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Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: keith_h on May 29, 2012, 11:53:33 AM

Title: Anybody coverted a short scale 4 for to BEAD?
Post by: keith_h on May 29, 2012, 11:53:33 AM
I am thinking of converting my Brown Bass to cover songs that use drop tuning. If anyone has done this what issues did you run into? In particular I am concerned about the B string nut to tuner distance and string angle off the nut.  
 
Keith
Title: Anybody coverted a short scale 4 for to BEAD?
Post by: dannobasso on May 31, 2012, 09:38:23 AM
I had Alembic do it to my 83 Spoiler when it was sent for refinish. After a while I strung it back to normal with no issues.
Title: Anybody coverted a short scale 4 for to BEAD?
Post by: mica on May 31, 2012, 12:39:04 PM
There really shouldn't be any issue, but you can try it out before enlarging your slots (replacing the nut and saddles). Just change out the current E string for a B and see how it fits in the tuner. Yeah, the setup won't be right, it wont be intonated, but you will be able to see first hand if it's a doable option on your bass. And you can preview the open string tone !
Title: Anybody coverted a short scale 4 for to BEAD?
Post by: keith_h on May 31, 2012, 01:17:59 PM
Thanks for the responses.  
 
I generally don't play the open B and typically stay on the D or above. I mainly use the Orion 5 for times when the guitarist tunes down to Eb or D. I find it easier to just transpose than to retune. It's also fun to confuse the guitar player when they look over to see where my hands are on the neck. ;-)    
 
I was conversing with Harry a bit and got to thinking. I am planning on using a .130 for the B which is what I use on the Orion. While it won't be optimal I thought of taking the B string saddle from my Orion 5 and using it's nut leaving the G string hanging over the edge. I haven't measured the nut spacings yet to see if they are close enough to do this. If things don't measure up I will try your suggestion Mica.  
 
Keith