Low B on 4-String Bass Question

Updated
Mark S.

Hello. I know there is a lot of information regarding this question out there, but mine specifically relates to my LTD F-154DX.

There is, of course, a five-string version of this bass: the F-155DX.

According to specs these basses are virtually identical.

However...

Whenever I have tried to put a low B string on my 154DX the string is too heavy to bend over the bridge easily and pretty much won't intonate to any note lower than C.

How is the F-155DX able to pull off the low B string without having the same issues?

Would a tapered B string solve this problem?

ESP Guitars

Hello Mark, have you double checked that the nut and bridge are channeled to the proper width for the low b string?  Both the saddle and nut are sized for a 105 gauge bass string (a normal low E) from the factory and would need to be widened with a file or replaced to handle the larger 125 gauge string. We would recommend to take this bass to a luthier for a proper setup to help with this and the intonation issue, as there is probably a large change in tension between these sets of strings. Thanks!

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