With a number of flatwound sets, especially 45-65-85-105s, I've had a relatively weak sounding G string. Relatively meaning it was okay as such but sounded disproportionally thin compared to the rest of the strings, especially to the E and A but to the D too. DR Legend and Dunlop flats (I like both sets) are two such cases in my experience. Is this a common thing? Is a 50 G, when available, the way around it? Or a much longer break-in period for the strings to even out?
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The strength of the G string in flatwound sets
- Thread starter Phaidrus
- Start date
Really need to know more about your set-up. I'm hard-pressed to believe upsizing to a 50 G will solve all your woes. Does the balance respond to adjustments in pick-up height, for example? It's also possible to dial the G string out-of-existence with overly aggressive EQing.
Riis
Riis
I'm following Fender's set-up instructions (it's a Pbass) as closely as possible, so pickup height should be right. G string is as loud as the other three, it just sounds too thin to me. By the way, no such issues with rounds.
This is an interesting hypothesis...
When I had the D'A Chromes ECB84 set (40-60-80-100) on my Fender Jazz, I was annoyed by how thin and "twangy" the 40G sounded compared to the rest even after 4 yrs. So, I tried the Fender 9050L (45-60-80-100) and found the 45G to be much better balanced with the rest both in tone and feel.
Based on that experience, I would think replacing the 45G with a 50G in the 45-65-85-105 might be a worthwhile experiment, although the difference in gauge doesn't always guarantee an improvement in tone.
there's an endorsement for rounds, no?
IME (rounds), the G strings are always "weak" compared to the others, just the nature/physics of it. i compensate with the pickup height(s) = closer to the G, farther from the E (A and D in between). it doesn't cure it for me, just makes it better (more even). what i do with EQs (on the ax, on an actual graphic or parametric, or on the amp's EQ) can also help.
i'm just not aware of an absolute fix --- i don't know how to make a .040 begin to sound as "strong" as a .100 without those pickup/EQ adjustments, and i've never played a set (rounds) where the G was automatically as "strong" as the E.
good luck getting your strings to sound more even!
Yes, I'll try to get hold of a Dunlop flatwound 50G, although I don't think they sell single strings.
According to one of the US-based online dealers, Dunlop singles can be special ordered, but in a pack of 6 as the minimum.
there's an endorsement for rounds, no?
IME (rounds), the G strings are always "weak" compared to the others, just the nature/physics of it. i compensate with the pickup height(s) = closer to the G, farther from the E (A and D in between). it doesn't cure it for me, just makes it better (more even). what i do with EQs (on the ax, on an actual graphic or parametric, or on the amp's EQ) can also help.
i'm just not aware of an absolute fix --- i don't know how to make a .040 begin to sound as "strong" as a .100 without those pickup/EQ adjustments, and i've never played a set (rounds) where the G was automatically as "strong" as the E.
good luck getting your strings to sound more even!
Interesting as I've never had this issue with rounds. Or I just never noticed. I endorse flats as fervently as rounds
- that's why I have two Pbasses as an amateur bass player (and will acquire a couple more in due time to string them with different sets). Going back to the thin-G-in-a-flats-set issue, it bothers me (hence the thread) but given that this Pbass is for reggae-dub only, it's not that bad. I mean, there are hardly any bass notes played on the G string in this genre.
That's 5 too many.
Thanks for the information. I'll ask a couple strings retailers in Europe, if they could sort out a single string for me.
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given that this Pbass is for reggae-dub only, it's not that bad. I mean, there are hardly any bass notes played on the G string in this genre.
well, there you go!i'm thinking you just didn't notice or care with your rounds (or maybe your setups were better for the rounds ---?, IDK) or you're luckier than i've been or you've made better string set choices. i'd still look at pickup height adjustments to help even out the sound...
sorry i don't have any advice for flats. i just don't use 'em.
you'll have fun with that music --- hope you get the string thing resolved!
I'm probably particularly sensitive to tinniness in G strings, because IME almost all sets have this problem. I'm mostly a flats guy and have tried a pretty large number of sets and almost all were problematic to some degree. I haven't played as many rounds but also have issues with them, and similarly with tapewounds (especially D'Addario), all to varying degrees. When I play the same note on the D and G, I don't expect them to sound the same, but close would be nice. Yet to me, most sound not only tinny, but subjectively higher-pitched, even though they're not. Perhaps this is mostly just my problem and not an objective concern, but it is what it is.
The one string I've tried that's notably different than the rest is the TIJFs. Relatively speaking, the G is quite lovely with that set, so much so that I even consider it their best feature, the excellent midrange notwithstanding.
G strings usually have a core and one winding while the others have 2 windings. You're never going to get them to sound 100% identical.
This is where the "balanced construction" concept by GHS comes in... Both the Round Core Boomers and the Balanced Nickles employ this concept, where all four string (E-G) have two wraps, including the G, resulting in a better balanced tone and feel across all four strings.
@michael_t
@JRA
To be sure there are sets available, where the G is beefed up in relation to the rest of the strings of the set (well, at least to the E and A). The ones that immediately come to mind:
rounds: D'Addario EXL160 (50-70-85-105)
flats: D'Addario ECB82 (50-70-85-105) of which I do have an unopened set but its monstrous tension and infamous bright tone have prevented me from putting them on my bass.
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Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats Group II = 50-70-85-105. The same gauges as the Chromes ECB82, but I don't think the EBs are quite as bright or stiff as the Chromes.
Yes, the Ernie Ball Group II strings could be an option - they've been on my list for a while. I just emailed a distributor in the Netherlands to ask whether they could sort out a single Dunlop flatwound .50G string. Alternatively I could order the 50-110 set but it would be rather costly for just one string.
I believe it's set up correctly. Perhaps playing some extra runs on the G string daily, or even slapping it,
would sort of deaden it and make it stand out less compared to the other three.
I had the same issue with dull or tonally inconsistent E strings. Dunlop flats are the first ones I've tried that are fairly even right out of the box.
I believe it's set up correctly. Perhaps playing some extra runs on the G string daily, or even slapping it,
Have you tried @JimmyM's eucerin cream treatment on the G?
