And if the problem is the setup or technique he can end up going through strings and never addressing the real issue. Whenever I tried to tackle a problem like this, the first thing I looked at was me.
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What can I do to improve my B string?
- Thread starter serein2j
- Start date
And if the problem is the setup or technique he can end up going through strings and never addressing the real issue. Whenever I tried to tackle a problem like this, the first thing I looked at was me.
1+ On bring pickups closer whilst raising the action, changing the action gave the B string more tension, producing a more defined fundamental.
In addition, boost the very lowest frequencies on your amp. I think a lot of little things make the difference between a Acceptable/Amazing B.
In addition, boost the very lowest frequencies on your amp. I think a lot of little things make the difference between a Acceptable/Amazing B.
If im correct Nickel strings can be detected more by the pickups over stainless because the Nickel is a more ferous metal and the magnets of the pickups are more sensative to that.
I also like the DR Lo-Riders because they are a hex core,I would try a .130 Nickel Lo-Rider Hex Core for stiffness on there and maybe even adjust the pickup a little closer and see what that does for your complaint.
my .02
I also like the DR Lo-Riders because they are a hex core,I would try a .130 Nickel Lo-Rider Hex Core for stiffness on there and maybe even adjust the pickup a little closer and see what that does for your complaint.
my .02
TI Flats on my Aero-equipped DJ5 would shake the walls down if I turned up much more, and do it with a beautiful tone!
I think all the factors mentioned (or most of them at least) are important, but no-one has mentioned intonation. I've always found the "B" to be very fussy about this - when it's spot on that's as good as it's going to sound, but if it's a little bit off, it can lose a lot of tone, plus all the expected odd tones all over the place. Try it again, even if you think it's right. I can get mine to intonate right up to the 19th fret with a lot of fiddling, and, as I said, it sounds awsesome!
I think all the factors mentioned (or most of them at least) are important, but no-one has mentioned intonation. I've always found the "B" to be very fussy about this - when it's spot on that's as good as it's going to sound, but if it's a little bit off, it can lose a lot of tone, plus all the expected odd tones all over the place. Try it again, even if you think it's right. I can get mine to intonate right up to the 19th fret with a lot of fiddling, and, as I said, it sounds awsesome!
I actually HATE DR strings. The tapers never worked out for me.
I LOVE my Rotosounds 66 SwingBass on my 35 scale 5. Nice and tight feel. Powerful body...with a good tone. I'm considering picking up the same set for my 7 with the nicer preamp to see how they sound...
I LOVE my Rotosounds 66 SwingBass on my 35 scale 5. Nice and tight feel. Powerful body...with a good tone. I'm considering picking up the same set for my 7 with the nicer preamp to see how they sound...
So the consensus is... do everything and nothing.
Yerp. I get the feeling the OP has long since moved on from this thread...
Set up influences the strings, the B included. String height, pickup height, etc.
BTW, I went from single coils to Samarium Cobalts and back to singles. The SC pup's themselves won't supercharge the B string, they just make all strings sound a bit different.
BTW, I went from single coils to Samarium Cobalts and back to singles. The SC pup's themselves won't supercharge the B string, they just make all strings sound a bit different.
Not sure if you're still looking for input, but I've had the same problem with my 99 Jazz deluxe 5 string. One of the best B strings I ever had was on a Yamaha BB605 that I upgraded with EMG J pickups. A great B string sound and the whole bass was only a couple hundred dollars. Back to the Custom Shop bass, I have EXACTLY the same problem on my MIA 99 Jazz. My B got a LOT better when I adjusted the pickup lower, removed string buzz on the string itself, lowered the bass on my <audere> preamp to 1/4, lowered the treble to 1/4 and left the mid at flat or a little less than flat. This dramatically improved the B string, especially lowering the pickup. I've ordered the Duncan SJS 5-67/70's which I think will also make for a big improvement based on the wave files I listened to right here on TB. BTW another great B string is a Stingray 5 with a ceramic pickup. Real nice, thick and punchy. Hope you like these suggestions. If I don't like the sound of the Duncans I'm going to try either Bartolini 57CBJS1's or maybe some Aero's but I think the single coil Duncans are going to do it along with some of the other stuff mentioned above. Try some of this and keep us posted.
