Lighter gauged (0.120) B str.?

[Ingemar]

Does a lighter gauged (0.120) B string gives a more even output with
0.105-0.045 set. than 0.130 B (my 0.130 B sounds a bit muddy/unfocused compared to the other strings?

It's an 34" scale bass and as I understan, a thicker string need to be as long as possible to get optimum tension when tuned, and then in opposite, a lighter str. wont need to be that loong??

[BetterBottomEnd]

I've got a .120 B on my 35" scale bass. DR Sunbeams. I really like it although I would use at least a .125 on anything shorter then 35".

What brand of strings do you have on there now?

[Magneto]

I don't know if I'd try going down to a .120 on a 34" scale bass. Heck, I can't seem to get a .130 tight enough to handle on the 5 stringer I've recently acquired. Serious flabby, so much so that I can't even enjoy attempting to play it.
The lighter the gauge, the less tension.

Your problem could be the string itself. Maybe try another brand? Have you tried adjusting your pickups at the B to see if you can get a better tone?

Good luck..

Mag...

[SGT. Pepper]

I have a 120 on my Peavey Millenium BXP but it's strung through the body and there is a flat bar retainer on the headstock to keep pressure and angle on all the strings. I must say the set up works fine. I have light guage DR Hi-Beams 120,100,80,60,40 on it and I get no flop whatsoever.

[BruceWane]

Originally Posted by Ingemar

as I understan, a thicker string need to be as long as possible to get optimum tension when tuned, and then in opposite, a lighter str. wont need to be that loong??

Nope.

More length equals more tension.

Take two basses. One is a 35" scale and has a .125 B string. The other is a 34" scale and also has a .125 B string. Tune both to exactly the same note. The 35" scale bass will have more tension.

Also, thicker gauge equals more tension.

Take two basses, BOTH are 34" scale. Put a .120 B string on one, put a .145 B string on the other. Tune both to the same note. The .145 string will have more tension.

So if you want to make the B string on your bass tighter, you will need to use a bigger gauge.

There's a lot of things that go into making a good B string; just because a bass has a longer scale length, it doesn't mean that it will definitely have a better B string than a shorter bass. The overall stiffness of the bass is the biggest factor. A well built 34" bass can have a better B string than a poorly built 35" bass.

[Mojo-Man]

I went down to .120 gauge. for my B-string.
Like it a lot.

[UBU]

I think a 120 as a B on a 34" bass can be a problem if you like a low to medium action. The tension is around 28 or 29 pounds, A little too floppy for me. If you have a light touch you might love it. I usualy use light gauge strings, but I think a 120 might get a little lost with even a slightly aggresive attack.