What’s it take to get good B string performance?

[Jeff Scott]

I run 40-55-70-95-130 on my basses - the 55 D string is much better matched to a 40 G than a 60 is. If you like a 45 G, you should run a 60 D, not a 65.

I found that to be true with the Super Soft set (40-60-75-95) of Chromes I have used for a few decades, now. Pretty early on I started swapping out the .060 D string for a .055.

 

[gg22]

I run 40-55-70-95-130 on my basses - the 55 D string is much better matched to a 40 G than a 60 is. If you like a 45 G, you should run a 60 D, not a 65.

I do almost exactly the same. I could never understand the reason for string manufacturers being so stubborn and insisting on the "D" being so tight and out of place.
I like 40-55-70-95-125 for 35" scale, and 45-60-80-100-130 for 34" scale.

 

[Benny4P]

Hot topic for me because I have spent lots of $ and energy on finding a good 34 inch 5 string bass. Three conclusions: 1. I'm super picky about my B string. What others consider "fine" or "good" may not work for me (or you). 2. If the B string doesn't work, there is not much you can do. Sure, setups and string choices matter, but only marginally. 3. The Dingwall hype is real! While a 35 inch scale may not make a big difference, that 37 inch scale does. The Dingwall B is incredible, regardless of string choice, pickup height, etc.

My opinion is that there is not much you can do about the B string. It either is there or not. It’s in the construction of the bass above all. You can get a good B string on 34” as well. Some basses just have a good B string sound and others don’t. If it doesn’t have a good B string then there is not much you can do. You can change strings but that doesn’t suddenly make a weak B string much better.
As always, ymmv.

 

[BioDriver]

Good strings make all the difference. It's a physically large and heavy string so having a good wind and quality materials is paramount. You also need solid construction that can handle the mass. IMO and IME.

 

[chadds]

Playing it with easy touch.
I know we do Flea sometimes.
Yet allowing the whole rig to handle your volume and using a deliberate subtle purposeful touch you can make the B huge.