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I'm trying to differentiate between basic de-tuning and actually modifying the nut to accept a low B String.
If I missed anyone, let me know.
#1 FFTT
#2 Jay2U
#3 pacojas
#4 Stormchaser
#5 rydin4lifebass
#6 Exalt Bass
#7 mr. black
#8 Rocken 17
#9 DannyBob
#10 gadget10k
#11 ctmullins
#12 Grissle
#13 fjadams
#14 Sartori
#15 mech
If I missed anyone, let me know.
#1 FFTT
#2 Jay2U
#3 pacojas
#4 Stormchaser
#5 rydin4lifebass
#6 Exalt Bass
#7 mr. black
#8 Rocken 17
#9 DannyBob
#10 gadget10k
#11 ctmullins
#12 Grissle
#13 fjadams
#14 Sartori
#15 mech
All these are BEAD (.130-.070"). The first one I strung this way was the black Fury around 1995. I also have and play 5-strings.
mech
mech
Running BEAD on a very expensive bass, I was concerned about the change in tension adding a B string, but 20 years later, I've never once had to adjust my truss rod.
I would be more concerned running too low tension simply de-tuning normal strings that many steps down.
I employed the same concept when I ran my Epiphone acoustic electric, going to Martin Heavies, so while the guitar was tuned BEADF#B the overall string tension didn't change because of the heavier gauge strings all across the fingerboard.
Rehearsal tape running way too much chorus into my Digitech
Valve FX guitar preamp.
So basically running acoustic Baritone strings on a regular acoustic. It sure toughened up your callouses.
https://soundcloud.com/ogredaddy/smitten
I would be more concerned running too low tension simply de-tuning normal strings that many steps down.
I employed the same concept when I ran my Epiphone acoustic electric, going to Martin Heavies, so while the guitar was tuned BEADF#B the overall string tension didn't change because of the heavier gauge strings all across the fingerboard.
Rehearsal tape running way too much chorus into my Digitech
Valve FX guitar preamp.
So basically running acoustic Baritone strings on a regular acoustic. It sure toughened up your callouses.
https://soundcloud.com/ogredaddy/smitten
Now that we're talking tuning down with 'standard' strings, the neck of my G&L L2000 is so stable that down tuning to C#, F#, B, E is just possible without further adjustment. I had Ernie Ball flatwounds on it, gauges 105, 80, 60, 45. Recently I restrung the G&L with Dunlop nickels of the same gauges.
The Treason Wall - Dark Tranquility
The Treason Wall - Dark Tranquility 
Wow, that's a real looker ... I love what you've done to it! How well does it balance? I ask because my Spector Forte-X has the strap pin behind the neck, and I did try moving it to where yours is, but find it much much better in the original position. I am TOTALLY going BEAD in the near future. Thanks for the pep talk about it!
Thanks, actually I did move both strap buttons, one at the neck plate, the other on the rear upper bout and it balances well.
I have a set of D'Addario Black Nylon Wraps going on my '64 Jazz. They were reasonable enough.
Going BEAD, Nylon with a B string, you'd want to make sure
the wrapped string won't bind at the nut from being too fat.
Also a wrapped string will come unwrapped over rough edges,
so you gotta make sure nut and saddles are smooth.
On my '64 Jazz, I had issues on all kinds of strings with the continuous thread saddle cutting into my strings and breaking them.
Most of these wrap strings are lights with a round wound string
core wrapped in nylon.
Going BEAD, Nylon with a B string, you'd want to make sure
the wrapped string won't bind at the nut from being too fat.
Also a wrapped string will come unwrapped over rough edges,
so you gotta make sure nut and saddles are smooth.
On my '64 Jazz, I had issues on all kinds of strings with the continuous thread saddle cutting into my strings and breaking them.
Most of these wrap strings are lights with a round wound string
core wrapped in nylon.
I used to string both basses with EB flats. Recently I restrung the G&L (EADG) with Dunlop nickel rounds which produce a very deep and basic sound. I really dig that sound. As I never used nylon, I would like to know the specific advantages of nylon wrapped strings, that is, soundwise. Who?
Yeah, I want flats for mine as I feel they would give a more bassy sound perfect for a low B. Maybe Flatwounds on the B and E, and Roundwounds on the A and D
Yeah, I want flats for mine as I feel they would give a more bassy sound perfect for a low B. Maybe Flatwounds on the B and E, and Roundwounds on the A and D
That depends on the sound you want. Flat and round are quite different if it comes to harmonics. With a mix of flats 'n' rounds, 5th fret E doesn't match an open A anymore. I like the extra tension of flats, especially on the B. Hereunder are two examples of simple Johnny Thunders songs, one with flats, the other with rounds. The pedal settings were exactly the same for both songs.
Example with BEAD EB flatwounds, Ibby
Example with Dunlop nickel rounds, G&L EADGHereunder are two examples of simple Johnny Thunders songs, one with flats, the other with rounds. The pedal settings were exactly the same for both songs.
Example with BEAD EB flatwounds, Ibby
Thanks for both of those
I didn't realise that flats would give higher tension, and to be honest I like having floppy strings...
Thanks for both of those
Light flats are also available. A flatwound string is a little denser as there is little more material. Higher density means extra tension. If you install flats one step thinner than the rounds you are used to, they'll have about the same tension. A while ago I programmed a string calculator. The density can be set for massive strings, roundwounds and flatwounds. It can be downloaded from DropBox
https://www.dropbox.com/s/tckc2rjzxs095tx/StringCalculator.exe
Edit: New download link address (the old link didn't work anymore)
Last edited:
Light flats are also available. A flatwound string is a little denser as there is little more material. Higher density means extra tension. If you install flats one step thinner than the rounds you are used to, they'll have about the same tension. A while ago I programmed a string calculator. The density can be set for massive strings, roundwounds and flatwounds. I t can be downloaded from DropBox: StringCalculator
Wow! That string calculator is brilliant! I shall definitely have a play around and see what I come up with thanks for your help!