GHS Strings - BEAD Tuned Bass Boomers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- GHS Strings is proud to offer BEAD tuned Bass Boomers, for those bassists that prefer the lower range of a 5-string bass, but on a 4-string. Typically, bassists would have to put together sets from singles, or buy a 5-string set and throw away the G string. Now, they have the perfect set they've been looking for.
www.ghsstrings.com
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Thank you GHS for offering BEAD string packs for us BEAD players,,, I think your the only string company doing so,, Cheers, Davyo.
I hope the flatwound thick gauge strings would come out soon. Those roundwound strings sound good, too.
Hi Edwin, we don't have a lot of demand for a packaged set of BEAD tuned Precision Flats. That said, you can put a set together by getting the 65-85-105-128 in singles. You can actually do that with all of our bass sets, so you're not limited to just these that are packaged together.
Raising my hand for the flatwounds.
When I was 14 yrs old, I've learned the standard and the drop B tuning in high school. Both 4 and 5 strings. I've mastered it. Since I always practice on playing a bass, I've decided to use a BEAD tuning on a 4 string bass. It gives me more comfortable to play, unique and easy to use. I gotten used to it. Pretty useful when you play a different song with drop tuning. 😊
Do I still have to make adjustments to the nut, action, etc? Maybe a dumb question, but I'm currently learning about the BEAD technique and noticed it requires making adjustments when buying the 5 string bass strings. So forgive me, I'm learning
I have that exact same bass (almost). Mine is a 1977 Aria Pro II "Precise Bass". Love those Japanese "lawsuit era" basses! Anyway, the reason I was here was to check out the BEAD set which I now know would work perfectly on my APII P Bass.
Oh nice! Yeah, it's a great playing instrument.
Im very happy that someone do it
Hi, I’m looking for a bass guitar that is able to handle this BEAD tuning? Which model would you recommend?
Frankly, any bass can handle BEAD tuning. There's actually LESS tension on a bass neck in BEAD tuning over a EADG tuned bass, so that shouldn't be a concern. If anything, you may need to have the nut slots filed for the larger string gauges, but that's it.
Jonathan Moody Wow, that’s quite a relief! Thanks for your help!
@@NoorhakimMohamedNoor For the nut modification you sould speak with a luthier or a dental technician. Don't do it yoursel. They have tools that would make it look factory made. All of my 4 string basses are B tuned, and are awsome. I would recomand the strings in the video, that hex core makes a lot of diffrence on the B string tension. Good luck.
Noorhakim Mohamed Noor haha pun intended?
I didn't know that Mondo played Bass as well as designing fantastic garments!
I didn't know I needed this comment until I saw it. Thank you!
Great idea, I don't have to pay extra for that G string. 🙂 But when this is going to be sold in Europe? All I see is Ernie Ball and Daddario
Is there any chance we could get the 37.25" winding with the Flatwound GHS back like a few years ago ? Keep making great strings! Thanks.
Probably not. The flats that you're referring to were a 36.5" winding length, and were originally discontinued in 2013 due to sales. Dealers still ordered them, as we had stock, which ran out the summer of 2016.
Oh, that's sad, last time I had your flats on my bass they were the 36.5", before I switched to Tapewounds.
I don't get why the Precision Flats are the only bass strings from GHS only available in 38" which is almost a full inch too long for a Fender-style "through-bridge" on the E string, and an awkward choice for a single length since the B-string is 37.25" anyway... But you're the judges, obviously.
Keep us all informed if you ever re-start producing a +/- 37" ball end-to-silk E-string. I see you added 2 more varieties in late 2017, the Balanced Nickels are interesting, will check when they hit Europe.
Cheers!
NICE... GHS were the rFIRST ones, in collaboration with Bassist Jimmy Johnson, arount 1975, to assist him with his Alembic bass, to make a 5 string with low B!!
Stupid question, but do i have to get anything on my 4 string modified for this? My band uses low tunings, and if i dont have to buy a 5, that would work.
Given the size of gauges that are in the BEAD sets, it's a good idea to either have the nut modified, or have a new nut made for this tuning (which would then allow you to keep the original nut if you ever wanted to switch back).
Do you guys have any plans on making the BEAD string sets in extra long? I have a Schecter Scorpion and it's hard to find a set of strings for it.
