Strange sound from low B

[DaveyM69]

So, after a long (very long!) time, I've just changed the strings on my 5. Previously, although a little dull due to age/grime, they all sounded pretty much the same tonally.

With the new strings, E-G all sound fine but the B sounds a little dead plus 'harmonicy'. All the set-up appears fine, a little relief in the neck and no buzz anywhere (I have had to raise the B height a little in relation to the others following the neck radius). The nut and saddle all look and feel like they're seated fine.

Any idea where I should look to eliminate this sound? The B may be .005'' thicker than the previous one but I'm not too sure how this would make the sound worse - surely the increased tension required would improve it?

[Curtybob]

Loosen the string, allow one end to spin freely. I've had that happen from hand wrapping the string on the tuner post while the ball end was held fast by the bridge. It twists the string, and causes that for some reason.

[DaveyM69]

Thanks, that seemed to help a little. I have lowered the neck pickup below the B too and that has had some effect too.

Still not as even as it was so I'm thinking maybe the slot in the saddle needs some adjustment if the string is thicker (I'll dig the old one out and compare) or maybe I just forgot that it sounded this way the last time I changed them!

[azfryguy]

Maybe you need a string tree try to recreate one with you left hand then play.

[allexcosta]

+1 to making sure the string isn't twisted. You can increase the overall length of your low B by pulling it's saddle towards the strap button. This should improve tone too. Double check intonation in the first 4 frets since that's all you use on a low B. Should be a problem.

[DaveyM69]

Thanks for the help guys - I gigged it the last two nights and sounds good

Originally Posted by allexcosta

Double check intonation in the first 4 frets since that's all you use on a low B. Should be a problem.

Not for me! I regularly use it in all positions as I would any other string, not just for extended bass range. Intonation is perfect on it and all strings all the way up to 24th checked at 5th, 12th, 17th and 24th.

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by DaveyM69

Thanks, that seemed to help a little. I have lowered the neck pickup below the B too and that has had some effect too.

Still not as even as it was so I'm thinking maybe the slot in the saddle needs some adjustment if the string is thicker (I'll dig the old one out and compare) or maybe I just forgot that it sounded this way the last time I changed them!

Sometimes a pickup with strong magnets can pull on the string and cause false harmonics. The solution is to lower the pickups and/or use lighter strings.