Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Best low B string in the Biz?
- Thread starter Zanderwestcoast
- Start date
If we're gonna play "my scale is longer than your scale" I'll have to mention the B on my NXT-5 EUB (41" scale...) is pretty darned impressive ;-) No pernambuco in the body but it is in the bow...
IMHO, there is no replacement for scale length. I ran my Schack into an audio spectrum analyzer at the full scale length, 34" scale length equivalent (capo 34" from the bridge and tuned with the capo on), 32" scale equivalent, and 30" scale equivalent. The amount of harmonics that I lost with each shortening was striking.
Nice. I've always wanted one of those NS EUBs, but isn't it a bit unfair to compare an EUB with a bass guitar in this case?
Of course.
But it's just another example of where an open-ended question takes you.
Do you want a really impressive low B, or do you care how you get there?
I also wonder (didn't see it mentioned yet although it might have been) how many people are evaluating B's through amps and cabs that have appropriate tunings.
The B string on my Zon Legacy Elite 6 string is KILLER!!!!, and this is a 34" scale.
The choice of pickups play such a huge part in how the low B string translates and sounds aside from scale length. I find pretty much any Jazz bass low B for example with both pickups on equal volume, (single coils) will lack definition, unless rolled back to favour bridge pickup. That very same instrument neck and scale length could sound way more focused and tight with say a humbucker pickup.
The "best" B string I own is my Modulus TBX. (35") Just a tiny bit better than my Q6. (35") However in the 34" department I have a Ken Smith, an Alembic and my G&L L2500 growly B is no slouch either! My Fender V B in spite of a lot of effort to make it sound better still doesn't compare to these. Never owned or played a Roscoe or Dingwall.
CrashClint
I Play Bass therefore I Am
There are more basses now with really good sounding B strings but Roscoe is still my favorite. The Roscoe is very defined and balanced without being boomy. My next choice after the Roscoe would be the MTD 535 followed by the Dingwall A1.
I terms of scale length, I have a 35" Lakie 55-02, an 34.5" Fbass BN5, and a 34" EBMM SR5. 3 different scale lengths and all have killer B strings. I don't think scale length is the only factor, Roger Sadowsky has said that neck to body joint may be the most important factor in transmitting the low vibrations of the B string. Not saying scale length doesn't matter, but not hearing much or any difference in the 3 basses I mentioned. IMHO,YMMD, and all that jazz
Jim
It´s not mine!
It´s my friend Christian Olsson at Unicornbass that makes 'em. The guy playing is just a happy customer. As am i!
He has his own line of strings which are really nice. Very even and with a really nice mid bite that cuts through well.
As far as basses go. Well i have not played ANYTHING better.
Check out www.unicornbass.se
Teaser!
That is one of the most beautiful headstocks I have ever seen.
I have four 5 strings: Sadowsky M524, Ken Smith BSR 5MW, Warwick Thumb Bolt on, and a Warwick Corvette $$. All have great a low B. This thread has inspired me to make a comparison video. Look for it soon!
The Thumb B string is a bit clearer (more fundamental) than the Corvette. I think it's the Thumb's pickup placement or its massive neck, or a combination of both.
The Thumb B string is a bit clearer (more fundamental) than the Corvette. I think it's the Thumb's pickup placement or its massive neck, or a combination of both.
Do you remember what model it was?
Sometimes strings are the issue. I installed some Sadowsky strings on my Sadowsky and something was not right with the B and A strings. The B lost its pitch definition and the A had a muted sound compared to the other strings. I'm sure there was some kind of defect because I replaced them with another Sadowsky set and the problem was solved.
But other times it's the bass. I had a Godin and no matter what strings I put on it the notes below low D were muddy and undefined.
Yes, it was a BSR5M bolt on. I think that the problem was also that in general I never really liked the sound of that bass. It was not just the B-string, but the general feel of the instrument that didn't really speak to me. That said, I know of many who love the KS basses, so as mentioned, please note that the above opinion is based on having tried just one KS bass. It didn't do it for me, maybe another KS model would have
IMO A Stingray 5 always had the most killer B to me in side by side comparisons to my Zon Sonus 5-1 ( Wich replaced my Stingray 5) and four different Modulus Genesis 5 's. Stingray 5 's quite simply have a very awesome B string sound. My favorite B string in concert was a concert my wife had me go to with her ( I usually don't do country unless going to a country concert with my wife - Iam really just a hard core Rush fan)but it was a Modulus Q5 at a Tim McGraw concert . The B on that bass sang . His songs are not real fast so his bassist would hit B string notes and they were just fabulous . Nicest tone, feel , sound - it was weird I kept telling my wife wow does that B string sound totally awesome- she had no idea what the hell I was talking about . It was B heaven.
I tried a Flea 5 with an additional front pickup so it had the rear MM style pickup and front jazz style pickup and was very impressed by that authoritative B string . That was at Planet Bass in Minnesota.
I just played a Ken Smith BSR 6 and the low B was just fine. Sounded good. The Lakland B string is a little more defined than the Ken Smith, but it was not a substantial difference. The Lakland low B is the best I have played, and I suspect if you don't want fanned frets, it will be tough to get much better.
