4-string down to B - what strings?

[satannica]

Hiya

 

I used to use the Ernie Ball 5-string super slinky set on my 5-string bass. As I no longer own a 5-string, I want to tune one of my 4-strings (probably the Ibanez) down to B.

 

Aside from buying a standard 5-string set and chucking the top string, are there any sets out there designed for this purpose?

[toolmybass]

Think your outta luck :-(

[runbeerrun]

DR DDT strings, the ddt is drop down tuning. Sound bright, I had the heaviest 5-string set and tuned down to F#. Not expensive either.

[RSBro]

Are you wanting to drop tune to drop B or B standard, or simply string up as lowest 4 strings of a 5 string, at BEAD?

 

Also, forget the DDTs from the onset. Worst and darkest strings I ever used.

[JohnMCA72]

Example: RS66LH

 

http://www.rotosound.com/swing_66.php

[toolmybass]

 

Example: RS66LH http://www.rotosound.com/swing_66.php

 

 

 

Looks like your best bet here! Unless you dont like the sound of them.

Also looks like they are going for about $23 on EvilBay!

 

Post some audio after your done the switch.

[MahaloVision]

Maybe these D'Addarios:

 

http://store.daddario.com/category/145940/EXL230_Long_Scale_55-110

 

Just a tad lighter overall.

[lug]

Here:

 

http://circlekstrings.com/store/4-strings.html

[toolmybass]

 

Maybe these D'Addarios: http://store.daddario.com/category/145940/EXL230_Long_Scale_55-110 Just a tad lighter overall.

 

 

These are just a heavy gauge normal 4 string....not designed to go near a B

 

In fact i use a .110" on my E string just for dropped d

[toolmybass]

 

Here: http://circlekstrings.com/store/4-strings.html

 

 

Wow....def lots of sizes to choose from.

[lug]

 

Wow....def lots of sizes to choose from.

 

 

Skip from Knuclebass (the 39.5" scale basses) owns the business. He's been a forum member here, talkbass, and ebassist for many years and has done a mega{censored}eton of reasearch on strings and scale length effects, really really knows his {censored}e. Plus one of the nicest guys you'll eve do business with. I have a set of his hybid (nickel/steel) balanced strings on my G&L and love 'em.

[Thunderbroom]

As someone who has been tuning 4 strings to BEAD for years now, my recommendation is to first try detuning with the standard set that's on there first. It may or may not work for you. I have a couple of basses that I was able to do this with and it has worked well. On others, I just used the BEAD strings from a 5 string set with good results.

[satannica]

I may have to go for a 5-string set.

 

I record a lot of my music in C standard. Oddly, B was just a bit too dead for me.

 

I have Ernie Super Slinky on my 4-string at the moment. In C, the tone was a bit too flat and dull.

[RSBro]

 

I may have to go for a 5-string set. I record a lot of my music in C standard. Oddly, B was just a bit too dead for me. I have Ernie Super Slinky on my 4-string at the moment. In C, the tone was a bit too flat and dull.

 

 

We play in drop C.

Anything I would say more than 1/2 step down, get some Circle K's. Best {censored} evar.

[isaac42]

What's the difference between B standard and BEAD?

[max maroon]

 

Here: http://circlekstrings.com/store/4-strings.html

 

 

+1, On all of my basses.

[plurabelle]

 

What's the difference between B standard and BEAD?

 

 

there isnt one

[isaac42]

 

Are you wanting to drop tune to drop B or B standard, or simply string up as lowest 4 strings of a 5 string, at BEAD? Also, forget the DDTs from the onset. Worst and darkest strings I ever used.

 

and no one said, "B standard is the same as BEAD." So, I had to ask.

[satannica]

This may be another derpy question... er... what gauge do I need? LOL!

 

This is going on a Fender P-bass, tuned to C. I like light feeling strings, not too much effort. My amp is a Warwick CL series with 2x12" speakers.

[RSBro]

 

That's what I would have thought, but I saw this post: and no one said, "B standard is the same as BEAD." So, I had to ask.

 

 

I guess now thinking about that, that is true. Lowest I've ever gone is C std but counting that out, it is the same.

[RSBro]

This may be another derpy question... er... what gauge do I need? LOL! This is going on a Fender P-bass, tuned to C. I like light feeling strings, not too much effort. My amp is a Warwick CL series with 2x12" speakers.

 

Balanced tension is FTW, which is why Circle K's are ftw. The higher strings are still playable while still retaining their pitch and tension correctly.

 

For a low C, Skip usually recommends a low .118 or .124 set. But trust me, they feel way lighter than how they look on paper.

[plurabelle]

 

That's what I would have thought, but I saw this post: and no one said, "B standard is the same as BEAD." So, I had to ask.

 

 

its all good. that post you quoted is kind of confusing in the way that its worded.

[satannica]

Balanced tension is FTW, which is why Circle K's are ftw. The higher strings are still playable while still retaining their pitch and tension correctly. For a low C, Skip usually recommends a low .118 or .124 set. But trust me, they feel way lighter than how they look on paper.

 

I just had a quick look... $14 for shipping plus tax/duty when it lands makes it

[isaac42]

 

This may be another derpy question... er... what gauge do I need? LOL! This is going on a Fender P-bass, tuned to C. I like light feeling strings, not too much effort. My amp is a Warwick CL series with 2x12" speakers.

 

 

What gauge do you have on the E, A and D now? If you like what you have, go with the same gauge on those strings, and get a set that matches those with the low B. So, for instance, if your current strings are .045, .065, .085 and .105, got for a set that is, say, .065, .085, .105 and .125. Or something like that. Or go a little lighter or a little heavier, as you prefer.

[isaac42]

I just had a quick look... $14 for shipping plus tax/duty when it lands makes it