5 String P Bass Tension on Low B

[Red Planet]

Are there ways to increase string tension with setup?

Are there some strings I could use to increase string tension mainly for the Low B?

Just picked up an American P Bass 5 string and the Low B flaps a little too much for me.

I've been using Nickle DR Low Riders on my 4 stringers. Should I just try a set of those?

I'm used to 35" scale on my 5/6 stringers and the Fender Scale I knew would be a little loose.

My playing technique is strong and aggressive finger style (on round wounds) and I kind of make the Low B deflect too much.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I did a search but did not find too much.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'm hoping that you meant to write 35" scale. 53" is just massive!

[Red Planet]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

I'm hoping that you meant to write 35" scale. 53" is just massive!

Ha sorry for the typo.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I think the tension is pretty good on the stock taper core strings that came on the bass. I will likely try Low Riders next though.

[Mastermold]

Yeah DR Lo-Riders are what you need.

[pickles]

What strings are on it now? And do you want to be able to play clean notes past the 5th fret on it, or are you using it more just for the bottom notes?

[Red Planet]

I have no idea what is on it right now. They have a silver or grey thread rap at the top.

I play up to about the 7 th fret on it.

I picked this up used but it's not very old. It could have the stock strings but I have no clue.

I really need to tighten it up. May try the low riders just to see and perhaps heavier gage.

[MIJ-VI]

A suggestion:

Try the heaviest gauge B string that'll fit on your bass. Buy it as a single and match it up with a four string set made the same way by the same maker.

[pickles]

That sounds like the stock strings. The Lo riders will have more tension but may not sound good past the 5th fret. My favorite B's on a 34" 5 string are Labellas and Sadowskys, but I'm not usually looking for a lot of stiffness, I just want good tone and a solid pitch center. The Sadowsky Black Steels would be good if you like a lot of brightness, they are quite stiff. For a warmer string you could try Slinkys with a 130, or D'Addario XLs with a 130 or even 135. If you go with the Lo riders be sure to get a 130 not a 125.

Also, you can make the string feel stiffer by raising the action at the saddle. If you go from a tapered to a nontapered string, that would happen automatically. Don't confuse that with tension.

[Red Planet]

OK some good food for thought.

Will study on this and proceed with caution.

[knuckle_head]

If the B is the only string out of whack then consider getting a 4 string set you're happy with and up the gauge on a single B string.