I’m looking for a B string gauge that can function on a standard 34” scale 5 string that could also be tuned down a whole step to A without being too floppy. I like heavy strings so it being tight in standard isn’t too much of an issue for me. Any suggestions? I plan to use 50-105 or heavier for the others. On my current bass I think my B is a 130 but it feels very floppy even in standard.
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5 string B string gauge for standard and drop A?
- Thread starter CoolGuyBassist
- Start date
What brand/type of strings do you normally use? Stainless steel rounds? Nickel rounds? Something else?
Generally I use D’addarios but any nickel wound string is good enough for me I generally favor whatever my guitar store has in gauges that I like
D'A XL Nickels are available in singles of various gauges. I would suggest .140/.145 for drop A.
+1.
I would say .135 minimum. 140 might be better.
You may need to take a look at your nut and bridge to make sure they can accept such a thick string. The slightly thicker winding at the ball end of the string on a 135 barely fits through the string hole opening in the bridge on my Dingwall Super P5.
