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What'd you think of this?... Changing a 4-string into a "five"

B

Bassman45

Jul 16, 2005
26
0
#1
Hi,

Another poster suggested this as a method for creating a "5-string" bass. His method was to use B-E-A-D tuning on a 4-string fretless bass. I'm not sure of the string gauges he uses but in my mind you would have to use a real B (130 etc...) as the first string. Any red flags here? This sounds feasible but as always there might be hidden issues.

Thanks...
 
#6
deathbloomslife said:
Might have a few issues getting that B to sound like a "normal" B with a 34" scale length though... that is, if you indeed have a 34".
Click to expand...

Good point... the Fender Jazz V 5-string uses a 34" scale so I would think it would be alright. Looking at a MIA Jazz fretless on another page right now... God she's beautiful!
 
#7
deathbloomslife said:
Might have a few issues getting that B to sound like a "normal" B with a 34" scale length though... that is, if you indeed have a 34".


~Ryan
Click to expand...

that's another Can-O-Worms you're opening right there that you can find a LOT of info on with the search function. You won't find a lot of answers, but you'll find a LOT of opinions that will contradict what you're saying.
 
#9
BEAD tuning is very common in this Nu-Commerfordistic era.

I tune that on my fretless 4 because it allows me to play across the neck instead of up and down with open strings for jazz.
 
#10
TheEmptyCell said:
BEAD tuning is very common in this Nu-Commerfordistic era. I tune that on my fretless 4 because it allows me to play across the neck instead of up and down with open strings for jazz.
Click to expand...

Do you use a .125 gauge "B" as your first string?

Any nut adjustments on the fretless?
 
#13
This bass was old... I got it in parts from my friend. I didn't have to do any modification to the nut slots to get the strings to fit, but they seem to be a bit V shaped, instead of a curver U to the string gauge. Cheap plastic thing, but it works.

fretless_new_angle.jpg


That's the bass I'm talking about. I know the pic doesn't explain anything, but I wanted to show off my handy work I guess. :p
 
#15
"Sorry, no matches. Please try some different terms." No, that link doesn't work for me either; but it is easy enough to go back to the search function, and try different terms as suggested. There are numerous postings on this topic with a lot of useful information.

Regarding the BEAD tuning - I have a Jazz copy strung this way and am very satisfied with the sound. The B string is 130 gauge (Ernie Ball, long scale) and slightly loose open string and first fret, but certainly playable. Installed a Badass 2 bridge yesterday, and the sound just got punchier! The B string fit snugly through the bridge, so I didn't have to enlarge the hole. However, it was necessary to enlarge the nut slots for the B- and E-strings.

NOTE: Be very careful when removing material from the nut - a very little filing makes a big difference in string height.
 

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