Tuning a 4-String Bass BEAD (or, the lower 4 strings of a 5-string bass) is not a new development. However, in the past players had to either purchase strings separately or a 5 string set and throw away the G string to be able to do this. With the BEAD Tuned Bass Boomers sets from GHS Strings, players can now buy the exact sets they want without the previous hassle.