BEAD Tuning Question?

[Billy Apple]

Would tuning a 34" scale bass to BEAD present any problems, or would it be better to do it on a 35" scale?

Cheers!

[CamdenRob]

You'll be fine... my Wal si 34".

May need to recut the nut / get a new one though to take the wider strings.

[plunkrock]

Yup, I've had a Squier Jazz and Peavey T-40 in BEAD and nothing terrible happened!

35" might give you a better tension on the low B, but 35" 4 strings are not common and 34" does the job.

[Shockwave]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1428659681' post='2743448']
Would tuning a 34" scale bass to BEAD present any problems, or would it be better to do it on a 35" scale?

Cheers!
[/quote]

Usually it is ok. Get the right set of strings. Some basses just don't like it. My Stingray is setup Drop C with standard Gauge and I like it. Just cant attack it as much.

Alternatively you can always look at my 4 String LTD for sale in the classifieds. Rare 4 string with 35" scale!

[chrismuzz]

You'll be sound as long as you whack heavier strings on it, either get some DR DDTs, or a standard 5 string set and throw one of them away

[Rumple]

Did it with a J&D Jazz, worked a treat, I used the low four strings from a D'Addario light gauge 5 string set and only had to tickle the fret slots to get them to sit nicely.

[Billy Apple]

Thanks for the replies. It seems like it is possible then. Thing is my 34" scale Spector has a brass nut. Would the nut need any filing and would this affect things if I went back to standard tuning? Plus, any work needed on the saddles?

[Shockwave]

Really Depends on how wide the nut is cut currently. Saddles should be ok. You really need to get the strings and put them on before working out if work on the bass needs done.

[Billy Apple]

Sounds like a plan