Play with your ears and your fingers - not your eyes or your mind.

They work wonderfully well.

 

[BoomingBass]

Rotosound drop zone if you like Rotos and don't wanna pay for a 5 set.
They also have drop zone pluses for low F# tuning