Gwilym Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 IMO/IME - a heavier gauge string does not necessarily give a great tone, though it may cure the "floppy" string problem. The bigger gauge can makes matters worse in the sense that (unless the string is tapered at both ends) getting a decent break over the nut and the bridge saddle becomes more difficult, which means string isn't vibrating as it should. A stiffer string with lower gauge (eg. a 125 lo-rider which I've been using) seems to solve both the "floppyness" without causing a "choke" at the bridge/nut, and therefore gives a consistently good B string tone. FWIW - I was talking with Martin Petersen at the Gallery a few months back, and he was of the same opinion, which might lend more weight to my argument Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderjazz Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 [quote name='Soliloquy' timestamp='1328378747' post='1526253'] A 145 B string, wow ! You could maybe use it as a tow rope if you don't like the sound of it I guess . I had a US Fender Jazz 5 a couple of years ago. It was a really nice bass, no problems with the B string tension. I used to use DR Low riders on it. They have a hex core though, as others have pointed out. [/quote] I hope that the .145 isn't too big alright, as someone coming from a guitar background I may have bitten off more than I can chew I'll try out a set of hexcore's after this set die, they seem to be a good option. [quote name='Gwilym' timestamp='1328381342' post='1526296'] IMO/IME - a heavier gauge string does not necessarily give a great tone, though it may cure the "floppy" string problem. The bigger gauge can makes matters worse in the sense that (unless the string is tapered at both ends) getting a decent break over the nut and the bridge saddle becomes more difficult, which means string isn't vibrating as it should. A stiffer string with lower gauge (eg. a 125 lo-rider which I've been using) seems to solve both the "floppyness" without causing a "choke" at the bridge/nut, and therefore gives a consistently good B string tone. FWIW - I was talking with Martin Petersen at the Gallery a few months back, and he was of the same opinion, which might lend more weight to my argument [/quote] Thanks for the info. Are the Lo-riders tapered at the bridge? A friend of mine is a big fan of DR Hi beams so I think the lo riders will be on the cards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margusalviste Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 Try Elixirs! They have nice tension although they sound a bit different than other brands because of the coated finish. But they might please you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderjazz Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 [quote name='margusalviste' timestamp='1328564290' post='1529295'] Try Elixirs! They have nice tension although they sound a bit different than other brands because of the coated finish. But they might please you. [/quote] I use elixirs on my guitars but didn't really think of them for bass, I must give a look into them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderjazz Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 Right, got the .145 today, problem (mostly) solved. The lack of tension is totally gone , feels a lot better to play and the notes ring out a lot better. I really like the sound of the D'addario Prosteels, there's a nice low big low end to them with plenty of clarity on the top, I'll pick up a full set of them for my next re-stringing. It's a bit hard on my poor guitarists fingers, I'm gonna have to toughen up There is a slight problem with the string going through the bridge though, the last inch before the ball won't fit through, so I imagine that's not doing me any favours, so I'll go for a .135 when I'm restringing it again. Next on the cards is going to be new pickups and a new bridge, that should (hopefully) have my lust to upgrade quenched and let me spend more time actually playing it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margusalviste Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) [quote name='Toasted' timestamp='1328190751' post='1523302'] Second best strings, Sadowsky Blue Steels. [/quote] Sadowsky Blue Steels are really great strings! I had a set on my MTD535 almost a year and they still sounded as new. The tension is just right and I love their sound! Highly recommended! PS! Well, I oil my strings after every playing using Dunlop String Cleaner - also highly recommended! Saves you lots of money! Edited February 9, 2012 by margusalviste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 [quote name='Acebassmusic' timestamp='1328046301' post='1521007'] I'm using Ken Smith TCRML-5's ([color=#000000]Taper Core-Medium Light[/color] [color=#000000].044 .063 .080T .102T .125T[/color]). Also hex core strings tend to feel tighter / stiffer I find. [/quote] NIce strings ... To the OP... give Newtone a call and see what they suggest. Very helpful and make custom sets altho there is a wating list. Best strings for me atm....and I've tried most...recently, as well. I would also suggest that it is not a given that a Fender would have a good B anyway... so it may be that strings can only help so far. If the problem is tension, you might get round it...if it is tone/resonance, you may not..!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EskimoBassist Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 I use a set of the Fender Roundwound strings, with TW E and B strings. Great sound and a good price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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