Floppy Five Strings?

[DoobieDoober]

I've been searching for a while for a five string, and all the ones I've tried seem to have floppy strings. Not even just the low-b, every string. Is this normal? Would this problem be solved with an longer-scale neck? Should I keep looking or is this what I'll be getting if I get a five string?

 

[autotech6506]

It also depends on what gauge strings are on it. Thicker strings will give you more tension.

 

[Lo-E]

No, that's not normal. Sometimes B-strings can be a little tricky to dial in - on certain basses, anyway - and require a little trial and error in regards to setup and strings but the other four strings are usually no different than they would be on any other bass. The laws of physics remain the same for four and five string basses. Some may feel better for you and your preferred style of playing, but five string basses should not have lower string tension based only upon the fact that they are fivers.

 

[TonyP-]

Try a 35" scale and DR Lo-Riders...

That combo is pretty tight.

 

[Skip_NJ]

When my bass first came in from UPS it felt all floppy and I was immediately very disappointed, then I checked the neck relief and there was none. A turn of the truss rod and a little bow made a huge difference and now the bass is playing great. Different higher tension strings would also make a big difference. I had a MIM deluxe jazz V that felt very floppy but was saved when I put some flat wounds on it.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I've been searching for a while for a five string, and all the ones I've tried seem to have floppy strings. Not even just the low-b, every string. Is this normal? Would this problem be solved with an longer-scale neck? Should I keep looking or is this what I'll be getting if I get a five string?

"All the ones you've tried" -- are you referring to fivers at a music store? I mention this because proper setup of the low B string is critical, and you probably won't find that at most music stores. A poorly intonated B can sound wobbly/floppy.

Also, reasonably fresh strings are important. IME, the first thing most players do when auditioning a fiver is whack the B string around, so it'll go dead before the other strings. The lower strings tend to go dead quicker anyway, partly because the thicker windings accumulate more dirt.

I've bought a couple of fivers used and worried a little bit when I first got them because the B string seemed off, but fresh strings and proper setup usually cured the "floppy B".

P.S. When most folks talk about "floppy B" they are referring to tone rather than tension. If tension is the issue, then (as others have said) a thicker/stiffer string set can be used.

 

[DoobieDoober]

Thanks guys, I've only tried ones at the music store so they're probably just setup poorly.

 

[bigcatJC]

Sometimes taperwound or exposed core strings help, especially with the low B.

 

[Doug Parent]

Sometimes taperwound or exposed core strings help, especially with the low B.

Indeed however Guage and brand are more important criteria. Example: La Bella stainless (Carvin brand) w/ taper core B is floppy compared to whatever Fender is using (non taper) . However taper core B's sometimes offer lower action.