Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

[wildstar]

I'd like to have a bass with a low-B string, but my wee little hands can't really handle a 5-string. Is there any reason I can't string a regular 4-string bass with a B, E, A, and D string, and forget about the G string that I never use anyways?

How about on a short-scale 30" bass? Would a low-B string get all flubby and flappy with the shorter scale?

In case it's not obvious, I'm not a real bass player. I just sometimes need to lay down basslines.

Thanks for any tips!

Cheers

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

This can be done. I've played with bass players that did this all the time. My only concern is that your Bass neck be solid enough to handle the extra pressure from the large B string.The neck could twist.:smack:

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

Should work as long as your neck isn't made of plywood or paper.
Definitely don't do it on a 30" scale. You'd need like a .180 string to make it even a little tight. It would be way too floppy. 34" should work and 35" or 35.5" should be even better.
What bass do you own?

 

[Thurisarz]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

When i want to go this low i use cello tuning but one octave below (on my 34").

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

I don't know if they still do, but at one time Schecter made a bass tuned to B, E, A, D.

 

[Tom M]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

You can certainly string a 4-string BEAD. You'll probably need to widen your nut slots a bit, and the truss rod will definitely need a tweak. I wouldn't try it on a 30" scale, but I would on a 34".

 

[Fresno Bob]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

definately possible.

The bass player we played with tuned to B standard on his 77 Rick. Nice and punchy with a good growl.

 

[wildstar]

Re: Bass guitar low-B string ideas. Possible?

Thanks, everyone!

So I'll stick to 34" scale or longer, and possibly have to widen the nut slots. Doesn't seem too hard...

I'm using a MIM Jazz bass now, but it's a friend's and I have to sell it on ebay for him soon. I'll be in the market for a new, used bass. I'm looking for a P-bass style, or maybe something slim and modern looking. Humbucking pups and active would be nice, but I won't be too choosy since I suck as a bass player!

Cheers