B string gauge question
 

Tried a search for this info, but couldn't seem to find this particular info. Have (2) 34" 5-string basses, one a Ibanez Soundgear 405 & the other a Chinese 'BTB' replica (only 34" scale) Both seem to suffer the same problem, ie; the B sting seems 'floppy' when tuned. Thought to cure the problem with some R-Cocco light gauge (40-120) strings, but the B still seem kinda 'loose'. Was thinking some custom size DR-Low Riders (40-60-80-100-115) or CircleK (112 .082 .061 .045 .031) or (118 .090 .067 .049 .035) might make a difference. My question is: will a smaller gauge have slightly more tension when tuned to B or am I not getting the relationship between Gauge size & string tension?
Thanks,
j

Smaller gauge will have less tension at a given pitch.

Try a circle K .136 gauge B.

Yep, you need to go bigger. I use .135 when possible.

www.bassstringsonline.com has a ton of single B strings available.

I find a 40-100 set with a .135 B to be a perfect balance. Sometimes I'll even go thinner on the A and D strings.

I use BSO's 'build your own set' to get custom string sets which is heaven sent! You can build a custom set of D'Addario's for a little over 20 bucks. Unreal.
http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Bui...set_c_163.html

Very common complaint, and yet almost all string sets still have the B much looser than the rest. So if you buy a mainstream set with a .135, such as 135 105 85 70 50, the high strings will then be extremely tight.
You may prefer to design and build a custom set of singles with equal tensions. Or, buy a 'balanced tension' set from Circle K Strings such as the .142 set.
Tension charts:
http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/...nsionChart.pdf

Be wary of .142...a lot of bridges won't take that string gauge without drilling it out.

Sidenote: Has anyone tried GHS Precision Flats on a 34" Fender 5 string? It's a .125 B string. I currently have a .130 round and am wondering if the .125 will be too floppy.

I use a .118 tuned to E sometimes. Personally, I would want at least a .135 for a B.

BTW- I'm pretty sure GHS Precision flats have a round core, which results in lower tension. I think you can order a custom set from Bassstringsonline with a .128.

I went up to a D'Addario steel .135 on my SRA-305 over the stock strings, with great improvement in tone and feel, and the next time I change I'll probably use, due to the mahogany body, GHS steels in 45-60-80-106-138 as a custom set from basstringsonline.

I have double ball status graphite half wounds on my Steinberger Spirit
45 65 85 105 130
and have never understood talk about about a floppy B

On my BEAD tuned bass I use .130, .105, .080 and .060 Ernie Ball flatwounds. E, A and D pull about 50 pounds. B does 43 pounds. For me this is enough. If the B is too tight, it produces more highs and less bottom end. I want this booming B, so .130 is a good compromise for me.

i use the 0.118" gauge on my B on my 6xers...totally dig the Circle K strings...The B is solid..not floppy at all.