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So I'm thinking about switching back to a 4 string bass, but I want to tune to BEAD, is there anything special I have to do to setup my bass for this type of thing.

Thicker strings, nut slot widening, usually a truss rod adjustment. That's what I do, at least.

I've seen it recommended pretty often that you use a .130 for the B string. I'm using a .130 right now but I'd like it to have a little more tension...

Damn son, I use a .130 for my D in D standard tuning.

I'd use at LEAST a .140 for B. Most likely around a .150.

.150's fuckin' huge, what strings do you get?

I might buy a couple sets from Naked Strings...

The scale length on 4 strings tends to be a bit shorter, so the strings are gonna be a looser. You might have to use a bigger string than you were using on the 5 string.

You'll may need to file out the nut to fit bigger strings, but otherwise it's just a more extreme case of switching string gauges.

Achtane wrote:.150's fuckin' huge, what strings do you get?

I might buy a couple sets from Naked Strings...

Circle K Strings.

I use the .150" 4 String 34 to 35 Scale Length Balanced set, and the gauges are .150", .112" .082", .061" for BEAD. I found after trying them that I will never go back to traditional tension sets for bass ever again. Those upper strings be too tight and the low strings be too flabby on traditional sets.

WOW those strings are HUGE! I would be afraid of snapping the neck of my bass.

It's not as bad as it seems, though. The tension is only around 40 lbs all the way across. Compare that to a traditional set, which would be around 50 lbs on the D and only 28 lbs on the B. That's why the low B on a lot of basses can be not only flabby and dull, but lacking in fundamental. It's not always about the amp, pickups, or cabs; sometimes it's as simple as upping that B.

I'm gonna give this set a try soon, thanks.

I really like flabby though...I use a .105 for drop G.

Unless you know how to a file a nut I would just go to a tech, and tell him/her what you want and how like the tension.

That's what I did for one of my gits.

theavondon wrote:I really like flabby though...I use a .105 for drop G.

Yous crazay.

bubstance wrote:It's not as bad as it seems, though. The tension is only around 40 lbs all the way across. Compare that to a traditional set, which would be around 50 lbs on the D and only 28 lbs on the B. That's why the low B on a lot of basses can be not only flabby and dull, but lacking in fundamental. It's not always about the amp, pickups, or cabs; sometimes it's as simple as upping that B.

Hold up, I made a mistake.

The tension for Circle K strings is higher than what I was calculating (should have thought to check their tension chart). It's apparently as follows (not only 40 lbs per string):

.150" B = 46.2 lbs
.112" E = 48.1 lbs
.082" A = 46.8 lbs
.061" D = 46.5 lbs

So it's around 45 to 50 lbs per string. That's about how tight the average G is in a set of bass strings (average G tension is around 46.2 lbs). So, if you like how tight the G is, that set'll get it so all your strings are the same tension as that.

Sorry to derail this thread a little, but while on the subject of changing to different tuning 'ranges' for bass, can anybody give advice on setup for tenor 5-string tuning? (EADGC)
If I get a 5, I'd be more likely to set it up that way, I think...