"Best" low B string at 35" long scale?

szusman · #1 02-10-2009, 10:40 AM

Any suggestions (or links to previous posts) on the "best" low B string for a 35" long scale? I need a string that holds up with decent intonation above the 5th fret! Preferably good up to the 12th fret...

I've been using .125 gauge, DR Long Neck Hex core and am not impressed. I have set the intonation as accurately as I can, but it still is nowhere near as good as the E string.

Your advice would be much appreciated!

JTE · #2 02-10-2009, 11:36 AM

0.130 gauge non-taper DR Hi-Beam works best for ME on my Lakland 55-10. The string feels and sound like the other four strings instead of sounding like an after-thought.

Hi Beams use a round core and are more flexible than the hex core DR strings. Stiffer strings' vibrating characteristics start being more like a bar than a felxibel string which could be causing the intonation issues you're experiencing.

jte

()smoke() · #3 02-10-2009, 11:42 AM

i use a .130 gauge DR lo-rider SS, and i have no complaints with the intonation or sound on my 35" bass

WRXbase · #4 02-10-2009, 11:47 AM

Prolly anything over a .125 will get it done.

Double Agent · #5 02-10-2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

i use a .130 gauge DR lo-rider SS, and i have no complaints with the intonation or sound on my 35" bass

+1...same string, gauge, and great results for me.

bluegreenturtle · #6 02-10-2009, 04:37 PM

I have found over the years that non-taper core strings work better than taper-core. I may be in the minority, but I did do extensive testing in the 90's on this with a bunch of different strings and the non-tapers always felt - and sounded - better. There are a few exceptions with basses that have very sharp saddles to pull over.

The .130 non-taper recommendation sounds like a good one to me.

CElton · #7 02-11-2009, 06:56 AM

Sadowsky. Make sure you get the XL to fit the 35" scale. The B string is tapered.

chicago_mike · #8 02-11-2009, 07:48 AM

IM still string searching myself, but so far BLue Steels work fine for me. Not too much a fan if nps and ss's feel rough..give and take I guess.

JTE · #9 02-11-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluegreenturtle

I have found over the years that non-taper core strings work better than taper-core. I may be in the minority, but I did do extensive testing in the 90's on this with a bunch of different strings and the non-tapers always felt - and sounded - better. There are a few exceptions with basses that have very sharp saddles to pull over.

The .130 non-taper recommendation sounds like a good one to me.

In one of Bass Player's string surveys years ago they commented on the same thing. They'd always thought that taper-core was better, but when doing side-by-side comparisons they found that they preferred the non-taper core strings in just about every case.

jte