This set has a 37.25" winding length, which should fit the 35" scale length of the Schecter Scorpion as long as it's a top -load bridge. If you need something longer, you'll have to put together a set from the "extra long" Bass Boomers singles. We have enough that you can easily put together all of the BEAD tuned sets in extra long, if you need to.
@@TheGHSStrings it's a through body. Looks like I will have to order individual strings. Not that big of a deal.
Will the nut have to be modified to tune this way? Also do they come in flatwounds?
You'll definitely want to either modify the nut for the larger gauge strings, or have a completely different nut cut. Personally, I prefer the latter as you can easily swap them when going from BEAD to EADG tuning.
They don't come in a packaged set of BEAD flatwounds, but you can easily do this by just buying the bottom four strings of a five string set.
can i use these strings on a 20 fret bass guitar? I´m thinking trying drop B tuning
For the 4 string bass guitar, that’s my new favorite tuning. But is that low B string good for drop tuning?
Not the same thing. You are dropping the entire register of the bass guitar to span low B to D instead of E to G. You may need to adjust the truss rod slightly to account for the additional tension...that will really depend on so many things.
@@auxpower13 I think he refers to drop A tuning...
The sound of a 34" scale 5 string will be the same as a 4 string on the B string. it's the same scale That complaint that a 5 string handles the B string better is BS. They are the same scale length, also the tension is not that much different. Since the B string is heavier it needs about the same tension as the other strings, for the same scale it is the same. Stop with the BS 5 string being any better for the B string. Now, it is true that because you have a G string on a 5 string you do have more notes, but unless you go above the 15th fret on the G string, there are no more notes than on a 4 string.
Conner Powers i can’t lie i’ve hit the 16th fret on the G playing in F# minor
Conner, I agree with what you’re saying, given that the two basses are the same scale length, however more and more 5’s are coming with a 35/35.5” scale length in which case the low B is handled a little better. Not to mention fanned basses going towards 37” and the quake bass a whopping 40”! (although I cannot remember whether it is a 4 or 5 string)
@@rachesona7x I ^play a Ibanez Mikro, with a 28 inch scale!! as long as your action is well adjusted and you treat it with gentle hands, you can have a low B there as well :) IDEAL for small hands!
yes, the 5 string will not handle the B string better than a 4 string (all other things remaining equal) but the presence of the G string does change things. It's not just about the "number of notes" available, but the playing positions you can achieve.
The main reason that a bass guitar is not one thick string played linearly is because having other notes available without having to move the hand is quite useful. In fact, I'd say that one of the major advantages of a 5 string has nothing to do with playing notes lower than E-- it's in being able to play those normal bass notes in a higher and tighter position on the fretboard.
The register on the fretboard also affects your tone too. E played at the 7th fret of the A string has a different sound than E played at the 12th fret of the E string, despite being the same note. More strings gives you more options.
Hopefully it’s also good for short scale bass guitars, too. If not, no problem.
Hi Edwin, these BEAD sets are not made for short scale basses. You'll need to put together a set from short scale singles to use for your bass.
I bought a 5 string set cuz my local guitar center cuz I didn’t see any of these in stock. But I must say that playing with the BEAD tuning after getting used to the EADG tuning feels awkward. But I still like the low notes I’m able to accomplish now
It does take a second to get used to a lower tuning on a traditional 4st bass, that's very true. But for some, it's well worth the transition.
Are you playing the heavy gauge set?
Maybe someone can help answer this for me! I tried modifying a bass( not a cheap bass either, high end, USA made) to fit BEAD strings. I had a luthier build a new nut for it. Strung it with 65 - 130 strings. I thought that was all I needed to do... But when I played it it sounded terrible. Especially on the low B. Horrible buzz and weird overtones above the 10th fret. I did so much research beforehand and no one mentioned anything like this.. Is it maybe to do with frets? They're medium jumbo, like you would find on many other high end basses. 34" scale. I'm stumped! The bridge maybe?
Anyone else have this happen!?
This may seem like a silly question, but did the bass get a setup in addition to a new nut? Did the luthier adjust the action, trussrod and set the intonation when you switched strings? The overall tension of a BEAD set is LESS than a standard EADG set, so you'll definitely want to look at those things if the luthier didn't do it when he made the nut.
