strings to make tribute L2500 brighter.. I play metal! :-)

panazza · #1 09-05-2007, 01:39 PM

hi!

I always strung my tribby L2500 with 45 - 130 d'addario nickels, but I would like to have a brighter tone, and a tighter sounding B... (I play metal, most of the time on the B string, with a pick).

Any suggestions for a new set of strings? Maybe I shuould get heavier strings to have a more balanced B? I find that the tribby lacks growl on the lower notes (even if many folks keep saying this bass has a good B, I don't think so.)

what about stringing only the B thrugh the body? Would it help?

PS does anybody play metal with a tribute?

Tony G · #2 09-05-2007, 01:44 PM

My first simple suggestion is to try steel strings instead of nickle. Steel has a brighter sound where has nickle usually sounds darker.

Nino Valenti · #3 09-05-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xgabriele

My first simple suggestion is to try steel strings instead of nickle. Steel has a brighter sound where has nickle usually sounds darker.

+1 and use a a set that has a tapered B.

pharaohamps · #4 09-05-2007, 02:41 PM

And don't string the bass through the bridge on these. The G&L Saddle Lock bridge was designed to be strung through the bridge, and the bridge is screwed down to the body, using the string-through-body holes. On the models with the string-through-body option, the bridge is only attached with the two screws through the edges of the bridge casting. String thru bridge = bridge pulled off the bass. I've seen it happen on 2 L2500 Tributes already.

As far as a tighter, brighter sound, what amp are you using? Cab? Do your other basses sound better through it than your L2500? The bass is only one part of the equation here.

Matt Farrow

panazza · #5 09-05-2007, 03:39 PM

No amp problems I think, GK1001RBII + eden 410XLT.

The B string is a bit floppy even when playing unplugged.

I find this bass a bit muddy and dark for my tastes, having played spectors and warwicks as well.

anyway, the bridge is attached to the body in a pretty stupid way...

scourge · #6 09-05-2007, 06:30 PM

I use my 2000 Tribute for an Ozzy tribute. Probably not the type of metal you're playing.

I have the exact oppposite concerns that you have. I found the bass to be very bright with normal strings. I just put a set of Fender tapewounds (.058, .072, .092, .110) and have a very heavy sounding, chugging tone that I love.

If you want bright, go stainless. You'll get more growl as well. Probably a heavier gauge to get a tighter B.

DavePlaysBass · #7 09-05-2007, 09:08 PM

Go go from La Bella Hard Rockin Steel. With the string thru body you may have trouble doing the Taper on the bridge. You could do the B at the bridge to get the taper and string the others thru body. Or try it both ways. If you get the taper on the saddle, you will need to raise it and scoot it towards the neck.

Double Agent · #8 09-07-2007, 12:49 PM

any string that has a hex core will be tighter in feel than strings with a round core. I also agree with the earlier post regarding Stainless Steel instead of Nickel.

My suggestion would be DR Lo-Riders (45-130). Always sounded growly as heck, and the B felt much tighter than whatever I was using previously (EB Slinkys, I think).

spideyjg · #9 09-07-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panazza

hi!

I always strung my tribby L2500 with 45 - 130 d'addario nickels, but I would like to have a brighter tone, and a tighter sounding B... (I play metal, most of the time on the B string, with a pick).

Any suggestions for a new set of strings? Maybe I shuould get heavier strings to have a more balanced B? I find that the tribby lacks growl on the lower notes (even if many folks keep saying this bass has a good B, I don't think so.)

what about stringing only the B thrugh the body? Would it help?

PS does anybody play metal with a tribute?

How do you flip your switches? I'd try bridge pickup, in series, and active to really brighten it up.

The switches make a big difference as does the pickup height adjustments.

Jim

fullrangebass · #10 09-07-2007, 01:08 PM

MTD strings all the way (along with spideyjg's suggestions)

Liko · #11 09-07-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Agent

any string that has a hex core will be tighter in feel than strings with a round core.

Explain. Do you mean actual string tension or a more focused sound? If it's the later I agree. If it's the former, how does a hex core, which will have less material than a round core, have more tension?

BASSKADET · #12 09-07-2007, 02:14 PM

I use Ken Smith Rock Masters Stainless. The are pretty bright. But then again you can fiddle your knobs and get bright.