Suggestions?

[Hoolicatt]

Hey there, I'm pretty new to the bass (about 1 year). I currently have an ESP LTD B-50 that I got at auction for $70, which is an awesome deal for any bass in my opinion. The only issue it has is the setup was terrible when I got it.

I'm looking to put some money into this bass next month which will include a precision tuning and setup. However, I also want to switch to a new style of strings and possibly change out the pickups. That's where I get lost though, I don't know all that much about strings and pickups yet, so I need a little help.

Currently I play using Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings. I find that these strings have almost too much slink to them if that makes sense. When I play muted, I get too much of a ring from every note. While this may just be fret buzz from the terrible setup, it also could be just the style of strings. I'm looking for something that has a short and direct tone when muted but also a solid harmony on the D and G strings. If they could have a deep low on the E as well, that would be awesome.

As for pickups, I'm currently running the stock split coil and single coil ESP pickups. I mostly play black metal, and maybe I could get a little more punch from a pickup if I switched them out.

Any suggestions would be awesome. Go easy on me, I'm still pretty new to this and love to learn. I really love my bass, I just want to love it even more .

 

[Plays_For_Dog]

DR strings are good. The shop setting up your bass can also (should) make good recomendations to you based off what they have on hand. Whatever you do, stay away from GHS strings!!!!

 

[Hoolicatt]

Thanks for the tip on strings. The DR DDT or Extra-Life strings sound like they would be pretty solid options for me. Should I go with a heavy? I always figured if I play metal I 'll need a heavy string, but I'm quickly learning that's not always so.

 

[Bloodhammer]

If you're playing blackmetal, heavy strings aren't really necessary, since blackmetal isn't really known for drop-tuning. (I have seen a picture of Ihsahn playing an 8-string guitar, though)

+1 on DR strings. D'Addario are good too and may be more available locally. I personally hate EB slinkys!

Those pickups should be fine, but if your heart is set on replacement, Dimarzio is the aftermarket p-up company I like.

 

[darkstorm]

I used to own a ltd b50 many yrs ago. Did repalce the pups with dimarzio pj set however the sound diff etc between them and the stock pups was minimal. Id say leave the stock pups in as a result unless you want diff sound then dimarzios and those give. The build overall of the of the b50 I had was very good irregardless of price. Sounds like you mainly need to learn to do your own setups so it plays like you want it to.

 

[Hoolicatt]

Thanks everyone for the input.

I did research this bass before I bought it, auction or not. I wasn't going to pay anything for a bass that didn't play well, so I know this bass has potential to be pretty epic.

I think I'll go with a medium string, I'm sold on the DR black beauties now after watching some youtube videos demonstrating them... They sure do sound crisp, its pretty clear that I'd enjoy the tone a lot more.

I want to get a professional setup, and learn the process myself as well so I can perform routine maintainance.

Again, thanks for all the help here.

 

[Showdown]

Whatever you do, stay away from GHS strings!!!!

I like GHS strings. What is your problem with them?

 

[Pilgrim]

I strongly recommend that you NOT mess with the pickups until you have found strings that you like to play. Strings make a big difference in the sound of a bass, especially if you switch from roundwounds to flatwounds. I have the impressions that most metal players use rounds, but you never know.

At any rate, I am not a believer in changing pickups until you have identified specific things you don't like about them, and have also identified alternative pickups which have the promise of addressing the specific problem(s).

Take it one step at a time. Setup and strings are plenty for now.