Smallest B-string diameter

MODELL · #1 01-25-2011, 09:58 AM

What is the smallest size B-string anyone has used? I have an acoustic-electric bass guitar and I've been using DR-Rare 5 string PB's. The E string is 100 and the B string is 125. This set is kind of expensive. I found a set of Dean Markley PB's with a 98 E string and a 105 B string. Is this diameter too small for B-string tuning? This set sells for about half of what the DR's sell for and I thought about trying them and getting the bass set up professionally. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

KingRazor · #2 01-25-2011, 10:48 AM

With my experience with B strings, I haven't been happy with any B string that was less than .135, in fact on my next set I'm going to try a .142

Some people have used .125 B strings and have been more than happy. A lot depends on the construction of the instrument and how well it can handle strings like that. For example, a longer scale length usually allows for a lower gauge of B while still remaining taught.

YMMV

dcr · #3 01-25-2011, 10:57 AM

I've used from .120 - .128 with good results. Then again, I like .040's and it appears they aren't that commonly used from what I see FS.

dcr

James Hart · #4 01-25-2011, 11:19 AM

Well on my 34" scale fretted 7 string Worker Bee, I've used as small as .106 for the low B. It worked well for me and my needs / technique, but have settled on .118 B strings and .088 E string sets on all my roundwound wearing basses.

KingRazor · #5 01-25-2011, 11:22 AM

Just remember that a B string with less than .125 gauge is going to have less than 30 lbs. of tension. Could easily get really flappy. Depends on the string make of course.

James Hart · #6 01-25-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Just remember that a B string with less than .125 gauge is going to have less than 30 lbs. of tension

and all 18" speakers go deeper than 10" speakers...

FYI: My.118 tuned to B @ 34" scale length is 30 lbs of tension (okay, 29.8 but I rounded).

KingRazor · #7 01-25-2011, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

and all 18" speakers go deeper than 10" speakers...

FYI: My.118 tuned to B @ 34" scale length is 30 lbs of tension (okay, 29.8 but I rounded).

A .120 gauge D'Addario Nickel string is 28.6 lbs, and a .125 steel one is only 30.1. A Circle K .118 is 29.8, like your's.

I have a .136 B string with 35.9 lbs of tension and it could still stand to use a little more, which is why I'm going for the .142 next time. I like just under 40 lbs of tension for each string.