Getting my low B to sound out

[aborgman]

I have daddario pro steels right now,

Note that D'addario string packs have really bad tension variance among strings - generally with the B being the lowest tension, and the D being high tension.

For example in the XL170-5:


G: 42.8 lbs
D: 51.3 lbs
A: 42.0 lbs
E: 36.5 lbs
B: 34.5 lbs

This can make the B seem really floppy and seems to effect it's ability to cut through relative to the other strings.

 

[jfspencer]

Hey, I have a Spector 5-string, and it used to sound that low B like nobody's business. I had not changed the strings in a long time, but I wiped them down after every time I played. I'm playing for a big church whoop-ti-do this Sunday, so I made sure to change my strings a few days ago. With those bright new strings, I barely hear the fundamental at all; it's mostly harmonics now. Guess which strings I used...yep, the D'Addario XL-170's. I wanna say I used to have D'Addario Prisms on there, but I'm not too sure. Let me know if your new strings help, and I'll go change out mine, too.

 

[matrixmetroid]

Ill change the strings, the B has barely any sustain. I just gotta wait for the strings to get here.

 

[matrixmetroid]

New string seemed to do the trick. Thanks for the help though.

 

[PastorofMuppets]

I would suggest compression
it needs to cut and not boom
increasing the bass EQ is not the answer.
focusing the sound and tone is the key.

 

[subopposite]

I have a 5 string, but I have my B string tuned to D and for the music we play it works great for me. With your style of play and having a 5 sting, you may be able to do the same and it is obviously still lower than the E string. Although, you may have to work that out with the guitarist, but...

Lastly, I have the ESP LTD-B5, which is the mahogany top. Got for a little over 500 and I like mine quite a bit.

Good luck.

 

[BrewCityLdB]

Alex Webster uses inexpensive spectors, and most of his sound comes from his technique. You could go look at some of the more inexpensive spectors, put your DDT's on that, downtune and play percussively like he does. Alex Webster is the reason I started playing bass. T3h Br00t4Lz

For the record, Alex switches off between Modulus Quantum 5s and Spector Eruo5LXs. All are equipped with EMG pickups and while they're not exactly boutique, I certainly wouldn't call them "inexpensive" either. For most of his career he's used Ampeg amps (SVT 200T & SVT 4 Pro) up until his recent endorsement with SWR. Live, he now runs through SM 1500s w/ Megoliath cabs. In the past he's said to also run through a SansAmp pedal but has most recently put to use a Radial Bassbone for his direct signal.

Not trying to call you out, just passing on some info.

But you are right on one thing... most of his sound comes from his technique.