Floppy B-string on my Yamaha...

[Fassa Albrecht]

I got my Yamaha out today after a week of not playing it and I was tuning it when I noticed the B-string was SERIOUSLY floppy. I tried some adjustments and stuff and this didn't seem to remedy it?

So, any ideas? The strings are Rotosound Swing Bass strings and they are only a month old.

[Fieldy Snuts]

Don't rotosounds die like in a day ?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Fieldy Snuts

Don't rotosounds die like in a day ?

I'm convinced my bass eats strings...I go through strings in no time.

[MMcC]

I'm a firm subscriber to the Gary Willis aluminum spacer on the B string trick.

Find an aluminum spacer at a hardware store, I'd recommend an inch long.

Remove the string, slide the spacer down the string to the ball end and restring, with the spacer between the bridge and the ball end. There have been many arguments about if it works, or why it works, but in my experience, all that matters is YES it works.

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by MMcC

I'm a firm subscriber to the Gary Willis aluminum spacer on the B string trick.

Find an aluminum spacer at a hardware store, I'd recommend an inch long.

Remove the string, slide the spacer down the string to the ball end and restring, with the spacer between the bridge and the ball end. There have been many arguments about if it works, or why it works, but in my experience, all that matters is YES it works.

Will try this....I've heard similar things done before.

[bongomania]

Just send that B string into the RAF, it'll tighten up in no time!

[Fassa Albrecht]

*facepalm*

[JustDavid]

I'm a bit cynical on the spacer topic.

In an attempt for me to be objective, have you ever tried stringing up 2 B strings, one with the spacer & one without? Clearly there'd be nut slot issues, but a capo on the 1st fret will get past that.

It'd be interesting experience to add to the discussion.

[Fieldy Snuts]

Well im a firm believer in heavy as* B strings, my 140. B gets the job done nicely.

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by Fieldy Snuts

Well im a firm believer in heavy as* B strings, my 140. B gets the job done nicely.

I can't use light-gauge strings because I need this bass for slap-bass.

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I'm a bit cynical on the spacer topic.

In an attempt for me to be objective, have you ever tried stringing up 2 B strings, one with the spacer & one without? Clearly there'd be nut slot issues, but a capo on the 1st fret will get past that.

It'd be interesting experience to add to the discussion.

Capo?

Only problem is that then you'd either a) lose the low B as the tuning would be changed to C or B)pay a fortune for a single-string capo.

[ClaytonH]

you can make a single string capo from a tiny C-clamp

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by ClaytonH

you can make a single string capo from a tiny C-clamp

And the cool idea comes from....ClaytonH!

[73jbass]

Originally Posted by MMcC

I'm a firm subscriber to the Gary Willis aluminum spacer on the B string trick.

Find an aluminum spacer at a hardware store, I'd recommend an inch long.

Remove the string, slide the spacer down the string to the ball end and restring, with the spacer between the bridge and the ball end. There have been many arguments about if it works, or why it works, but in my experience, all that matters is YES it works.

It works if your string is a tapered core.Otherwise,you're not changing anything. Go as big as you can on the B string for tension as already said. I use .135's.

[Solarmist]

If the neck isn't cracked (you'd notice that with tuning the other strings), and there's enough wraps on the tuning peg - all that's left is the string ... right?

[conqr]

Never heard of the spacer trick - hmmm. I usually do two things with my 130 B: 1. forget about satisfying the tuner's idea of correct intonation and just slide the saddle as far back as possible to lengthen the string, and 2. Raise the saddle as far as I can stand to look at it. I don't notice any adverse effects in terms of volume and I can't say I really notice the intonation difference in my playing.

I think I'll go heavier next time though - 135 or 140.

[rbolanos]

proper set up , should do the trick.
I would suggest to take it to a local trustworthy tech, and have it adjusted to your likings.
Sometimes, the little things we overlook ,go a long way.
good luck
RB

[ClaytonH]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

And the cool idea comes from....ClaytonH!

Thank you, I got the Idea from Dominic Frasca, that guy with the uncorced ten string guitar.

[Fassa Albrecht]

Originally Posted by ClaytonH

Thank you, I got the Idea from Dominic Frasca, that guy with the uncorced ten string guitar.

***? WHY would ANYONE need 10 strings?

Originally Posted by rbolanos

proper set up , should do the trick.
I would suggest to take it to a local trustworthy tech, and have it adjusted to your likings.
Sometimes, the little things we overlook ,go a long way.
good luck
RB

Good thinking.

[Oric]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

***? WHY would ANYONE need 10 strings?

more notes

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I can't use light-gauge strings because I need this bass for slap-bass.

Use a light 4 string set, and get a separate B matched to their tension.