Suggestions Please

[scottfeldstein]

@flyer103, if your cab is ported and is marketed as for electric bass (the usual brands we talk about here), there's a "95%" chance that it sounds bad at 31Hz, or even at 41Hz, by design (you're expected to cut that off with a HPF).

Almost no one notices this, but it disappointed and bothered me very much, and it might be what is bothering you.

If you have a USB interface you can plug the bass into and listen with headphones, that would be another way to bypass the cab.

That's a really interesting observation. My main gig rig is a pair of GK Neo 112 cabs. I got the to replace their 115 cabs, which lacked low end. The 112s do not lack low end. However, I do run a HPF just to maximize cab efficiency. I have a bad back and I need to get top performance out of fewer speakers. I think the HPF does that. With that said, I have been very happy with the B string on my 35" BTB and my 35" EHB multi scale through this rig. I should take an inventory of what my B string puts out as a fundamental, what my HPF is at, what the "low" knob on my Super Vintage preamp is at, etc..

 

[Bighands Bill]

Lakland suggests using a hex core string at least on the B string. I haven't found flat wound strings with a hex core yet.

 

[burgerdj]

Some good recommendations here. Set up is critical. I’ve found that hex-core strings no larger than .125 work best for me. I’ve also appreciated having active EQ and a HPF. Having a low B doesn’t necessarily mean you need more bass. In fact, to get the B string to speak clearly you’ll need to pay even more attention to your mid range.

 

[SkylineFiver]

I accidentally bought a set with a
.125 B instead of the .130 and that was an ear opener. It sounds more balance an sits in the mix better.
This is on a Lakland 55-02 Bartolini pre and pickups.

 

[dfp]

Use the smallest gauge B you can manage.

 

[MojoPin]

I've noticed multi-scaled instruments have better B more often than not. Watched a video where Lee Sklar suggested the same thing and that's why his sig is a Dingwall multi-scale.

 

[Steve88]

Agree with the advice for making sure the witness points are set well.

I have a Lakland that somehow has an amazing thunderous B string no matter what strings I use or how much or little time and care I put into setups. I was spoiled and got used to the process of "just put new strings on and go".

I added a Sadowsky RV5 to my collection and honestly was pretty disappointed in the B string in first. The top 4 sounded amazing but the B was just...there. I tried a few different strings but it didnt help. I was pretty seriously considering just selling it.

It turned out that once I revisted the setup and actually put some effort into setting witness points and making other small adjustments, the B string performance transformed into a completely different bass. It now it sounds fantastic with DR Fat Beams.

 

[flyer103]

Amp is a GK MB210 combo, bass is an Ibanez Mikro 5 string (short scale)

 

[flyer103]

I also sometimes play through a fender rumble 500