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What strings for 5 string?

DJ '65

DJ '65

Oct 16, 2015
257
362
61
#1
Hi all, I have the use of a 5 string P bass, 34” scale which I believe currently has EB slinky’s. I’m curious as to what strings will give a lower action with minimal fret buzz. The strings feel a bit loose (I guess that’s why they’re called Slinky’s) and buzzy but the B string is just plain annoying as even with a high action and some neck relief it just flaps about to the point of killing any hope of sustain. I have tried adjusting the string height and truss rod with little success. I haven’t had the chance to get a vernier to measure the string gauge but the B feels pretty thick and at a guess .135. I’ll admit that it’s the first time of using a 5 string and I expected that the B string height would need to be higher than I’m used to but it seems to be unusable above the 7th fret so I was thinking I may need a lighter gauge of stiffer/ less flexible strings.

Can you guys offer some much needed advice and guidance when going from 4 to 5 strings? I do tune down half a step and will be playing blues rock ala ZZ, Gary Moore, Black Crowes along with some classic rock. I don’t mind trying flats or rounds, so any info will be a big help.

Many thanks.
 
#3
Honestly I don’t mind as long as I can have a useable 5 strings. As someone who’s relatively new to all things bass (3 to 4 years playing in a band) I’m sure I can adapt as I have no real preconceptions or preferences.
 
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#5
DJ '65 said:
Honestly I don’t mind as long as I can have a useable 5 strings...
Click to expand...

DR DDT's are stainless steel roundwound that are designed with a thicker-than-average core wire for tuning stability when down-tuned. Thicker core wire also means stiffer feel. You can start with the factory set, 45-65-85-105-130, and see how the B feels for you. If you need something heavier, single low B's are available in .135 and .145.

For nickel-plated steel roundwound that are at the stiffer end of the spectrum, you can also try the GHS Boomers, 45-65-85-105-130.
 
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#6
Thanks for the replies so far.

@ Killing Floor - I didn’t realise you could get TI rounds! I have Ti flats on a 4 string and whilst they suit that bass they are also extremely flexible, are the round wounds the same? Wouldn’t they also be dare I say buzzy?

@michael_t - I will look into those. So you don’t think that I need to go lighter on the string guage so may be a .125 for B?
 
#7
I just use Ernie ball 45-130 and they seem to be good on my Cort Action V A 5 string. I used to have the floppy dead B string issue more on my Ibanez SRX 365, and going up in gauge didn't really improve the sound a whole lot (but then again I was down tuning)

I will probably try stainless strings next, I'll let you guys know how they go when I do
 
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#14
DJ '65 said:
Thanks for the replies so far.

@ Killing Floor - I didn’t realise you could get TI rounds! I have Ti flats on a 4 string and whilst they suit that bass they are also extremely flexible, are the round wounds the same? Wouldn’t they also be dare I say buzzy?

@michael_t - I will look into those. So you don’t think that I need to go lighter on the string guage so may be a .125 for B?
Click to expand...
I do. They may be floppier, but I think they sound way better. I actually do 120 on my 5s.
 
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#16
DJ '65 said:
Hi all, I have the use of a 5 string P bass, 34” scale which I believe currently has EB slinky’s. I’m curious as to what strings will give a lower action with minimal fret buzz. The strings feel a bit loose (I guess that’s why they’re called Slinky’s) and buzzy but the B string is just plain annoying as even with a high action and some neck relief it just flaps about to the point of killing any hope of sustain. I have tried adjusting the string height and truss rod with little success. I haven’t had the chance to get a vernier to measure the string gauge but the B feels pretty thick and at a guess .135. I’ll admit that it’s the first time of using a 5 string and I expected that the B string height would need to be higher than I’m used to but it seems to be unusable above the 7th fret so I was thinking I may need a lighter gauge of stiffer/ less flexible strings.

Can you guys offer some much needed advice and guidance when going from 4 to 5 strings? I do tune down half a step and will be playing blues rock ala ZZ, Gary Moore, Black Crowes along with some classic rock. I don’t mind trying flats or rounds, so any info will be a big help.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

For my 5 string P I use DR Fat Beams, GHS bass boomers and Sadowsky blues label roundwounds.

For flatwounds La Bella LTF and TI
 
#17
When l had USA j bass 5, only B string l could use to hear the actual note in low register, were Ernie Ball 130. Fender aint the best choice for 5 strings basses but green set Ernie Ball did the job best.
 
#19
I have chrome flats on my five. The B gets super rough in rounds. They're Plenty bright enough for me, and I just love the feel on a gliss.

Even if you don't think you're into the flat sound give em a try. Maybe especially then, because you'll likely be disappointed if you try because you are looking for the stereotypical flatwound sound.

The first time you slide on that B you'll thank me.
 
#20
Tuning down "usually" makes the B a bit too loose for what I do. Just makes the whole bass feel sloppy. Has never worked well for me at all. I don't tune down just for that reason. To each their own, everybody has their own way. I run Boomers on my basses.
 

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