Strings that minimize dead spots

jallenbass · #1 11-01-2011, 05:38 PM

Anyone find strings that are good at minimizing the naturally occurring dead notes?

boynamedsuse · #2 11-01-2011, 05:47 PM

I would also like an answer to this. My working theory is that brighter strings (e.g. rounds) provide more sustain and therefore minimize the effect of a dead spot compared to darker strings (e.g. flats).

jallenbass · #3 11-01-2011, 06:06 PM

So far that is what I have found also. Flats make a "thud" whereas rounds just don't have much fundamental. I'm wondering if thin gauge round core strings might be best.

giacomini · #4 11-01-2011, 06:14 PM

IMO and IME with a few brands, gauges and types, strings just change a bit of a dead note, sometimes making it worse or fixing just a slight bit of it, but nothing more than 1 to 5%

Dead notes are connected with the neck wood/weight (mass)/construction. So, you can either add or subtract mass from the headstock for a very noticeable change.

**Matthew_84** · #5 11-01-2011, 06:16 PM

I do generally agree with you guys that flats could enhance the effect. But when I got my used P Bass it had very dull rounds on it, with a dead spot. I put Chromes and it still had it, but then I changed my flats to GHS Percision Flats and I haven't noticed the dead spot since...

But around the same time I added a washer in the heel of the neck for a better truss rod adjustment and lowered the relief a substantial amount as well as the saddles and raised the pick-ups. I don't know if any of this is related but my dead spot is gone.

Jay2U · #6 11-01-2011, 06:17 PM

This matter is very complicated. Dead spots are the result of multiple causes. Some combinations of strings, necks, fretboards, headstocks and bridges generate both dead and hot spots along the length of the strings. I'm afraid there is no generic recipe which cures these problems. Each combination of materials has its own solution, which will be a compromise.
My bass doesn't have dead spots, but suffers from hot spots. The A string fretted at position three produces audibly more noise than fretted elsewhere.

jallenbass · #7 11-01-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2U

This matter is very complicated. Dead spots are the result of multiple causes. Some combinations of strings, necks, fretboards, headstocks and bridges generate both dead and hot spots along the length of the strings. I'm afraid there is no generic recipe which cures these problems. Each combination of materials has its own solution, which will be a compromise.
My bass doesn't have dead spots, but suffers from hot spots. The A string fretted at position three produces audibly more noise than fretted elsewhere.

Yes I agree but that's not my question.

Slowgypsy · #8 11-01-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

Anyone find strings that are good at minimizing the naturally occurring dead notes?

As a general statement, you can't eliminate a dead spot, but you can probably shift it someplace else that's less noticeable. That said, changing strings from say... low tension to high tension, or light gauge to medium gauge, etc... will change the dynamics that are creating a dead spot, and possibly send it elsewhere.

But to answer your question, I've not found a certain brand/model of string that is better at minimizing a dead spot. But just changing to a different brand/model/gauge/etc will most likely have an effect.

**Matthew_84** · #9 11-01-2011, 07:15 PM

My dead spot was on the 6th fret of the G String (C#). The Chromes were .045 - .100 and the GHS's are .045- .105. The G string gauges are the same but maybe the thicker E plays some effect in the overall weight?

The Chromes were also very stiff while the GHS's have lower tension.

I'd love to tell you where the dead spot moved to, but I have no idea... I don't think my info helped too much but if other people with similar experiences post their difference in strings before and after we can maybe get some clues

jallenbass · #10 11-01-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew_84

My dead spot was on the 6th fret of the G String (C#). The Chromes were .045 - .100 and the GHS's are .045- .105. The G string gauges are the same but maybe the thicker E plays some effect in the overall weight?

The Chromes were also very stiff while the GHS's have lower tension.

I'd love to tell you where the dead spot moved to, but I have no idea... I don't think my info helped too much but if other people with similar experiences post their difference in strings before and after we can maybe get some clues

That's good data. Thanks.

Jay2U · #11 11-01-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

Yes I agree but that's not my question.

I understand, but, in my opinion, advising strings, which may work on my bass, might turn out to be contra-productive.

jallenbass · #12 11-01-2011, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2U

I understand, but, in my opinion, advising strings, which may work on my bass, might turn out to be contra-productive.

It's worth a try.

J. Brooks · #13 11-01-2011, 08:09 PM

I usually use worn in rounds and flats and have found that using new rounds, especially those with good sustain and ringing overtones, makes dead spots less noticeable to me. The overtones ring so much that you don't notice the quick decay of the fundamental on the dead spot. My dead spots are minor though, might not work on a significant one.

Fresh sets of Sadowsky Blue Label and TI Jazz Flats minimized the sound of dead spots on my bass.

jallenbass · #14 11-01-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Brooks

Fresh sets of Sadowsky Blue Label and TI Jazz Flats minimized the sound of dead spots on my bass.

For the Blue Labels are you using nickel or stainless?

Ric5 · #15 11-01-2011, 09:13 PM

Flats ... they sound equally dead in all the spots.

jallenbass · #16 11-01-2011, 09:39 PM

Funny.

SLaPiNFuNK · #17 11-02-2011, 01:42 AM

If flats arent working for you and rounds are not the sound you are looking for, maybe look at strings in between...

Half Rounds and Pressure Wounds...

**Matthew_84** · #18 11-02-2011, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Brooks

Fresh sets of Sadowsky Blue Label and TI Jazz Flats minimized the sound of dead spots on my bass.

What are the Sadowsky strings like in regards to tension?

I've heard that TI's are low in tension, and my GHS's are about medium (but the lowest tension strings I've had on this bass). If the Sadowsky's are low as well then a pattern *may* be forming.

jallenbass · #19 11-02-2011, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

Half Rounds and Pressure Wounds...

I haven't tried half rounds in ages but what I've read of other's experiences is that they aren't that great a substitute for either flats or rounds. I haven't tried pressurewounds though. Might have to give them a go and I will indeed get them from BassStringsOnline.com

boynamedsuse · #20 11-02-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallenbass

I haven't tried half rounds in ages but what I've read of other's experiences is that they aren't that great a substitute for either flats or rounds. I haven't tried pressurewounds though. Might have to give them a go and I will indeed get them from BassStringsOnline.com

Adding a somewhat off-topic comment, I changed the strings on my Fender Mustang to GHS Pressurewounds after using the factory roundwounds and D'Addario roundwounds. The two most noticeable changes were that the strings were smoother (although not as smooth as flatwounds) and the tone became darker, although not like flats. I did not notice the fundamental becoming more prominent so much as the highs being reduced. They seemed to be a reasonable compromise for someone trying to find some middle ground.