Setup for B standard?

[Bassboar]

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.

[bubstance]

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

[Achtane]

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...

[bubstance]

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.

[Achtane]

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

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

[McSpunckle]

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.

[bubstance]

.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.

[Derelict78]

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

[bubstance]

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.

[Achtane]

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

[theavondon]

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

[Moustache_Bash]

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.

[Moustache_Bash]

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

Yous crazay.

[bubstance]

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.

[StudioShutIn]

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...