tighter b

capnsandwich · #1 12-22-2006, 06:35 PM

i just got a set of dr round core 5 string bass strings because the guy who put the preamp in it said that dr's were probably the nicest sounding strings for slap and fingerstyle playing. i love the brightness of these but they're so daggone loose! i can't even play the low B because the sound is drowned out by the noise from it slapping against the frets.
does anyone know how to tighten up these strings without having to put new ones on or changing the action? i just paid $40+ for these and i at least need to get 2 months of playing out of these. any help is accepted and welcome.

Foamy · #2 12-22-2006, 11:28 PM

I saw this in a bass secrets book...
Take off the string, slip on one of those brass tube spacers, like the ones used to mount PC motherboards. I think you can get them at a home improvement center.
Then, string it through the bridge.
This essentially makes the string about 1/2 inch longer and should tighten it up some.
I'm just the messenger here - I have no experience trying this.

lug · #3 12-23-2006, 01:15 AM

I know everyone hates to do it, but actually raise your B string at the saddle. It will sound better as well.

Lorenzini · #4 12-23-2006, 07:40 AM

The problem is in the round core. Get some DRs with a hex core, or any other string with a hex core and the B will instantly improve.

Round core B strings are usually only good if they are on an exceptional bass, with an exceptional B string.
And even then a hex core B string will sound tighter.

lo-freq · #5 12-23-2006, 08:26 AM

Lo-Rider

You can order a medium set and specify a .130 'B' string.
[If you can't find one in-store -- but I think it's just a custom order -- they should cost the same as a regular 5 string set of Lo-Rider.]

Give them a whirl -- I love mine.

The nickel plated are cool too, but for what you are talking about style-wise, I'd recommend the stainless steel.

mimaz · #6 12-23-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchanter_Tim

I saw this in a bass secrets book...
Take off the string, slip on one of those brass tube spacers, like the ones used to mount PC motherboards. I think you can get them at a home improvement center.
Then, string it through the bridge.
This essentially makes the string about 1/2 inch longer and should tighten it up some.
I'm just the messenger here - I have no experience trying this.

Somehow, I'm thinking this is flawed logic.........the length of the scale (i.e. 34" vs 35", for example) would affect the amount of tension for a particular string to be tuned to pitch, not the overall length of the string. Any other opinions on this?

lo-freq · #7 12-23-2006, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimaz

Somehow, I'm thinking this is flawed logic.........the length of the scale (i.e. 34" vs 35", for example) would affect the amount of tension for a particular string to be tuned to pitch, not the overall length of the string. Any other opinions on this?

I think it's just like the basses that allow for a bridge end or 'through the body' end point.

Some peole hear a difference and some don't.

I think it's hair splitting -- but we bass players seem to enjoy that activity for some weird reason.

73jbass · #8 12-23-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimaz

Somehow, I'm thinking this is flawed logic.........the length of the scale (i.e. 34" vs 35", for example) would affect the amount of tension for a particular string to be tuned to pitch, not the overall length of the string. Any other opinions on this?

I'm with you on this one. The same string,on the same scale with have the same tension.Pure physics. What happens past the bridge does not effect tension.You have to go with a hex core string,like low riders,or go to a 35" scale.

mimaz · #9 12-23-2006, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73jbass

I'm with you on this one. The same string,on the same scale with have the same tension.Pure physics. What happens past the bridge does not effect tension.You have to go with a hex core string,like low riders,or go to a 35" scale.

And of course, the easiest way to increase tension in this case is.........a heavier string guage.

Foamy · #10 12-23-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimaz

Somehow, I'm thinking this is flawed logic.........the length of the scale (i.e. 34" vs 35", for example) would affect the amount of tension for a particular string to be tuned to pitch, not the overall length of the string. Any other opinions on this?

Could be - I am just parroting what I read in some bass secrets book I was browsing at GC. If it helped, great; if not, sorry.

Foamy · #11 12-23-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimaz

And of course, the easiest way to increase tension in this case is.........a heavier string guage.

I thought that the lighter the string, the heavier the tension is, and that the above is a common misconception. Off to check tension charts....

mimaz · #12 12-23-2006, 11:18 AM

All other things being equal (scale length, type of string, etc) the heavier string will have a higher tension at the same pitch.

For example, a .130 B string will have a higher tension than a .125 B string, assuming you are using the same brand/type of string on the same scale length.

Basshole · #13 12-23-2006, 11:19 AM

No, heavier string have more tension, given the same pitch.

Adding a spacer, and increasing the string length has been debated to death here. Some say it makes it better, others cite physics, and swear it's not possible.

Foamy · #14 12-23-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basshole

No, heavier string have more tension, given the same pitch.

Adding a spacer, and increasing the string length has been debated to death here. Some say it makes it better, others cite physics, and swear it's not possible.

As for the heavier string, yes, I was incorrect. I guess MINE was the misconception. As for the spacer - yeah, I don't know. I guess I added to the confusion, and for that, I apologize.

Basshole · #15 12-23-2006, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enchanter_Tim

As for the spacer - yeah, I don't know. I guess I added to the confusion, and for that, I apologize.

Don't. I'm not saying it doesn't work. Clearly, it wouldn't still be a debate if it was cut and dried. The mention is quite valid.

lo-freq · #16 12-23-2006, 01:19 PM

I've also heard very good things about Sadowsky strings and expecially how tight the 'B' string sounds (they have a .130 taper-core 'B').

You'd probably want the Stainless Round Wound.

capnsandwich · #17 12-24-2006, 04:05 AM

wow! so much information so fast. thanks everyone for your input. the spacer is an option maybe the next time i restring my bass but i just took a look and i think i see what my problem is. i did ask for 130's and he gave me 125's. that's what happens when you go to Guitar Center right before christmas, and as far as the hexcore strings go, i may try those out too. i do love the brightness of these.

DavePlaysBass · #18 12-25-2006, 12:15 AM

I really dig LaBella Hard Rockin' Steels. The 128 tapered B is one of the best I have played on my 34" Sadowsky.

If you are using a 125 Hi Beam, you may also want to try a 130. I am not a big fan of 125 B strings.

Dave

Stumpy · #19 12-27-2006, 08:44 PM

I know that I was really unhappy with the B string before I switched to the exposed core MTD's (135's). Once I got that on and adjusted for the exposed core it is amazing. I love the sound. Like a nice Bosendorfer grand piano with a great deal of attitude. (Playing on a Yamaha TRB).

DGbass70 · #20 12-28-2006, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lo-freq

I've also heard very good things about Sadowsky strings and expecially how tight the 'B' string sounds (they have a .130 taper-core 'B').

You'd probably want the Stainless Round Wound.

Wow.....i have a brand new set of these that i bought from someone here and i still have not used them.I'll have to slap them on soon .