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extremely, extremely common
if your guitar player is in drop D (DADGBE), you will probably also go with drop D (DADG) or D standard (DGCF)
if your guitar player is in drop D (DADGBE), you will probably also go with drop D (DADG) or D standard (DGCF)
I have a bass I keep tuned in D standard (1 step lower than standard) Yes it exists, and "legitimately" works just fine. A BEAD tuned bass ( a fiver without the G string) is also a completely "legitimate" thing.
I almost always have to tune my basses after I drop them. 
My 4s are DADG and my 5 is ADADG (I have wrist issues and like having a low A) so yep.
I have three of my four strings tuned BEAD. I just use heavier strings than standard.
Also "drop tuning" typically refers to tunings like drop D, where the lowest string is tuned a 5th down from the next lowest string instead of a 4th.
It works better to use a B string.
you do not want to do that. the string gauge is not thick enough to hold a B without it being a floppy mess.
Sure I’ve had 4 string setup in BEAD like the Lower 4 string of a 5 string (beadg) bass. Just requires the proper strings and a setup.
I use hybrid and power slinky sets depending on the bass. One I have c# standard, another drop d/b, keeps tension and didn't pull the neck.
Be aware that if you go to BEAD, you usually need to file the nut to get the strings to sit low enough.
Do we want to discuss "illegitimately getting lower?"
I've used D Standard for a long time, I prefer it to either E Standard or 5-string.
I've used D Standard for a long time, I prefer it to either E Standard or 5-string.
I do this with my hip shot double stop D tuner. One Stop is tuned to D the other to B. Sure it's floppy, but it sounds like a B to me.
