Anyone use a different type of string for low-B than the other 4 strings?

jscomposer · #1 12-11-2009, 03:10 PM

So I got the TI flats, and they RULE!

(Props to JimmyM for cluing me in.

)

But the low-B is relatively non-existant. Can't say I'm surprised, considering how light the first 4 strings are, and then... BAM! .136" low-B. When I up the treble or add gain to clear it up and bring it out, the other 4 strings become too obnoxious.

Anyone use different types of strings on the same bass? I'm thinking of throwing a Ken Smith tapered half-round or tapered compression-wound low-B.

Any other ideas on balancing out the low-B with the rest of the strings?

Hoover · #2 12-11-2009, 03:15 PM

I remember reading an old interview with Fernando Saunders where he mentioned using a different low B string -- might've all been D'Addarios, but his EADG were flatwound & the B was roundwound? Something like that.

But that was so long ago it may have been motivated purely by availability, and for all I know Fernando now uses matched sets.

MNAirHead · #3 12-11-2009, 03:16 PM

tapers for the b

jscomposer · #4 12-11-2009, 03:33 PM

I'm not seeing any taper wound flats. That's why I'm asking about different types of strings for the low-B.

**bass4worship** · #5 12-11-2009, 07:33 PM

Use another B strings around .125 should do it for you, It's not that you be staying on the B all the time.

Rick Moors · #6 12-11-2009, 09:25 PM

I just recently tried a set of D'Addario Chrome Flats on my cheap SX 5 string and the low B sounds great - it's a .132 - I'm not sure if you can buy them individually.

bongomania · #7 12-11-2009, 11:16 PM

I did have one bass where I used TI flats for EADG and an Elixer for the low B, and it actually sounded more blended with the other four strings than the stock low B from the set did. Then I tried the same thing on a different bass, and it was no good. So who knows? But it's definitely worth trying just on the chance it works well.

sonic assassin · #8 12-12-2009, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I did have one bass where I used TI flats for EADG and an Elixer for the low B, and it actually sounded more blended with the other four strings than the stock low B from the set did. Then I tried the same thing on a different bass, and it was no good. So who knows? But it's definitely worth trying just on the chance it works well.

i think elixir is about the best B string ive ever heard. all of their strings are as clear as a bell, and that particular one needs to cut mud. i find that the B is the first one to go, so it would help that they last forever.

pro steels were clearer.. for 2-3 weeks. then dead.