Sadowsky Black Label Flats - Tapered B

FretlessMainly · #1 02-28-2011, 08:49 AM

I picked up a set and my one concern is that the taper on the tailpiece end of the B string is a good inch and a half or so and the distance from my tailpiece anchor point to the bridge is very short, so nearly an inch of B string that is tapered would be within the vibrating length of the string.

Should I bite the bullet and try to return the set for an untapered B or just use them?

CapnSev · #2 02-28-2011, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FretlessMainly

I picked up a set and my one concern is that the taper on the tailpiece end of the B string is a good inch and a half or so and the distance from my tailpiece anchor point to the bridge is very short, so nearly an inch of B string that is tapered would be within the vibrating length of the string.

Should I bite the bullet and try to return the set for an untapered B or just use them?

There is no non-tapered B with the Sads. Give the B a shot, you might not notice any difference at all.

Double Agent · #3 02-28-2011, 12:36 PM

Tapered Bs are nothing to be scared of. They might work great for you, they might not. Only way to know is to give it a shot.

I have never used a tapered B string before, but just this weekend I put a set of La Bella HRS on my Jazz 5er (.040-.128) and it killed at practice. I think its the the best B string I've ever used. With the number of people who swear by Sadowsky strings, it's worth a shot.

FretlessMainly · #4 02-28-2011, 01:15 PM

Thanks - it really looks odd though - having a two-tiered taper in the plucking area (granted, I never play over that far). I guess my concern was breakage; is the tapered portion designed to sit in the saddle or is the taper designed to accomodate smaller string-anchor holes (etc.) in the tailpiece?

Double Agent · #5 02-28-2011, 01:20 PM

Taper should go in the saddle. Generally, as far as I can tell, manufacturers make sure that the taper is long enough to go over the saddle whether you string thru-body or thru-bridge. So, if you string through the bridge, you would expect to have the taper extend further past the bridge than if you strung through the body. Doesn't hurt anything though, unless you play REALLY close to the bridge.

EDIT: you will probably have to adjust the height of the saddle and/or your intonation to compensate for the taper. Just be aware.

FretlessMainly · #6 02-28-2011, 09:47 PM

Thanks - I'll have to think about this, as my saddles are already maxed out and the action is still a bit low for my tastes (I got the Sadowskys to go on a new FL).