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I need a tight B-string on my 35" scale bass - string suggestions?

fourstringbliss

fourstringbliss

Supporting Member
Oct 5, 2003
12,443
6,017
56
Puyallup, WA
#1
I've got an Ibanez BTB555 which has a 35" scale. A 35" scale is supposed to make for a tight B-string with good clarity, but this one isn't clear enough. Is it my strings? The strings that came installed are Elixirs, and the B is a .130, which is pretty high gague.

I know all basses aren't made alike, but shouldn't all 35" scale basses given the same strings have an equally tight B? To be honest, the E string isn't that tight either.

I know different strings have different tension, so is it possible for two .130 strings to have a different tightness?

I like a balanced tone and my bass is active, so I want to avoid strings that are bright. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Maybe I'm just crazy. I tried my bass again, and the B isn't really floppy at all, it just sounds a bit hollow to me, as does the E string. But, then I listened to some soundclips I made and it actually sounds pretty good. Tell me what you think: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#3
In Janeks Forum , one of his replies to how to get a tight B is to reverse the tuner placement of the string...IE. Use the E tuner for the B string if the E tuner is higher on the stock and its possible to cross the two towrd the nut...(some tuner positions wont allow that) Lengthening the strings winding point, evidently like a Dingwall in theory....YMMV, I havent tried it yet tho.
 
#4
I just played it a bit. The B is fairly tight, although it does have a wide vibration pattern. It just sounds hollow compared to the other strings, and the E sounds a bit hollow as well. These are Elixir strings. What would be a fuller sounding set of strings with good string balance and a tight B? I don't want bright if I can avoid it, and I'm open to flats. I want to be able to cut through the mix, but I can also always boost my mids and choose a higher mid frequency to boost (I've got a vari mid control that allows me to choose my mid frequency).
 
#8
Look for a string that has a hexagonal core as opposed to a round core. They will feel "stiffer"

Sadowsky, Dean Markley SR's, (The Will Lee sets are STIFF) Some of the DR's are Hex core some aren't.

I'm using Sadowsky flats on my PJ5 and they're great. Not at all flabby and plenty of clarity.
 
#9
IMO a 5-string set isn't exactly cheap, so I'd call or email a few major stringmakers for their suggestions. It will be cheaper than buying several brands and gauges of strings to find what works for you.

I've found D'Addario's Customers Relations staff to be very helpful. You can contact them directly via the telephone or send them a detailed email. I'll guess the other major stringmakers also have experienced people who can help you out.

Hang in there, I'm sure you'll get it sorted out.
- Art
 
#14
One simple solution often overlooked is to raise the height of the B string. A little bit can go a long way to tightening it up. I used to do the "low as it can go" like all my other strings but now I ride it a bit higher and get better tension. Nice quick fix if nothing else. I think it sounds better, too.
 
#16
fourstringbliss said:
I know all basses aren't made alike, but shouldn't all 35" scale basses given the same strings have an equally tight B?
Click to expand...

Nope.

A lot more goes into a tight B string than the scale length. Best evidence of this is that the two best B strings in the business IMNSHO are found on Ken Smith's and Roger Sadowsky's basses, both of which are 34" scale.

Don't assume the culprit is the string. You say the E's a little weak too? Have you checked the pickup height on the B/E string side? The pickups may be too far from the strings, or there may be a worse problem with the pickup...faulty or just a poor design.
 
#18
Craig Garfinkel said:
Nope.

A lot more goes into a tight B string than the scale length. Best evidence of this is that the two best B strings in the business IMNSHO are found on Ken Smith's and Roger Sadowsky's basses, both of which are 34" scale.

Don't assume the culprit is the string. You say the E's a little weak too? Have you checked the pickup height on the B/E string side? The pickups may be too far from the strings, or there may be a worse problem with the pickup...faulty or just a poor design.
Click to expand...
I'm only assuming the culprit is the strings is that I owned a BTB405 at one point, which has the same neck as my BTB555 (although it might have only had one truss rod, and not the two that my BTB555 has). The B-string was nice and tight on that one, I just don't remember what kind of strings it had.

The neck on my BTB555 is a five-piece maple/walnut neck, and the walnut stringers are 1/4" wide. It has two truss rods and a five bolt neck joint. Finally, the headstock is angled back. This neck seems built to be stiff.

I tried the string again, and the B isn't so much loose as it is hollow sounding - same with the E.
 
#19
Maybe I'm just crazy. I tried my bass again, and the B isn't really floppy at all, it just sounds a bit hollow to me, as does the E string. But, then I listened to some soundclips I made and it actually sounds pretty good. Tell me what you think: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I would like more clarity without being too bright. I guess I'm looking for more of a piano tone from my strings, without being tinny.
 
#20
fourstringbliss said:
Aren't the EXL's a bright string? I don't want really bright if I can avoid it.
Click to expand...
The EXL's are bright, but then they are roundwound strings. I didn't find them to be as bright as other rounds I've used: DR, Sadowsky (nickel or steel), Rotosound.

If you want roundwound with mellower top end, try Elixir Nanowebs. They have a piano vibe without the clanky/tinny high end. They're pricey, but last a long time.
 

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