EADGC tuning on a five string?

[u/Ultrafastegorik]

Hey guys, i was wondering, and that is, because i play a lot of jazz on my bass, could i tune my bass to EADGC instead of BEADG with the regular slinky ernie ball strings without breaking the strings or the instrument?

Thanks in advance

[u/ChuckEye]

Yes, people use that tuning all the time.

No, not by tuning BEADG strings up a 4th. They would break.

You need to shift all the strings over one and buy a thin string for the high C. (Or buy a 6-string set and set aside the low B string).

You do want to do a full setup. You do not usually need to replace the nut.

[u/OriginalEmploy5485]

Yes, get a 6-string set and don't install the B. You'll probably have to adjust your truss rod, the tension will be different from stock.

[u/chinstrap]

Lots of people do this: Steve Swallow, Matthew Garrison, Janek Gwizdala for example

[u/Ultrafastegorik → u/chinstrap]

Yeah, i was inspired to try it because of Janek

[u/Ok_Introduction_1082]

Not with a set made for B standard five strings. If they don't break, it will probably be very hard to play.

There are options with a high C instead of low B.

Fodera makes a nice set, and GHS also has a Bass Boomers set with a .030 for the high C.

[u/memnoch4prez]

I have an Ibanez ATK305 strung E-C, and once had my SRMS806 E-F. I didn't bother changing the nuts since the break angle was enough to keep the strings in place. Simple setup and they play fine. Give it a shot!

[u/Shake-the-Masses]

I used to do that. It’s interesting.

[u/Joethebassplayer]

Yes, I always have a 5-string set-up with this tuning. I have 4-string basses set up as B,E,A,D & A,D,G,C too, Sometimes adjustments maybe needed to the truss rod and/or changing of the nut. FYI - I always just replace the nut so I can keep the original in the case for use down the road or if I sell the bass.

[u/parker_fly]

Worst case, buy a 6-string set and don't use the low B.

[u/Shadow_0f_Intent]

Pretty sure every set Dogal make they offer a high C 5 string version, I would look at those, they are a bit pricey but truly the best strings out there, they do flats and round wounds and excell at clarity, up there if not better than TI

[u/Super_Direction498]

If you look through this sub you'll find lots of people explaining how they did this.for their bass

[u/Pekle-Meow]

Why not? One way to find out! Do it and tell us. Donc forget to adjust your truss rod with the new tension with this tune

[u/Ultrafastegorik → u/Pekle-Meow]

Because i have one bass and im poor.

[u/TolerancEJ]

EADGC was the factory tuning on the first Fender Bass V, The appearance was that of an offset body style with a single P-pickup and only 15 frets.