Low B not cutting through

[Kwesi]

I have over 22,000 posts. Why would anyone need me to cite a source?

Link Removed

Sir Munji, your limo is waiting .

 

[Oldboy]

To the OP.Your post seems to indicate that this only happened at the show you did the other day.If it's a one off,then it's likely that the venue acoustics are the problem.If it's a general problem,then you need to address some of the remedies already suggested.

 

[KJung]

+1 - This is why cabs like the Acme Low B2 and B4 were made. That and greenboy's Fearful cabs.

Actually, the extremely low tuning of the Acme cabs has little in common with the fEarfuls to my ear. Replicating the frequencies below 40hz can cause more trouble than it is worth, both in driver performance, balanced tone on stage, and especially a punchy, articulate B string that sits and slots nicely in a mix.

The cabs like the fEearful designs, based on those amazing Eminence 'subwoofer like neo drivers' are tuned much higher. The key to these cabs is not that they reproduce even the open E fundamental regarding pure frequency response, but rather that the speakers have the excursion to accurately and forcefuly reproduce those upper harmonics of the B string without farting out or sounding all floppy.

Cabs are getting better and better IMO!

That being said, I agree with the few posters above who blame technique as the biggest issue with undefined and non punchy B strings. That big string has to be treated a bit different than the E string. Lay on it with a heavy touch up toward the neck, and bad things can happen, regardless of instrument or amp IMO and IME.

 

[spade2you]

That being said, I agree with the few posters above who blame technique as the biggest issue with undefined and non punchy B strings. That big string has to be treated a bit different than the E string. Lay on it with a heavy touch up toward the neck, and bad things can happen, regardless of instrument or amp IMO and IME.

Technique certainly plays a part, but it's quite possible with the right bass (construction/design), setup, and strings to be able to play the low B with roughly the same attack as the other strings, provided the technique somewhere light-medium. I play with a fairly light technique and have never had to adjust for the B string on MY basses. I've played plenty of basses where even the most delicate touch would produce some undesirable B tones.