Holy Cow! 110 B string!

[Jaco Taco]

So, I've been looking for the "perfect B string" for a while. Tried gauges like 125, 135, 120, and I always get a B string that doesn't really fit the E string, it just won't sound as bright or as present as the E, especially when I play an "e" at the 5th fret of the B string, just sounds soooo much duller than the open E string.

I should mention that I like a lighter gauge for my strings (95 for my E string) and after a long search of various stainless steel roundwounds, I've found that I like DR Hi-Beams the best.

ANYWAY! I tried something different and I put a 110 on for my B string. HOLY COW! It just works perfectly with the 95 E string. The B string is big but also bright and present and when I fret it at the 5th fret for an "e", it sounds really close to the open E string. Dang, after years of being unsatisfied with B strings, I feel like I've finally landed on the solution.

So I'm just writing this for those out there that might dismiss a 110 B string; if you are looking for a brighter and more present sound that meshes well with a lighter E string, I would urge you to try it out. Of course, if you want a "darker" or bassier tone, I can see how a 110 B wouldn't be for you, but man it has just solved all of my problems with the B string.

 

[BioWeapon]

How is the tension on it? I'd like to give it a try. I'm using an (I think) .14 or .145 B string that matches the E string with no flab, almost too tight in fact.
I'd be worried about how loose/flubby a .11 b string would be...

 

[Jaco Taco]

It's actually not as bad as you might think. Does the sucker vibrate? Yes, it does but that just gives it volume and if you are into a growly B, it's perfect. I know it doesn't make sense that a smaller gauge string would be louder, but maybe it's allowed to vibrate more and get closer to the pickup after I pluck it, I don't know, but it just really surprised me with how in my face the sound is. It's worth a try, I think.

 

[kzr750r1]

Have been messing with similar options. Never tried GHS Boomers before but found the 50 to 115 works well for BEAD on a 34" scale. I kept going bigger as well on my five and wondered how light can I go with the B.
Want to try another couple brands with these guages and see how it goes... Few and far between distributing sets like this though.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

I must try!

 

[Jaco Taco]

I must try!

It's really worth a try. I haven't heard my B-string sound more growly, aggressive, and well balanced with the E until I tried it with a 110.

 

[Solarmist]

I cannot imagine using a 110 for low B, however I do use that gauge for D when tuned DGCF.

 

[Matthew_84]

What is the B string like further up the neck (from the E to the B octave range)?

Also, I'd imagine it would be pretty floppy. What scale length is your bass? Also, you do play with a light touch, and where do you play (near the neck, near the bridge, over the bridge pickup, etc)?

Thanks

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

The lowest gauge I've tried was a .120 Fodera nickel on my 34" Adamovic and loved it. After that I went to a .130 d'addario and screw it. There is a set of fender nickels with .115 B string that also tempts me.


Sent from my iPhone using TalkBass

 

[Levin]

I just did the same thing as you, Emibass, and truly loved it! I put it on a 35" Yamaha TRBj1005 and it's totally great.
As I'm going to test either my spare set for this bass, my Kalium/Circle K-strings (that have a 142" b-string... !!) or a set of Sadowsky black labels, I'm going to film how the different gauges/brands compare on the same bass with the same settings.

 

[Matthew_84]

As I'm going to test either my spare set for this bass, my Kalium/Circle K-strings (that have a 142" b-string... !!) or a set of Sadowsky black labels, I'm going to film how the different gauges/brands compare on the same bass with the same settings.

Please do! I've love to see this.

 

[James Hart]

I've been using a .106 low B with a .080 E on my basses for almost 5 years. If you use restraint and control in your technique , it's amazing how powerful thin strings can be

 

[Mktrat]

I have been using 95 75 60 40 30 20 on a 35" scale fretless. Seems fine though.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

I have been using 95 75 60 40 30 20 on a 35" scale fretless. Seems fine though.

What tunning?

 

[Mktrat]

beadgc

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

Now that´s light gouge. I supose you have to have the action a little high to let the strings vibrate without buzz right?

 

[Gab124]

Yes, I have found the most natural rich sounding B strings (and sets) to be lower gauges. But as Mr. Hart mentioned, one has to make sure to develop good technique to gain the most from them, you can't just go heavy sloppy handing these. For me I went lower gauge because of finger strain, but ended up loving them. I play with much more volume and input gain now with a light touch and it can really pack a wallup and give great nuance to position and plucking strength.

 

[Mktrat]

Now that´s light gouge. I supose you have to have the action a little high to let the strings vibrate without buzz right?

Not really. It does have to be played with attention to technique, but she sings! Wonderful mwah too. Like Gab said the light strings
and a little technique go along way. Keep in mind this is 35" scale, so that does make a tension difference.

 

[Bassamatic]

I bought an Ibanez SR405 a while back and it sounded incredible - especially the B, and I realized it had very light gauge strings on it. An interesting learning experience.

 

[Jay2U]

I had about the same experience with a 0.100 flatwound on my G&L L2000. I tuned it down to C# and it sounded incredibly good. As a matter of fact al four were tuned down and sounding good. After a few minutes of playing one gets used to the feel. I'm considering stringing my BEAD tuned Ibby with lighter gauge strings.