Changing from a Low B to a High C, also Lighter Gauge Strings?

Ely · #1 10-22-2003, 05:20 PM

I really don't know wether to put this in Strings or Setup, but here's the deal.

I am tired of the Low-B on my new 5-String Bass. I never use it, it sounds muddy when played with other instruments, and I don't really like the big string getting in the way. I was thinking about going back to 4, but now I've decided I want to try out a High-C string. I was also wondering if changing the gauge of the strings would make it any easier to play. I haven't played a bass that was properly set up, and I was thinking about going for a lower action and lighter gauge strings.

Ahem... sorry for rambling...

I play in a rock/metal band. Major influences are Tool, Deftones, Mudvayne... I play a Peavey Grind Bass Neck-Thru 5 string on a Peavey Combo 300 w/ 15" speaker. I want a sound that will cut through the mix but can also sound mellow when I want. I also want easier fretting and lower action.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the rambling.

4Mal · #2 10-24-2003, 07:55 PM

not sure what to tell you in terms of string brand but to do this you are going to need a new nut ...

Aaron Saunders · #3 10-26-2003, 08:53 PM

Rock/metal, Tool, Deftones, and Mudvayne. And you're switching away from the low-B.

...

Whatever floats your boat. So what's the question? Or were you just informing us of your decision?

Ely · #4 10-27-2003, 12:29 AM

I know it sounds weird, but I don't believe Tool or Deftones uses a Low B. Mudvayne uses waaaay below a B.

Anyways. I was wanting suggestions for string brands, gauges, etc.

Aaron Saunders · #5 10-27-2003, 06:52 AM

Good lighter tension strings...Thomastik-Infeld. Check 'em out, they make more than just the jazz flats that seem to be what everyone else here is all about.

Ely · #6 10-27-2003, 04:12 PM

I've actually been thinking about TI. I've also been thinking about Flatwounds to see how I would like em. I hear that Jazz Flats are very nice, and I've been wanting to try them. Would I get completely drowned out? Anyways, thanks to everyone and if you could please give me more info on TI strings I would be very appreciative.

JMX · #7 10-27-2003, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4Mal
not sure what to tell you in terms of string brand but to do this you are going to need a new nut ...

You very rarely need a new nut in a case like this.

jefferson04 · #8 10-27-2003, 07:05 PM

I'll go one step further and say that you won't need a new nut. I did the same thing on the same bass and it works just fine.

4Mal · #9 11-03-2003, 08:16 AM

This thread is getting a bit aged however ... You'd only want to cut a new nut if you want proper intonation and don't want the possible / probable addition of string rattle and 'odd / strange' harmonics / ghost tones.

The width of your typical B is say .130 and E runs .100 to .105. That leaves .030 to .025 additional space around your properly cut 5 string nut. The string rattles around in there a whole lot ...

That rule applies to each string of course with a .080 A string sitting in the .100 to .105 E string cavity.

Not good. Sure you could play around with it to get a feel for the new setup, but you'd be signing up a luthier for a new nut pretty quickly.

I actually did something similar a while back, I took a 4 string MIM Jazz to BEAD to see if the low B would get me anything. I widened the nut to make room for the new set and put on the bottom 4 of a 5 string set. That took me to a MIM J 5.

For an experiment I put the old 4 string set back on my modified MIM 4. That took me off to the luthier for a new graphite nut which set me back around $40 as I had him go through the setup while he was at it.