4 string as 5 string

[Dropzone]

I am struggling to find a 5 string precision that meets my needs. Apart from having to change the nut, if I were to get a 4 string and put B E A D on it. Would this lead to any other issues?

Ta

Mike

[chris_b]

What problems are you experiencing and which basses have you tried?

[Grangur]

You could find the bridge may not be welcoming of a string being as fat as the B string. So you might need to drill the hole bigger if you're using a BBOT bridge

Edited April 10, 2017 by Grangur

[Graham]

I've had three basses tuned that way with no problems - Mex jazz, Mayoned Be4 and a G&L L2000

[Paul S]

You may find a Yamaha BB425 to your liking. The P pickup on those is fantastic, but the neck is still really slim.

BB425 is my universal panacea at the moment. Strong B on a passive? BB425. Value for money? BB425. Premature ejaculation? BB425.

[Dropzone]

I have a few 5 ers. Ibanez K5, Warwick Streamer, Yamaha RBX775, but I am feeling the need for the precision sound. There are no precision 5ers around the market place or flea bay. I guess I want the Steve Harris sound, (but don't want the west ham sticker). I have heard the Nate Mandella signature is a very similar set up.

[NJE]

There shouldn't be any issue with using a BEAD tuning on a 4 string unless you plan on using monster thick B string. I know Stuart Zender tunes his precision this way, I quite fancy a Mexican 50s (big fat strong maple neck) to do this with.

As another option, the Squier PV is a great bass.

[pete.young]

I've done this with a Bass Collection. You're unlikely to have any issues other than a slight setup tweak - I found that the truss rod had to be loosened slightly due to the 'G' being slightly higher tension than the 'B' .

[Dropzone]

I did wonder about the truss rod, but thought the tension wouldn't be too much more. Ta

[Naetharu]

Done that with my ibanez SR300 The only issue is that the scale is a bit short so not the tightest b. But totally functional.

Edited April 10, 2017 by Naetharu

[pete.young]

[quote name='Dropzone' timestamp='1491830355' post='3275686']
I did wonder about the truss rod, but thought the tension wouldn't be too much more. Ta
[/quote]
In my case it was slightly less, depends on your choice of string.

[BigRedX]

[quote name='Dropzone' timestamp='1491830355' post='3275686']
I did wonder about the truss rod, but thought the tension wouldn't be too much more. Ta
[/quote]

The tension will be a lot less. Low B strings have a significantly lower tension than the high G as any string tension chart will show you.

[christhammer666]

ive used a precision 4 tuned down to bead.I do have 110-50 strings on my basses though

[Dropzone]

I may be crazy and try some flats. I have no idea what it will do, the world could explode!!!

[chris_b]

[quote name='Dropzone' timestamp='1491912235' post='3276367']
I may be crazy and try some flats. I have no idea what it will do, the world could explode!!!
[/quote]

Let me know before you do that so I can hold on to something.