The low B is good but the 130 gauge low B is really good.
You can only get the 130 B by getting a single string or by getting the 6 string set.
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The low B is good but the 130 gauge low B is really good.
You can only get the 130 B by getting a single string or by getting the 6 string set.
Yea but unfortunately for those who use taper core B strings they do NOT make a taper core B.
The plain strings sound great, so why do you want a taper core? IME taper cores are neccesary on stiffer design strings to make the B more flexible (more like a true string less like a steel bar). The ultrabright B is very flexible and plays true way up the neck.
I just ordered another box of 4 and 5 string sets. These are my default string now.
I just ordered another box of 4 and 5 string sets. These are my default string now.
I just tried the B string on a stainless steel Super Bright set. It does not sound good at all to my ears, I need a taper core string for TONE, just like a Dingwall or MTD or Sadowsky! It makes the B string sound the same as the others, that's the reason why some bass builders use a taper core B string - TONE!
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Both, mostly nickel but I have tried the stainless B and it is crazy good on my basses.
Did you lower the saddle height to get the action back to the same place it would be with the taper? Any chance you twisted the string when installing?
Did you lower the saddle height to get the action back to the same place it would be with the taper? Any chance you twisted the string when installing?
Yes, I lowered the saddle. No twists, I always double check for twists before winding up.
This is not uncommon for me though, as I have had the exact same tonal response from many B strings if they are not tapered. To my ears (and many others) the B string does not sound even in tone as the other strings without the taper. It basically sounds dead and not as even and alive as all other strings. Taper is for tone, not tension!
I have Sadowsky Blue Label steels on now (with tapered B) and the B string sounds incredible and 3 dimensional!
And my new bass came with a tapered B string, so I believe some basses just work better with tapered a B!
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Sadowsky steels are hard to beat for low B. If I only cared about low B performance that is the set I would use. I think super brights have better B than DR, D'addario, etc, but I like the feel and tone of the rest of the set much better than sadowskys. If you like the sadowskys you can stop experimenting, they are great strings if that is the vibe you want.
Have had issues with these strings as well..... I've had many sets with at least one DEAD string and have had a few sets with a D string that won't intonate correctly ...
I am very happy with the blue label Sadowsky steel strings (with a 130 tapered B)! But I found out that DAddario just came out with a Flexsteel tapered 135, so of course I will have try it and compare it with the Sadowsky!
My MTD came stock with a 135.
I've bought 4 5-string sets so far from BSO. The 1st came with a dead E string. Took a while but got a replacement set directly from Dunlop (single strings are not available). Other than that I'm very pleased with them.
UPDATE:
I just put a brand new Dunlop Super Bright Nickel set on my MTD. This set was sent to me from Dunlop as a replacement set. No, I repeat No intonation problems WHATSOEVER and was perfect with the Buzz Feiten tuning system using my Peterson tuner.
These strings are really nice (are you listening mmbongo?) BUT the 125 is too small! However the 125 B sounds GREAT for a non tapered string! Very rare for me to me find a non tapered B that sounds good! This nickel B sounded way better than the stainless steel B I just tried!
Gonna try to get a Dunlop Super Bright Nickel 130 and will report back later but in my opinion they have corrected the problem with intonation!!!
I just put a brand new Dunlop Super Bright Nickel set on my MTD. This set was sent to me from Dunlop as a replacement set. No, I repeat No intonation problems WHATSOEVER and was perfect with the Buzz Feiten tuning system using my Peterson tuner.
These strings are really nice (are you listening mmbongo?) BUT the 125 is too small! However the 125 B sounds GREAT for a non tapered string! Very rare for me to me find a non tapered B that sounds good! This nickel B sounded way better than the stainless steel B I just tried!
Gonna try to get a Dunlop Super Bright Nickel 130 and will report back later but in my opinion they have corrected the problem with intonation!!!
That review (when combined with others) makes me want to try the nickels. I wish there were plans for a lighter gauge. Maybe I will find a use for D standard tuning.
A lighter gauge? These Dunlops are extremely flexible for the gauges. What are you using now?
35-90 or 40-95. I tried a 40-100 set on a bass and tuned it to D standard. If a 35-95 set appeared, I would give them another whirl. If TB is a microcosm of their sales, I would be surprised if 35-95 happened.
Jason can definately help with the 130 B string. I have been using the super bright nickels 45-130 on my Nordstrands for a few years now and never have a problem when ordering through him.
So I replaced the set with the buzzy G and the it seems that problem is solved. No buzzy G with this new set. I didn't have to do much to the intonation - these intonate fine for me but I don't think I could go back to the shorter saddle screws I had on before. They sound and feel great as usual.
Update: I installed a NOS set of the SB 45-125 nickels and...lo & behold...the G string won't intonate properly: flat at the 12th fret and above and super-sharp at the 5th & 7th. Not sure what others have witnessed....please chime in. The balance of the set was more than passable requiring only minor tweaks at the bridge. I've e-mailed Dunlop for direction and included a pic of the 3 additional sets on hand. I'm hoping they can identify suspect sets by lot # if available as it's a real PIA to load a new set only to find they're compromised.
Riis
Riis
I'm back in the saddle with SB nickels after about a year with Sadowsky Blue Label nickel lights (a fine string, IMO) I had previously experienced intonation problems and wild excursion (leading to buzzing), but the problem seems to have been rectified. I forgot how much I liked them on my parts P5 and after re-stringing with SB's this week, I decided to place an order for 5 more sets.
