Looks terrible, sounds... OK? Kinda?

[totalnoob]

Apparently, the low B string in this set of flatwounds ended up being a bit too short for my bass. This is the first time in my life that this happened.

As you can see, part of the silk-wound string sits on the zero fret. Surprisingly, I noticed no intonation problems. However, the sound is muffled (as you would expect) and the sustain is not great. The sound reminds me a bit of my electroacoustic bass. It's not horrendous, but that low B sounds way too different from the rest of the strings, so I would like to correct the situaion. Question is, is it safe to try to "peel off" the sink from that end?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Apparently, the low B string in this set of flatwounds ended up being a bit too short for my 35" bass. This is the first time in my life that this happened.

As you can see, part of the silk-wound string sits on the zero fret. Surprisingly, I noticed no intonation problems. However, the sound is muffled (as you would expect) and the sustain is not great. The sound reminds me a bit of my electroacoustic bass. It's not horrendous, but that low B sounds way too different from the rest of the strings, so I would like to correct the situaion. Question is, is it safe to try to "peel off" the sink from that end? View attachment 4919536

Unless you've got something wonky going on at the bridge, that is the wrong B string for that set...*derp*. Where
did you purchase them? Install the correct scale / winding length B and you'll be hunky-dory.

Riis

 

[totalnoob]

Welp, it's what came with the set. I'm going to try to make it work as well as I can.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Welp, it's what came with the set. I'm going to try to make it work as well as I can.

Send a pic to the dealer and/or manufacturer and demand a replacement.

Riis

 

[totalnoob]

I shall do so.

 

[DrBnz]

Before I did that I'd verify a couple other (easy) things. I see how you wrapped the post which make me think to look at a couple other (easy) things like: 1) is that string twisted? Loosen it (a lot ... like 1/4 inch) and pull it down/thru the bridge. Watch the ferrule and see if it twists to seek it's original/natural position. Then just re-tune 2) what is the break angle at the nut. Try to wrap the string at the post to force the string down, thus creating a greater break angle.... If that doesn't help, try removing the silk. I doubt that'll work cause (I think) the taper of the string has started before the nut, so it's always gonna be "odd" sounding. The real answer is to replace the strings

 

[totalnoob]

to replace the strings

I feel I need to mention that the rest of the strings sound great, and the taper is before the 0-fret (where it should be).

 

[totalnoob]

the break angle at the nut

It's exactly identical among all five strings. From that point of view, this is one of my best stringings ever. I'll try to take a photo that illustrates this.

 

[Levent]

The sound reminds me a bit of my electroacoustic bassView attachment 4919536

Thats the best invention on 2022, gota wrap silk to my strings now

 

[totalnoob]

Thats the best invention on 2022, gota wrap silk to my strings now

You do have an awesome bass there in your profile photo.

 

[totalnoob]

Before I did that I'd verify a couple other (easy) things. I see how you wrapped the post which make me think to look at a couple other (easy) things like: 1) is that string twisted? Loosen it (a lot ... like 1/4 inch) and pull it down/thru the bridge. Watch the ferrule and see if it twists to seek it's original/natural position. Then just re-tune 2) what is the break angle at the nut. Try to wrap the string at the post to force the string down, thus creating a greater break angle.... If that doesn't help, try removing the silk. I doubt that'll work cause (I think) the taper of the string has started before the nut, so it's always gonna be "odd" sounding. The real answer is to replace the strings

This is as good as it gets. I am not sure the photo even shows how bloody uniform the angle at the nut is, frankly I'm a bit surprised myself. I tried taking this photo several times, and could not quite capture how precisely parallel the strings are.

 

[michael_t]

Apparently, the low B string in this set of flatwounds ended up being a bit too short for my bass. This is the first time in my life that this happened.View attachment 4919536

Are they the "long scale" La Bella Flats? If so, the E should measure 36.75" from ball end to silk while A-D-G should be 38". In order for all four to be the same length at 38", they need to be the "extra long" set.

 

[Luckydog]

Before I did that I'd verify a couple other (easy) things. I see how you wrapped the post which make me think to look at a couple other (easy) things like: 1) is that string twisted? Loosen it (a lot ... like 1/4 inch) and pull it down/thru the bridge. Watch the ferrule and see if it twists to seek it's original/natural position. Then just re-tune 2) what is the break angle at the nut. Try to wrap the string at the post to force the string down, thus creating a greater break angle.... If that doesn't help, try removing the silk. I doubt that'll work cause (I think) the taper of the string has started before the nut, so it's always gonna be "odd" sounding. The real answer is to replace the strings

Agree, the silked taper is within the speaking length. It may sound generally ok to you, but even if you cut the silk and go with it, it will possibly sound wonky on some notes, even if just slightly.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Are they the "long scale" La Bella Flats? If so, the E should measure 36.75" from ball end to silk while A-D-G should be 38". In order for all four to be the same length at 38", they need to be the "extra long" set.

So, it's just the wrong scale set for that particular bass? I was so focused on the B that I missed the other 4 have silk crossing the nut...not good...but saved by the zero fret. Not so with the B. Problem I have is that we essentially have a "reverse" tapered string install which drops the B too close to the fingerboard at the first fret. Is there any clearance (1st fret) when depressed at the 3rd?

Riis

 

[jbl71004]

It kinda looks like that B string is designed for a bass with an extended B headstock (Fodera). If the string were going to the end of the headstock the silk wouldn’t be down on your fretboard. Just a very slightly educated guess.

 

[Reedt2000]

Obviously a string without the silk so low would be best, but I don't see why you couldn't take a razor blade and try to peel the silk back. You might want a drop of super glue to secure the silk once you've scraped it back enough. If it were me, I'd try it. There are tapered ball-end strings so I don't necessarily think the taper falling on the 0 fret will be a problem.

 

[Levent]

You do have an awesome bass there in your profile photo.

Thanks man, got 3 customs from this amazing luthier. And my fretwrap is a bit tight around first fret for that same effect you are having

 

[michael_t]

Are they the "long scale" La Bella Flats? If so, the E should measure 36.75" from ball end to silk while A-D-G should be 38". In order for all four to be the same length at 38", they need to be the "extra long" set.

I need to correct myself...

If they were the La Bella "long scale" set, both B and E should be shorter at 36.75" in winding length. I somehow missed the part about this being a 5-string set.

 

[totalnoob]

I missed the other 4 have silk crossing the nut

You be missing another thing: the nut is not in the nut position for most basses - this is a 0-fret setup.

 

[Zooberwerx]

You the be missing another thing: the nut is not in the nut position for most basses - this is a 0-fret setup.

Yeah but still too short for that bass...I would expect the silk / taper transition closer to the machine head. @michael_t is correct in asserting you really need the "extra-long" set.

Riis