Swapping out the low B and/or E string with stainless steel to improve definition?

[Ritter667]

So I am pondering on experimenting with swapping out the low E string of my 4 string bass with a stainless steel roundwound, the other strings being nickel-plated roundwounds, to improve definition of the lowest string.

Anyone else tried this, and did it work?

 

[michael_t]

What specific bass and strings are you talking about?

I've experimented with the idea of mix-and-matching the low B on my Yamaha with good success. Nickel rounds for E-G with a stainless low B is one of those experiments. I've also tried a few other ideas, such as "round-core E-G with a hex-core low B" or "rollerwound E-G with a roundwound low B", etc.

The only way to find out what works for you is to go ahead and try it.

 

[jTrolt]

Hmm...
Anyone else notice an uptick in threads about "deads"? Lots of low B and even E string duds as of late. Heck, I just received a brand new Ibby BTB and the first 5 strings are flat out amazing, the 6th, being the B: sounds like stale rubber. STARK contrast in tone.

It seems many tweaks are discussed for the instruments involved, but in the end, a dead string is a dead string. In my case, they all harken back to the same factory, who shall go nameless, and I've put more than one old string in place of the new one just to keep some balance of clarity/tonality as of late. I'm slow to complain, but going to start asking for replacements if this continues.

To the OP: I just think this is a crazy amount of acrobatics required of the end user.
Can you just contact the string mfg and ask for a replacement for the brand new dud? That or another set/brand of strings is certainly in order. Just seems crazy that you need to buy 2 sets in 2 different alloys to be happy. $50-$75 for a string change?
I feel there must be a better solution.

 

[John Galt]

So I am pondering on experimenting with swapping out the low E string of my 4 string bass with a stainless steel roundwound, the other strings being nickel-plated roundwounds, to improve definition of the lowest string.

Anyone else tried this, and did it work?

Yes, after a couple of recent successes with lighter gauge, stainless round low B's, this is my preference to gain some clarity instead of mush.
I would think the E would respond similarly.