Want a tight B string!

bassplayershane · #1 09-12-2008, 05:57 AM

I have a 5501 with Warwick Black Label strings on it but find the tension on the B string isn't as tight as I would like it. Has it got to do with the gauge or brand, or something else. I think he Warwick stings are 45 - 135. Should change them to 130 on the B string.

soulgaard1 · #2 09-12-2008, 06:35 AM

i use laklands own strings (medium 45-128) on my 5502 with good results.
The b-string is tight enough for me.
all the laklands i tried have had a more-than-average tight b-string.

Jonyak · #3 09-12-2008, 06:44 AM

I have a 55-01 and it has the tightest b string I have ever played... much tighter and I dunno if its possible.

Hellbastard · #4 09-12-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassplayershane

I have a 5501 with Warwick Black Label strings on it but find the tension on the B string isn't as tight as I would like it. Has it got to do with the gauge or brand, or something else. I think he Warwick stings are 45 - 135. Should change them to 130 on the B string.

If you change them to 130, you will loose tension. Remember that the higher the gauge the higher the tension. As far as I remeber Black Labels are tapered strings and IME they tend to vibrate more, so you might wanna try a non-tapered B string.

kraigo · #5 09-12-2008, 07:51 AM

Another 55-01 user who is happy with his B string's performance. I've used Laklands stainless steels and liked them just fine (.128 B string). I've had big heavy strings (.130, .135) on the B before and I find that it's counter-productive. The big gauge makes it feel floppier, not tighter.

KO

Parabolic Box · #6 09-12-2008, 01:30 PM

Try something like DR Lo-Riders.

lmfreeman9 · #7 09-13-2008, 06:15 AM

I'm told the reason the Laklands have a tighter B-String is their fivers only come in 35in scale. they refuse to make a 34" because it won't sound right.

DavePlaysBass · #8 09-13-2008, 06:31 AM

Make sure you saddle height and relief are proper. Low action on the B can make it feel looser IME. If you like the setup on the rest of the bass, just raise the B saddle a little.

tbird36go · #9 09-16-2008, 02:53 PM

DR Long Necks tapered B strings are tight even in drop tunings. Bright tone, aggressive mids & sweet low end growl.

steve4765630 · #10 09-17-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbird36go

DR Long Necks tapered B strings are tight even in drop tunings. Bright tone, aggressive mids & sweet low end growl.

Just beware of the funny overtones above the 12th fret. They almost always get a warbley sound up there. It must be the taper. The B string is tight, but I can't deal with the rest of the strings.