Floppy B string on ATK305

BassClefJean · #1 06-24-2011, 07:42 AM

Just got a slightly used Ibanez ATK305 from a fellow TBer, with the original Elixir rounds on it.

This is my first 5 string, but the B string seems way too floppy for me. I thought I'd tuned it an octave down at first! I searched already and didnt seem like anyone else has this issue with the ATK.

Suggestions? I've got ghs precision flats on my SX short scale P/J and I love them.

Thanks for reading.

*smb · #2 06-24-2011, 07:44 AM

Use a heavier string.

BassClefJean · #3 06-24-2011, 08:04 AM

Anyone know what gauge the original ones are, or how I could find out?

DeathFromBelow · #4 06-24-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassClefJean

Anyone know what gauge the original ones are, or how I could find out?

I'm not 100% sure,but I think the original b-string MIGHT be a .125.

I use D'Addario rounds with a .130 b-string on my 305,works fine,nice and tight.

I'd lose the Elixir's anyways,not a good string imo.

dmusic148 · #5 06-24-2011, 08:21 AM

If a .125 is too loose for you a .130 isn't going to seem like a huge difference. This is a common issue with 5'ers- you get used to it.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #6 06-24-2011, 08:24 AM

To throw another wrench into the mix, I use Chromes on my ATK700 and love it, although that doesn't really address your low B issue.

DeathFromBelow · #7 06-24-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

If a .125 is too loose for you a .130 isn't going to seem like a huge difference. This is a common issue with 5'ers- you get used to it.

True.

But still;lose the Elixir's...

mmbongo · #8 06-24-2011, 08:25 AM

Slap a .130 DR Low Rider on there. Bliss.

knuckle_head · #9 06-24-2011, 08:55 AM

If you like a .100 for E consider a .135 for B - if you're a .105 guy look for a .140. Each will be slightly looser than your E and will perform alot better.

BassClefJean · #10 06-24-2011, 04:10 PM

Thank you all!

millsbass5 · #11 06-24-2011, 04:22 PM

You also may want to lighten up your attack on that low B,too. I've been playing a 5-string for 20+yrs,and it definitely has become "second nature",even if the B is tight on my 5'ers.

cccy · #12 06-24-2011, 04:24 PM

I had this problem as well and as everybody said before, switch to a heavier gauge.
As for the elixirs, I use them on all my basses and especially on my '98 ATK, they sound magnificent.

Justin Tuskey · #13 06-24-2011, 04:31 PM

here is a different view point. I think a lot of it is perception too. I mean, it IS tuned to a B, a higher gauge will make it feel tighter though. All I've played are ATKs exclusively for the last 3 years. on my atks I dont really notice if the B is floppy or tight, but more or less I can make it FEEL floppy or tight depending on my attack and position. when I want a loose feel, I play near the neck with a light touch and it feels floppy but thats the sound I want. the converse applies for me too. when I pluck right near the bridge with a steadfast finger, it just feels tighter and has a more pronounced growly sound. In my experience, dont worry so much about whether the string itself is floppy, but instead try to make it do what you want it to. if you cant bond you cant bond, but good luck. hope that all makes sense, it does in my head

BassClefJean · #14 06-28-2011, 08:35 PM

Thanks!

bassgod0dmw · #15 06-29-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Slap a .130 DR Low Rider on there. Bliss.

This. They are a hex core string, which has more tension than a round core.

Plus they sound awesome and last a long time. I love em'

BassClefJean · #16 06-29-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

This. They are a hex core string, which has more tension than a round core.

Plus they sound awesome and last a long time. I love em'

Cool

ixlramp · #17 06-30-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

This is a common issue with 5'ers- you get used to it.

Yes.
People do get used to it because almost all sets have traditional tension where the B is very much looser than the high strings for no good reason other than tradition:

D'Addario XL nickels of the same gauge as the current Elixir 5 string set.
XLB045 G 0.045 42.8 pounds tension
XLB065 D 0.065 51.3
XLB080 A 0.080 42.0
XLB100 E 0.100 36.5
XLB130 B 0.130 34.5

But it doesn't have to be that way. Consider using a tension balanced set with equal tension on each string.

Elixir sets come with a .130 B. If it is a custom shop set it could be .125 .130 or .135.
Perhaps ask the previous owner what the gauges are?

I recommend trying a .135.

allexcosta · #18 06-30-2011, 03:35 PM

Here's a trick that you may find helpful:

Bring the low B's saddle all the way down, making the string longer. Make sure you bend the string down in the saddle or you lose vibration.

Your intonation in the 12th fret will be crap, but who uses the low B down there anyway? Double check the intonation in the only 4 notes you'll play in that string which are C, C#, D and D#. The open B obviously doesn't count. NOBODY uses the E, F and above, so no problem there...

Usually the intonation on those 4 notes isn't far off and your B string is a lot tighter and fuller sounding...

Hope it helps...

Bigfoot92 · #19 06-30-2011, 04:02 PM

If i remember correctly the original B string is a .120. I have a .135 string, it's still floppy for me, but maybe it's because i hit the strings pretty hard. I'm planning to get a .150 set from circle k soon.

JLS · #20 06-30-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot92

If i remember correctly the original B string is a .120. I have a .135 string, it's still floppy for me, but maybe it's because i hit the strings pretty hard. I'm planning to get a .150 set from circle k soon.

I just lately put a CK .150 set on a Cirrus--35" scale, so tension wasn't a problem to begin with--they are quite possibly the best roundwound strings I've ever played.

Kudos, also, to Dunlop, who's strings I have on a couple of TL5s.