Is it possible? Skyline JO5 with hollow B string?

[Lorenzini]

I have a Skyline JO5 that came stock with dead nickel Lakland strings. OK, but not my cup of tea, I thought. The B was acceptable but I didn't like the strings.

Then I put some D'Addario Bright Nickels on. Dead B string right off the bat.

DR Hi Beams. I know Hi Beams aren't renowned for their B string, but WOW this was bad!!!

Ken Smith Bass Burners (this is a nickel plated string) and the B string is the best yet. Could be because it's a 130 gauge. It's STILL not that good.


What's up!! Laklands usually have awesome B strings - my old 55-02 had a wonderful one. Could it be because of the woods - ash/rosewood, or the pickups - Lindy Fralin Single Coils, or the bad construction of this particular bass, which by the way feels exceptional and the neck joint is PERFECT.

I have tried moving the pickups closer to the string but that just arrives in a hotter and more overpowering B, not a clear one.


I'll add that the string sounds very tight/taught, like it's too tight. My old 55-02 didn't. The 35" scale and string tree could contribute to this, I guess. If this turns out bad in the end, I could get a new nut and string E-C. Anyone have experience doing this on a jazz bass?


Anyways, any help her is appreciated. There is nothing I dislike more than a 5 string bass with a bad B string.

[pickles]

Through bridge or through body? On my DJ5 I really preferred through bridge.

Either way, make sure the action is right and the intonation is set, then press down on the string at the saddle to bend the core more cleanly over the saddle. Should help a little.

If all else fails get a sadowsky .130 extra long.

[Blues Cat]

Perhaps you have a twist in the string. Loosen the string and carefully pull the coil of the post. If it points straight down, you're good. If it faces up then you have a twist which can make the B string sound like a floor tom on the other side of the twist.

[Lorenzini]

I tried the D'Addarios through the bridge, but it didn't improve the B string, sorry but a thoughtful suggestion.

And about the twist, I kind of highly doubt it. I've strung up over 4 times now on this bass and never have had a problem with a string twist before. Thank you though.

[Lokire]

Like Pickles said, slap a set of Sadowsky Steels on there! I had Sadowsky Steels on my DJ-5 (with Fralins, so basically a JO tonally) and that was probably the best B I've played. Sounded killer

[pickles]

No doubt its the best 5 string set for any J-style bass. That sadowsky B thumps.