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New 5 Stringer needs help!

SJan3

SJan3

Dec 8, 2010
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#1
Hello fellow low B's,
After 50+ years as a 4 stringer, I took the plunge and purchased a Yamaha TRBX505 bass. I'm having fun with it but I'm not nuts about how the strings feel.
I've considered DR SUNBEAMS as my go to 4 string set but I'm not hip to what would be considered a versatile 5 string nickel roundwound set.
What are you experienced 5 stringers using and thanks for your help!
 
#3
Chad Michael said:
GHS Boomers might be the place to start.

... although... I prefer the stainless sound of D'Addario Pro Steels (after about an hour of break - in).

Good luck.... the strings are the interface between you and the instrument, it matters.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response. Boomers are great. I used them slot until discovering DR.
Do you use a particular gauge?
 
#4
I generally use DR Hi Beams in either 40-120 or 45-125 gauges. It really depends on what the bass likes to an extent and the sound you are going for.

I’ve gone as far as a 130 B string but it’s a little to heavy for my taste. In general B strings may feel a little different to the rest but with a good setup you will get good results. Stainless steel and nickel will sound different so sometimes it’s just trying a few sets over time to find what works for you.

Often what sounds bright at home doesn’t sound quite as bright on a gig mixed with other instruments.
 
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#6
Samatza said:
I generally use DR Hi Beams in either 40-120 or 45-125 gauges. It really depends on what the bass likes to an extent and the sound you are going for.

I’ve gone as far as a 130 B string but it’s a little to heavy for my taste. In general B strings may feel a little different to the rest but with a good setup you will get good results. Stainless steel and nickel will sound different so sometimes it’s just trying a few sets over time to find what works for you.

Often what sounds bright at home doesn’t sound quite as bright on a gig mixed with other instruments.
Click to expand...
With the 40_120 set, does the B string feel floppy?
 
#8
SJan3 said:
Please, let me know how they work out for you!
Click to expand...

Will do. In fact, I have both the regular Boomers (40-95) and the Round Core Boomers (40-95) to try on the Yamaha.

I've been using the GHS Pressurewounds 40-96 and GHS Progressive 130B on that bass for almost a year now and they have worked out really well. Trying the Boomers to see if I can get a bit more "bark and bite" out of my TRBX505.
 
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#9
SJan3 said:
With the 40_120 set, does the B string feel floppy?
Click to expand...
I had to go and check. On my Tune 5 string which is 34" scale the 120 feels good to me. I play with a fairly light touch and fingerstyle so if you use a pick for example you may want something stiffer.

Generally round core strings feel a little less stiff than hex core strings but it depends on the core size too so it's not a hard and fast rule. I have used the GHS Boomers and they are definitely stiffer than the DR Hi Beams.
 
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#10
Samatza said:
I had to go and check. On my Tune 5 string which is 34" scale the 120 feels good to me. I play with a fairly light touch and fingerstyle so if you use a pick for example you may want something stiffer.

Generally round core strings feel a little less stiff than hex core strings but it depends on the core size too so it's not a hard and fast rule. I have used the GHS Boomers and they are definitely stiffer than the DR Hi Beams.
Click to expand...
Yes, the DR SUNBEAMS are round core and very flexible. In general, I really like them but I don't want too loose of a B string. They may be fine. I don't know..
 
#13
My personal favorites:

slinky.jpg
 
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#17
SJan3 said:
Hello fellow low B's,
After 50+ years as a 4 stringer, I took the plunge and purchased a Yamaha TRBX505 bass. I'm having fun with it but I'm not nuts about how the strings feel.
I've considered DR SUNBEAMS as my go to 4 string set but I'm not hip to what would be considered a versatile 5 string nickel roundwound set.
What are you experienced 5 stringers using and thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

Off topic here....

I choose 504 over 505 because i cant raise the E,A and D magnet pole piece for balance string to string output. Both 505 and 605 i been setup in past, once i get B and G string has equal tone output, the A string just sound weak, no matter how i adjust the action and pickups height . I can confirm the freatboard are not 12' radius.

On my 504, i able take out the pickups from the cover, but the dual pickups are too close and the pickups wire are connect each others. Plus the magnet rod seem already glue hard in the bobbin which i cant push it up. Finally i give up......

The A string sound little weak compare to others. Maybe i add magnet piece on top of A magnet pole pieces to get better balance.
 
#18
Yahboy said:
Off topic here....

I choose 504 over 505 because i cant raise the E,A and D magnet pole piece for balance string to string output. Both 505 and 605 i been setup in past, once i get B and G string has equal tone output, the A string just sound weak, no matter how i adjust the action and pickups height . I can confirm the freatboard are not 12' radius.

On my 504, i able take out the pickups from the cover, but the dual pickups are too close and the pickups wire are connect each others. Plus the magnet rod seem already glue hard in the bobbin which i cant push it up. Finally i give up......

The A string sound little weak compare to others. Maybe i add magnet piece on top of A magnet pole pieces to get better balance.
Click to expand...
Sorry you're having issues with your bass.
I've not experienced these issues with my 505. Seems pretty balanced to me.
 

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