@@TheGHSStrings Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, I believe he did. He mentioned the intonation was difficult to set. Fair question. I work in a music store myself and tried setting it up afterwards to no avail. I compared it to a chinese Warwick 5 string bass which was perfect on the low B.
I think I'll get a 35" scale bass for this in the future because I still really like the idea and can't get used to a 5 string no matter what
@@thefriendlyfinger69 It could also be a high fret somewhere, but that would be somewhat uniform across all strings. Hard to say without looking at the instrument and being able to accurately diagnose what's happening.
I dont see BEAD strings on your website
www.ghsstrings.com/products/19714-bead-tuned-bass-boomers?category_id=1964722-bass-boomers
You can also make sets out of any of our sets using the single string ordering option as well.
Whats the difference of tapered and silk strings and (I think) normal strings? Im a newbie on this
Nothing. The silked ends are how everyone used to make them, when the metal would eat into the plating on the tuning posts. It also helped to "anchor" the strings a bit more. Nowadays, it's more for aesthetics than function which is why many companies have done away with it, with the exception of flatwounds.
How do these compare to your H3045 heavy set? I'm trying to find the heaviest strings possible.
They're heavier. The H3045 set is 50-115, and the BEAD sets start at 60-125 and go to 70-140.
Will they work on a Gretsch G2220 Short Scale Bass? Thank you.
No they won't; the winding length is too long for a short scale bass.
@@TheGHSStrings Thank you.
How would a short scale cope with these strings?
Would it need a nut modification?
These won't work with short scale; they're just too long. You would need some short scale strings (around a 32" to 32.75" winding length on the strings) and then have them designed specifically for that scale length. Putting longer strings on a short scale doesn't work great.
34" and above would yield the best results.
My only issue was the hole in the tuning peg on my ibby wasn't big enough to fit the low B in the hole, so I had to put it across instead. Still on there (for now).
What specific model of Ibanez are you using? There shouldn't be any fitment issues in a 34" scale bass of any kind...
@@TheGHSStrings It's an SR500. The string is just that little bit too thick for the peg. I tried an old 135 string which was also too thick, but fit fine in my SR300, so definitely more a bass issue than the string. Must be smaller fixings for some reason.
If I was to buy a 4 string solid body electric bass guitar, I would love to have those strings, and I would also drop tune the thickest gauge string to a drop A; I would down tune all of them to either a low A standard or a drop G at most.
Those round wound thicker gauge strings still sound good.
Nice set of strings. Well conceived idea.
But a hot tip: get rid of the red silk wrap once and for all! Rotosound does this too. Beats me big time. If you should have any customers for these, it's always in the new metal genre, where they use MULTI SCALE and Fanned Fret basses, a la Dingwall and such. If you should do a demo, borrow or buy a Dingwall 4 string fanned fret with 36.5 " scale on the lowest string and put this set one and show us that the red silk wrap DOES NOT go over the nut into the playing area! And so it should show us back at the bridge too. No red silk wrap ever going over the angle of the bridge or nut. Or better yet, skip the red silk wrap altogether, and you'll get at least 20-25 % sales raise in customers buying these ones.
Until this is done, these will only come over as "nice try, but..."
Thanks for your feedback. In regard to this set being more geared toward the metal genre, I think you'd be surprised. The large number of musicians that use our BEAD sets are NOT in the metal genre (actually a number of country artists), but musicians that realize they need the lower tuning of a 5 string bass, but do not want to deal with 5 strings.
A multiscale set is a good idea, but this set wasn't designed for that. A lot more thought goes into creating a set that works on a fanned fret instrument (and we have one in the office) than just making a standard set of strings longer.
@@TheGHSStrings Well then, then you've explained. Thank you for a fast reply. Much appreciated. I don't think a lot more thought goes into creating a set that works for fanned frets. Provided the gauge is the same, just get rid of the red silk wrap and you're good to go... ;-) And don't make them tapered at all, at any end (a silly idea which has dumbfounded me for ages).
I've tried it with a 4 string ESP/LTD fan fret, where the low B is at 36" (supposedly used for low E) and a regular long scale set will do just fine. If you have to go to the low B at 37" then you'll have to start to think. But as I know of no 4 string fanned frets with 37" on lowest strings, this is kind of moot. 4 string fan frets basses doesn't go past 36.25" on the lowest string whether you choose it as a low E or low B.
