Does Anybody Mix Strings On A 5 String Bass

TheBassMann · #1 03-05-2007, 12:24 PM

Being new to 5 string basses (but loads on 4) I was wondering if anybody mixes makes/types of strings.
My logic is that if the B is 'deader' than the rest then why not put a B on which is more resposive than the others and use a pre or graphic to balance to it.
Is this practical ?
If so does anybody out there have advice on the best combinations ? After all most 6 string lead guitarists mix and match strings.
My latest is a Yamaha BB615 which still has the strings on that came with it. Not bad but definitely need the B waking up a bit.
Appreciate some comments/advice

Tony G · #2 03-05-2007, 12:28 PM

I haven't yet, but just ordered a Hybrid set of strings from DR.

Hi-Beam Medium Lite MLR-45 (45, 65, 80, 100)
Hi-Beam Hi-C R-30 (30)
Long Necks TR-130 (130)

Yes, they are all from the same company, but different in their own right.

bustabass · #3 03-05-2007, 12:37 PM

I put a 110 E string tuned down to D, where my B string used to be.

I Use a yamaha BBN5 II, so the original B was pretty muddy and useless...

Lord Henry · #4 03-05-2007, 12:47 PM

It's an interesting thought and not one that I'd considered.

I've never mixed strings on my 5. I know what you mean about dead-sounding Bs, especially if you play a 34" scale. I'm currently on a quest to find 'my strings', and a big part of this is finding a lively B, but I've not noticed any negative effects on the other 4 strings.

If you want more zip I'd suggest you go for some really bright steels (DRs are great for this). You may well find yourself rolling off the treble a bit but I'm sure you'll find the B you need.

None-the-less, if mixing works out well for you then let the rest of us know what combo you settle on.

Best of luck.

Cheers

TheBassMann · #5 03-05-2007, 06:43 PM

Did you find a 'lively' B

snowdan · #6 03-05-2007, 08:29 PM

the la bella hard rockin steel B is what you are looking for. available as single, too. bright, acticulate, better sounding than i ever dared to expect from a B on a 34" scale bass.

TheBassMann · #7 03-05-2007, 11:40 PM

Thanks for that....will give it a try

Dannyag · #8 03-05-2007, 11:52 PM

Bassman,

It's not generally a good idea to mix strings (brands) if that's what you're referring to. Depending on what bass you use, you could find yourself getting different quality from the mis-matched strings. It's also a good idea, on most basses, that you keep the same gauge strings all the time unless you want to set your intonation and neck everytime you change strings and string gauges.

Hope this helps, man!

snowdan · #9 03-06-2007, 07:37 AM

e the above statement is generally true, however in many 5string sets the B sound like from anouther set anyway, so a differerent brand B may in fact be more appropriate.

i am quite convinced the labella HRS B is a good match for most stainless steel sets out there.

DavePlaysBass · #10 03-06-2007, 07:43 PM

LaBella B is my favorite.

Dave

TheBassMann · #11 03-07-2007, 12:13 AM

I,m going to give the LaBella B a try but what do you think I should use for the other 4 ?

snowdan · #12 03-07-2007, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBassMann

I,m going to give the LaBella B a try but what do you think I should use for the other 4 ?

well why not HRS too?

40-60-80-100-128 is what i play and it's great.

pickles · #13 03-07-2007, 08:28 AM

I've never had success mixing strings. I always wanted to use the top 4 hi-beams and some kind of better B like the labella or sadowsky, but the tone and feel change (and often output change!) between the string types never worked for me.

Try a hard rockin steel set and see what you think. Thats a great set of strings.

Booneman · #14 03-08-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBassMann

Being new to 5 string basses (but loads on 4) I was wondering if anybody mixes makes/types of strings.
My logic is that if the B is 'deader' than the rest then why not put a B on which is more resposive than the others and use a pre or graphic to balance to it.
Is this practical ?
If so does anybody out there have advice on the best combinations ? After all most 6 string lead guitarists mix and match strings.
My latest is a Yamaha BB615 which still has the strings on that came with it. Not bad but definitely need the B waking up a bit.
Appreciate some comments/advice

Try a 130-135 gauge b string. People are always saying how the b string is too floppy on a 34 scale. It's simple, if the string is too floppy just go to a bigger set of strings. I like a 130 on 34 scale basses and a 125 on 35 scale personally.

TheBassMann · #15 03-09-2007, 02:22 AM

Appreciate all comments...Some food for thought.
As an observation tried to buy Hard Rocking Steels on line (in UK) with no success.
Do any UK members know anywhere to get them....seems crazy to buy from the States !!

snowdan · #16 03-09-2007, 03:48 AM

ordering from a german online store might be an option.

saitenmarkt.com sells them for 22.90 euros, 5 strings. that price is low and might even justify shipping cost. dunno if they ship to GB.

other string shops here:

saitenmarkt.de
saitenkatalog.de

good luck

Gene Leone · #17 03-10-2007, 09:52 AM

If you don't like anything you find give the Pedulla SS strings a shot.

45 - 65 - 80 - 100 - 128

http://pedulla.com/html/strings.html

ibz · #18 03-10-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene Leone

If you don't like anything you find give the Pedulla SS strings a shot.

45 - 65 - 80 - 100 - 128

http://pedulla.com/html/strings.html

+1

They're great set of strings, LaBella made likely being a big reason why.

TheBassMann · #19 03-14-2007, 01:11 PM

Ended up with a set of these as a 'freebie'
Put 4 on my Yamaha 170 and they sound quite bright and feel very 'tense' Is this a common observation,if so will put a set on the 5 stringer to give a try.

TheBassMann · #20 03-19-2007, 12:26 PM

OK ...so today I replaced the B with a La Bella Slapper Nickel 128 (This a BB615 with the origonal strings on it) and whilst I have been 'not sure ' about the advantages of the lower string....what a difference !!!
It has added a brighter cleaner sound to the B and is 'almost slappable' but within one hour I couldnt put it down.
I gigged Saturday with old setup and it wasnt too bad but now am confirmed 5 stringer.

Wish it wasnt so heavy................but hey we suffer for our art right ?