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that damn b string

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Fleaismyhero, Nov 8, 2001.

  1. Nov 8, 2001 #1
    Fleaismyhero

    Fleaismyhero

    Nov 7, 2001
    Southport, Fl
    Right now I've gotta pair of GHS 5-string medium guage on my Fender Jazz bass. the problem is that the b-string doesn't sound as clear as the others. any suggestions on a good set of strings that will sound good on that b?
     
  2. Nov 8, 2001 #2
    neptoon

    neptoon

    Jul 25, 2000
    Kings Bay, GA
    well, what does flea use? ;) j/k, man. if you dig nickel strings, slowounds are the way to go. to me, sr2000's are prolly the best steels...and dean markley also makes some strings called nickel steels which are pretty nice. they kinda combine the best of both worlds.
     
  3. Nov 11, 2001 #3
    Tumbao

    Tumbao

    Nov 10, 2001
    FL
    I think ~ "your problem is not the string...":rolleyes:
     
  4. Nov 11, 2001 #4
    JMX

    JMX Vorsprung durch Technik

    Sep 4, 2000
    Cologne, Germany
    Tumbao is right - your problem starts with F...
     
  5. Nov 12, 2001 #5
    beermonkey

    beermonkey

    Sep 26, 2001
    Seattle, WA
    yep.. 5 string basses are a harsh mistress, who are quick to anger. There are a lot of 5 string (or 6/7 string whatever) basses that have serious low-B problems. Strings aren't going to fix them either...
     
  6. Nov 12, 2001 #6
    modulusbassist

    modulusbassist

    Aug 19, 2001
    Henderson, Nevada
    See, this is why I am reluctant to buy a 5 string. Heeelp!!!!!
     
  7. Nov 12, 2001 #7
    beermonkey

    beermonkey

    Sep 26, 2001
    Seattle, WA
    In MY opinion... now don't flame me here, it's my opinion and people can either agree or disagree. :)

    The best sounding B strings, this is on 5 string basses only, because in my opinion anything more than 5 strings is just silly... sorry JT. :D

    Mike Lull M5!!!! (my current baby and it's awesome)
    Spector NS5/XL (even the Czech ones are badass)
    Lakland 5 strings
    Modulus and MTD 5's are generally very tasty
    Stingray 5 strings sometimes sound really good too... they are more hit and miss though in my experience.

    There you have it... remember, it's just my opinion. I'd suggest if you really want to buy a 5'er, go out and play as many as possible. You'll know a "good" B from a bad one... trust me. The low B on an exceptionally bad bass will have COMPLETELY different tonal qualities than the rest of the instrument. This difference may be subtle that will take a bit of listening to find, or it will be as apparent as a large rabid bull storming through the fine China section of your local department store. My first 5 (like My First Sony, but different), was a Peavey B-Quad 5. The low B on that thing sounded OK, but over time I learned to hate it with a burning passion because it did sound different than the rest of the instrument.

    Good luck, happy hunting, and don't let the bats get you man. The filthy swine are everywhere.
     
  8. Nov 12, 2001 #8
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    no skin offa my nose. i'd love to see you play one of my songs with just a five. :D
     
  9. Nov 12, 2001 #9
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    oh, and i've played mim fender jazz 5's at mars that had fine and dandy low b's on them. for less than 400 bucks. surprised the crap outta me, that's for sure. :D
     
  10. Nov 13, 2001 #10
    Brad Johnson

    Brad Johnson Inactive

    Mar 8, 2000
    Gaithersburg, Md
    DR Strings
    Problem starts with F? Nah...

    but it might start with U;)