Think of the other way around, instead.
I do very much think that if you do a set that is designed for fanned fret 34-36 inch scales 4 strings, whatever extra thought that has to go into that, it sure will suit any bass that is NOT fan fret too, just cut of the excess string length as you have to do anyway. There's always some extra slack wrapped up around the tuning posts.
Like if I play a short scale bass, I do have occasionally had to buy a full long scale length set, cut the excess of and trim them down to a 32" scale (Fender musicmaster, mustang bass etc) and they worked without any hitch. Just as well as if I'd bought bass string for short scale basses. Couldn't tell the difference.
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I do have used ti on my ESP/LTD, the BEAD tuning but I had to scrap the last string of my 5ers set. A high G you can ALWAYS use as a spare on the other basses. The trick I do is : I am using a CAPO (kyser) on the 5th fret. Then it's tuned up normally EADG and fretting up high doesn't give that short decaying note that goes out of tune. If I should get a call doing SRV/Hendrix or horn numbers that are in "flat" keys, I just move the capo down one fret. If I have to use dropped D, move the capo to 3rd fret, and if I have to play "Born Under A Bad Sign" in C# I use it as 2nd fret. And on the lowest B tunings, the heavier metal numbers I'll leave the capo on the headstock, and just rumbling about in the deep end. In this way, I do not have to retune, and change tension on the strings, and I don't have to bring basses with alternate tunings. BUT! It only works on "full scale" fanned frets with the low B at 36.25" scale. This method sucks on regular scaled basses ot those 32-35" basses that Dingwall makes... the low B has to have at least 36 before it sounds decent up the neck too.
@@henkehakansson2004 Think of it this way. The original idea for the fanned fret bass was to address the tension/stiffness issues in a standard set of bass strings. So, the builder had to adjust their way of building because the string manufacturers didn't see a problem.
And that's FINE, but now that there are a number of fanned fret basses, why not put in some extra thought into making a set of strings that was designed specifically to work with the features of that bass, instead of just extending the length and calling it "good?" Personally, as a working bassist, I'd rather spend the extra time and make a set of strings that really sings with the bass used.
Tapered strings were meant originally for easier intonation at the bridge, with thicker gauges. At this point, it's meant more to ensure that you can get bigger strings through a top-loading bridge. Anything past a .130 demands a taper just to fit in the bridge.
@@TheGHSStrings Ok a little sidetracked here, aren't we. Most tapered strings I've tried does not reside properly over the bridge witness point anyway. The perfect intonation point always ends right under the spot where the next thicker gauge begins. If you move the bridge saddle a litte bit forward or backward to make the string sit properly, you get flawed intonation.
Now you defended tapered. Let's hear you defend the red silk wrap then... :-) Your package says 37.5 wind which would fit properly onto a 4 stringed fanned fret with maximum 36 inch scale on the low b anyway.
@@henkehakansson2004 in terms of silk, it was originally a functional part of the string, to protect the tuning posts (that had shotty plating) as well as lock the string around the tuner (as in, no slipping). With technology what it is now, it's now an aesthetic choice, although everyone still uses them on their flatwounds. To date, you're the first person I've spoken with that's this passionate about their disdain for it.
And no, a 37.25" winding length will NOT fit properly onto a 4 string fanned fret bass with a 36" inch scale for the Low B. That particular winding length can go up to a 35" scale (top load) with a zero fret, and that's the extent of it. For the bass you describe, it needs to be at least a 38" winding length, or in the case of Dingwall, a 39" winding length for a Low B.
I bought a 5 string pack but couldn't get the low b to fit in my bridge. Wtf am I doing wrong lol
Traditional bent style bridges were not designed to fit the diameter of the low B string. You either have to buy a newer bridge that will allow some larger diameter of strings, or carefully open up the hole in the bridge to allow the B string to go through.
@@TheGHSStrings What about the nut? Do I have to enlarge it also?
@@marcoleite5393 yes you do.
For standard B & Drop B tuning?
Standard BEAD tuning, yes. Drop B? No.
@@TheGHSStrings What strings for Drop B,Drop C,standard D & Drop D tuning?:-)
Thousands of thanks
@@pedrochanganaqui1623 There are many variables associated with all of the tunings that you're asking for. A resource like the Bass Guitar String Tension Guide - www.ghsrep.net/uploads/2/2/2/5/22258814/2020-ghs-bass-guitar-tension.pdf - was designed to help players like you find the perfect set for your needs.
