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"Thunking" B-string after switching to Flats

awilkie84

awilkie84

Jul 16, 2011
7,429
1,868
Edmonton, AB, Canada
#1
So, at the suggestion of a TB Spector Club member, I put a set of GHS Precision Flats (Long+ scale 45-65-85-105-126) on my 2006 Spector Rebop 5DLX.

I love the tone of the EADG strings, and can finally turn up the TonePump EQ a bit without it getting harsh on the highs. BUT the B string is lacking root definition & sustain. It just feels dead & thunky. It's not floppy, though. My previous strings (DR Black Beauties) weren't like this.
The fat part of the string is just at the point where it's touching the post (just how the string sits due to length) , and it seems to be seated in the nut correctly. The bridge angle hasn't changed, and it's seated well there, too. Would a shorter B string that doesn't make contact with the post solve the issue?

Any suggestions? I'd really hate to be out cash on a set of strings just because the B isn't working out.
 
#4
A dead B may mean that the string twisted a bit on installation or you have a bad break angle or the pickups need adjusted. I would unwind the string a couple of inches and run your fingers down from the nut end to stretch it back and untwist if necessary. Seat the ball end in the untwisted position and tension the middle of the string until you get rewound. After you get up to pitch, kink the string over the saddle by pressing down between the saddle and the back pickup. Retune and see if it helped.

If the pickup is too close to the B it will also kill its sustain.
 
#5
+ 1 on making sure that the bend is sharp over the bridge. I would recommend turning down the tone pump to where you had it with the old string set and (them tone pumps are strong) and setting volume through your amp. I think that the B string may be "farting out" under all the pre amp power.
 
#6
bigalbass said:
+ 1 on making sure that the bend is sharp over the bridge. I would recommend turning down the tone pump to where you had it with the old string set and (them tone pumps are strong) and setting volume through your amp. I think that the B string may be "farting out" under all the pre amp power.
Click to expand...

+1. I have two basses strung with GHS Precisions, and in both cases I had to flatten out the EQ to where the low B didn't slam the front end of my amp. I found a lighter touch works best, and I love those strings...the tone and feel can't be beat.
 
#7
bigalbass said:
+ 1 on making sure that the bend is sharp over the bridge. I would recommend turning down the tone pump to where you had it with the old string set and (them tone pumps are strong) and setting volume through your amp. I think that the B string may be "farting out" under all the pre amp power.
Click to expand...

This would make sense, except the acoustic sustain is killed, too.

The pickups are about 3/4" away from the strings, too.

Sidenote, I'm having the same issue with my P-5 after stringing it with a set of GHS Brite Flats that arrived today. -_-

I'm going to try the suggestion of fixing the twisting & see if this helps.

UPDATE: "Untwisting" the strings & pushing on the string between the pickup and the bridge to change the break angle worked! Now there's lots of life to the strings. I'll keep this in mind for next time. ^_^
 
#8
I hate to say it. But GHS Precision Flats have a common problem of DOA fat strings. My brand new set of these for a 4 string had the E acting the same way.

The tone wasnt there like the other strings. Felt like a problem. It may be a specific problem with your B or it could be along the same lines as the issue I had and have heard about. I never broke in the ADG to see if it would balance. Because I put my rounds backs on. Thats how dissapointed I was. :( Although the tone was exceptional and exactly what I wanted in a flat. Minus the feel of the E. This was the first time GHS strings ever dissapointed me.
 

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