Tryin to eliminate (if poss.) the "vibration" of the B string on my Pro II 5 string Jazz Bass. Stock strings on it now, but I want flat wounds. D'Addario Chromes? T-I, JF345 flat wounds?
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B String vibration?
- Thread starter Wally Glanz
- Start date
What "vibration" is out of the norm? Let's address that before you dump 30+ bucks on a new set.
Riis
One thing to keep in mind... When it comes to flatwound B strings, "stiffer" (= "less vibration") may not necessarily be better for tonal quality.
Between the D'A Chromes 132B and the TIJF 136B, the D'A is the stiffer of the two, but is it better in terms of clarity and definition? Not necessarily.
What kind of tonal quality are you looking for? Something traditional and "old school" or something a little more "modern" that would match up with the Jazz bass better?
A couple of people have already recommended the Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats (2816), which is a good option for something modern with a roundwound-like brightness. If you want something more traditional, you can try the Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats (2810). They both come with a .130 for the B, which is not the stiffest, but they do get good reviews for their tonal quality.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
what do you mean by vibration? Sympathetic vibration when playing other strings? If so, get a fret wrap or something similar to help control it
I kind of assumed the OP's talking about the "floppiness" of a typical B string, which tends to vibrate with greater "excursion" due to its relatively lower tension compared to the other four.
Maybe the OP can clarify it for us.
Eliminating the vibration of the B string turns it into a thumb rest. Maybe that's what they want? ;-)
B strings just don't quite feel right to me unless it's a 35 or 36 inch scale. If I ever got back into 5 or 6 strings, I'd want mine to be multiscale. I've picked up one multiscale 5 string in store, and it played like a dream on all strings.
Otherwise, as others have recommended, assuming you're looking to de-flop the B string, bump the gauge up if you can. That isn't my favorite solution, but it will accomplish de-flopping.
Otherwise, as others have recommended, assuming you're looking to de-flop the B string, bump the gauge up if you can. That isn't my favorite solution, but it will accomplish de-flopping.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Yet another weird question from a brand-new account that doesn't return to clarify what they meant.
Give him time, This place moves so fast that newbies (like me - to this forum) often have trouble keeping up.
As to his problem, yes, more info needed, I usually just use the B string as a thumb rest until I want to play it.
I think the OP is asking about unintended vibration/noise/open note from the B string when intending to play other notes.
If this is the case, the answer is to develop damping and muting techniques or use a mechanical device to stop it.
If this is the case, the answer is to develop damping and muting techniques or use a mechanical device to stop it.
This is the answer to most B string questions IMO...
Get strings you like and PLAY the B string. It isn't supposed to be a thumb rest.
