Why aren't B string nuts cut larger?

[Systolic]

I suppose I could put this in the Strings section and ask "Why don't string manufacturers have a proper B string option"," but this section gets more traffic.

I've learned somewhat recently, that a properly balanced tension B string is (in general) considerably larger than the .120 - .130 we normally get as stock standard on 5'ers and in most 5 string packs. It was a revelation the first time I played a B string that was the same tension as the other strings.

So comes along the advent of multi scale basses and Kalium strings. My question is why aren't most bass and string manufacturers catching on to this and either cutting a larger nut slot, providing a balanced string, and so on....

Is it just a fear of change thing? I don't get it, it's a pain to have to worry about modifying the nut every single time I pickup a new 5/6 string. I don't even play in crazy low tunings!

 

[lz4005]

Bass manufacturers cut the nut for the kind of string they use. They almost always use an inexpensive standard set.
The more important question is why don't 95% of them cut the nut slots low enough?

 

[Systolic]

Bass manufacturers cut the nut for the kind of string they use. They almost always use an inexpensive standard set.
The more important question is why don't 95% of them cut the nut slots low enough?

Well sure, of course they do, but the question is, why are they using a drastically UNbalanced set of strings? It would be like if Fender just decided to use ship all of their basses with a .090 E string, and keep everything else the same. Why would they do that?

Just being cheap, or they don't care, or would the masses revolt? I don't get it.

 

[willsellout]

Well sure, of course they do, but the question is, why are they using a drastically UNbalanced set of strings? It would be like if Fender just decided to use ship all of their basses with a .090 E string, and keep everything else the same. Why would they do that?

Just being cheap, or they don't care, or would the masses revolt? I don't get it.

Honestly I think that if you asked 99% of bass players about "balanced tension strings" they wouldn't know what you were talking about. Thats the reason why manufacturers don't care.

Of course it's relatively easy to file your nut to your choice of strings.

 

[Systolic]

Honestly I think that if you asked 99% of bass players about "balanced tension strings" they wouldn't know what you were talking about. Thats the reason why manufacturers don't care.

Of course it's relatively easy to file your nut to your choice of strings.

You're certainly right there, but that seems like more like "why do they keep doing it" answer. I wonder who's big idea it was to make floppy string with 20lbs less tension than the other 4/5 strings, standard? I guess we'll never know.

 

[elgecko]

I suspect many bass players, especially ones who were playing before balanced tension became thing, don't care about it. I know I don't.

 

[Systolic]

I suspect many bass players, especially ones who were playing before balanced tension became thing, don't care about it. I know I don't.

That was me too...until I tried a balanced set. Game changer.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Most players don't feel that balanced tension strings is necessary. Most bass manufacturers aren't going to "fix" a "problem" that isn't perceived as such by the majority of their customers...

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Most players don't feel that balanced tension strings is necessary. Most bass manufacturers aren't going to "fix" a "problem" that isn't perceived as such by the majority of their customers...

I don't know - a lot of players complain about floppy B strings. I generally agree that knowing more about balanced strings is something that a more tech or info savvy player will learn - which is not the majority - but it's really not difficult for a manufacturer to bump from a 120 to a 125 or 130. They don't buy strings in boxed sets of 5, and the difference between a 120 and the other two is cents per string when buying in volume.

IMO, it's part laziness on the part of the manufacturers, and part ignorance too, as I think the bigger names are generally lazy in terms of making small improvements or upgrades, or seeking out the feedback of advanced players or gearheads who know their s*** and pay close attention to this stuff.
.

 

[elgecko]

Never mind the bass manufacturers, you should concentrate your efforts on the string manufacturers.

I was just checking out bassstringsonline.com, arguably THE most comprehensive collection of bass strings around, and it wasn't easy trying to single out which strings were balanced tension. There are quick filter buttons for several categories but none for balanced tension. The best you can do is search balanced then sift through the seventy odd results.

FTR, my preferred 5 string set is available with a .125 or a .130. I always get the .130.

 

[holdfast]

The more important question is why don't 95% of them cut the nut slots low enough?

Yes. This in flashing lights. Since I've started doing my own setups and repairs, I've had to file the nut slots on EVERY guitar and bass I've bought.

 

[inanimate_carb]

Bass manufacturers cut the nut for the kind of string they use. They almost always use an inexpensive standard set.
The more important question is why don't 95% of them cut the nut slots low enough?

I've heard from manufacturer's reps from the biggest names that the nut slots aren't cut lower because it ensures a clean playing instrument when coming out of a case and going on a dealer's wall after being shipped and being in possible extremes of heat and cold. Most players aren't too picky about that, but those that are require the precise measurements that are done by hand by an experienced tech at the end-user level.

High-end builders usually send out instruments with properly cut nuts but it takes an investment of man-hours to cut a nut right in the first place. The costs of that are obviously reflected in the selling price.

 

[DavC]

why ... because they half to pick an ' Average ' that'll make the biggest % of folks happy ..!!

if someone wants things a bit different ... then just do it ..!

complaining about it won't fix the 'issue' ... customize to taste = issue fixed

i use a .128 ... not exactly the gauge i want , but it is the only gauge of low be that goes with my favorite set .. ( GHS Pressurewounds ) ... it's just one of those things , i just 'deal with it' ...


i'd rather have an adjustable nut ... - P-nut style ... but the $$$ seems rather rediculous .!

 

[Beavisplaysbass]

Bass manufacturers cut the nut for the kind of string they use. They almost always use an inexpensive standard set.
The more important question is why don't 95% of them cut the nut slots low enough?

hmmmm

 

[Clef_de_fa]

I prefer to use .032- .040 -.060- .080- .100- .120

Because it feels good to me ... and this is why I play bass that cost around 1500$ to 3000$ because that kind of thing is well done.

also a lot of B string problems we hear about is easily adressed as changing your attack, you have to approach it differently just like the C strings. But, no, people don't want to.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Under .130 it tends to feel sloppy for me.
Heavy jauge strings are very expensive to manufacture.
I guess builders just go with the cheapest they can.
There is no reason to cut nuts very tight. They don't need to be.
A thin string will do just fine in a wide nut slot. It even prevents friction and helps staying in tune.

 

[RyanJD]

There is no reason to cut nuts very tight. They don't need to be.
A thin string will do just fine in a wide nut slot. It even prevents friction and helps staying in tune.

So are you saying that if I were to file the nut for my B string slot, I wouldn't really have to be concerned about "over-filing" it? I.E. it doesn't have to be a tight fit?

 

[Jazz Ad]

The nut is there so that strings don't slide horizontally and to stop notes.
As long as you have proper angle behind the nut, there is no need for a tight fit.
Strings barely sit on top of bridge saddles and they do just fine this way. It works the same for a nut.

 

[tsheldon]

In my view balanced tension is a far distant second to balanced tone across the strings. That's what all of the string manufacturers are thinking. If you want balanced tone and balanced tension, fanned frets are for you.

 

[DigitalMan]

My B is .105 and is played at the 7th fret. The tension is perfect.