Same with guitar i prefer b standard on a 6 string more comfortable
Ok boomer
Will they fit on a p bass nut? Or does it have to be modified?
Given the size of gauges that are in the BEAD sets, it's a good idea to either have the nut modified, or have a new nut made for this tuning (which would then allow you to keep the original nut if you ever wanted to switch back).
It should also be good for other genres of music. And they should have a 4 string bass guitar setting in fifths; as low as a B flat, tuned in fifths; Cajun tuning.
When I mentioned Cajun tuning, I meant Cajun fifth. There are 2 Cajun fifth tunings on a 4 string electric bass guitar: Bb, F, C & G, and low F, C, G & D.
Do you have a 4-string and feel like you want to play 5-string?
Fear not! Just use these BEAD strings and get that sweet 5-string tone without the hassle of getting more gear!
There is a lot of string buzz in your video
I literally just bought 5 string bass strings and widened the holes on my bridge lol. Atleast I can switch to EADG whenever I want.
That's an option too, although you'll end up with a collection of unused G strings.
What are you looking at? What's going on over there? I feel like there was something happening that we're all missing out on
I'm pretty sure he's looking at a script somewhere near the camera, that's why he's looking somewhere near it
@@AaronKaiMCDNLD that's a good guess, but no.
@@TheGHSStrings then why are you looking anywhere but the camera?
Ernie ball has done it for a bit.
I thought it was the music from The Michael Caine film ‘Get Carter’. But it’s not..
Nope, just a 12 bar blues groove in B.
Um, yeah, you really should have the bass plugged in if you're doing a demo. Just saying.
Thanks for the input, Ruben! The bass is plugged in and we mic'd the cab, so it doesn't have that "direct out" sound. That also explains the string noise that you hear as well. Thanks for listening!
@@TheGHSStrings If that's the case, the video needs to be redone - the string noise (and the bowtie) made for a bad representation of GHS quality. Pressure-wounds are my FAV string and i was curious on a BEAD format - saw this link, came...and now leaving....disappointed.
I don't think boomers tune that low though. They're the ones spouting insults on talkbass.com whenever the subject of 5 strings or drop tuning comes up.
The right gauges have no problem tuning that low. That's the key, not just grabbing a typical set, tuning it down and complaining that they're floppy.
@@monjoody wow that joke flew right over your head. I was joking about the name. IE "boomers" a term used to denote a typically old person who's stuck in their ways and complains about young folks. I actually use a 60-135 set on my 4 string to play in BEAD tuning. I'm not trying to sound like a condescending asshole btw. No offense meant.
@@vladv5126 Haha I suppose so. To be fair, that "Boomers" joke is already beyond played out. As soon as Chibson did the "OK Boomer" packaging meme, the shark was jumped.
@@monjoody fair enough
5 string sounds better. A four string isn't made to handle the heavy gauge of a low B string.
I can tell you that any Dingwall 4 string with Fanned Frets (so LTD/ESP too) with AT LEAST 36" scale for the low B string will sound consideraby better that ANY pararell/regular fret 5 string with 34" scale for all strings. Period. No matter the material, wood, or pickups, EQ or compressor added on afterwards.
@TacoTacoTacoTaco it doesn't sound full. Just listen to this bass as a demonstration. I'm pretty sure the 36 scale length can add the low texture.
@TacoTacoTacoTaco 5 string is the way to go if you are a slap basists for Gospel gigs. A 4 string is cool but it's not much you can do on it depending on the music you are making. Now a 5 string P Bass with a Jazz Pick up has its own blended tone.
@@christianhenry4173 ?!?! So any 5 string regardless of how shoddy built, will always sound better low B-string than any boutique, hand built top of the notch 4 string, tuned to BEAD that is built by the masters, Fodera, Dingwall, Lakland, Sadowsky et al ? Jeeezz...for f*x ache.
@@henkehakansson2004 fodera and those other companies are another topic. ESPs, Peavey, Fender Custom 5 string, and ,Ibanez or Fernandez all of these types of 5 string basses are top notch quality. Some 5 string bass players may love the feel of a stingray.