Author Topic: Low B on a 4-string bass  (Read 823 times)

thijs

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Low B on a 4-string bass
« on: October 22, 2008, 12:49:35 PM »
I was wondering... i'm a big fan of low bass sounds.
Would I do any harm to my 4-string basses ('70 one's) when I use the 4 lower strings from a 5-set, put them on and tune them into B-E-A-D?
Doing so, I think I might be able to catch the lowest of the lowest in my bluesrock sound.

Someone an opinion?

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SKATE RAT

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Re: Low B on a 4-string bass
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2008, 05:26:46 PM »
you can do that.but you would need to mod your nut.
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Dave W

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Re: Low B on a 4-string bass
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2008, 05:40:18 PM »
Right, and you don't need to worry about harming the neck. In typical string set gauges, a B-E-A-D setup is slightly lower in total tension than E-A-D-G tuning. You're dropping a small diameter string tuned to high G which is usually higher in tension than the large diameter string tuned to B. Hope that makes sense.

thijs

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Re: Low B on a 4-string bass
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2008, 10:46:20 PM »
Thanks..!
Gonna try it.

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www.treshombres.nl
Tabasco!!
Thijs