Does anyone know of a low B 5-string set for 32" scale length?

Tommy Bouton · #1 01-09-2010, 10:21 AM

I have a 5 string electro acoustic bass with a 32 inch scale length. I am having difficulty finding new strings for it. I am not a regular bass player, so maybe I am looking in the wrong places, but I have been searching the internet for a while now and can find no 5 string sets in 32 inch or medium scale length. Any ideas?

Frank Orlando · #2 01-09-2010, 11:18 AM

I have two Warwick 5 strings (Corvette Standard and Corvette FNA Jazzman), both with 32" scale options. I use DR Lo-Rider set #MH5-130 and have been for years. No problems at all. Just clip to desired length.

Tommy Bouton · #3 01-09-2010, 02:47 PM

Frank,

Thanks for the tip. I know little about basses, and I appreciate your advice. I read somewhere that if the sounding part of a heavier string, such as the low B, is wound round the tuning post it might snap. So I was looking for strings which would taper before reaching the tuning posts. If this is not necessary then I can choose from various 5 string sets, and I think DR look like a good option. I might go for the nickel rather than steel, maybe Sunbeams. What do you think about that?

Thanks again, and

Regards,

Tom

Frank Orlando · #4 01-09-2010, 10:39 PM

It depends on the sound you are going for. Nickle will settle into a more mellow tone with a strong fundamental while the steel will give you zing and lots of harmonics. I liked the Lo-Riders because they are on a hex core and are stiffer than the DR's built on a round core wire. I am not familiar with the Sunbeams core wire but the hex wire = stiffer string and on a shorter scale stiffer means less flopping...especially on the B. My B is unbelievably firm and has great tone and attack. You would never guess it's a 32".

Tommy Bouton · #5 01-10-2010, 09:12 AM

Frank,

I think the stiffer low B with the hex core will be important, but I like the sound of nickel, so I ordered a set of DR Lo-Rider 45-125. I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again, and

Regards,

Tom

Frank Orlando · #6 01-10-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy Bouton

Frank,

I think the stiffer low B with the hex core will be important, but I like the sound of nickel, so I ordered a set of DR Lo-Rider 45-125. I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again, and

Regards,

Tom

Tom... Good choice...a lot of "zing" and "twang" at first but don't panic...play them for a week and the zing will subside noticably. They settle into a nice fat roundwound tone that lasts a long time before they loose it.