| Author | Message | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 275 Registered: 7-2011 |
I know there is no universal perfect string. We all have different ears, but I am having a problem that seems consistent from brand to brand. My low-B just plain sounds dead in comparison to the other 4. I did move down from 130 to 125 and it helped, marginally. I'll go down to 120/118 if it helps more. Floppiness is not a big deal to me. I've primarily used Rotosounds, PSD's and Swing Bass 66's for a long time and I've tried the Alembic ones as well. Same thing - dead low-B. The strings all hit the nut and bridge at roughly the same spot so I don't think my stringing method is the problem. I like very bright strings and then EQ the pre-amp with a lot of midrange punch for live performance so it cuts through the mix. I prefer roundwound strings. I'm just used to them and don't care about string noise. If I try a bunch of other string brands and I still have problems, then I will address it more fully at that point. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should try next, given my preference and EQ settings for rock? There are obviously a ton of things to try. | ||
| growlypants
Intermediate Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 152 Registered: 3-2011 |
For what it's worth, I have a "deader than the rest" B string, also. I recently switched to the D'Addario Half Rounds (from Alembic rounds) and actually prefer the less zingier string noise of the D's. I, too, would like to hear from anyone about the tendency of the B to deaden before other strings would. (Is it a characteristic of the thickness?) | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1829 Registered: 5-2006 |
The best low B I tried was from this set: http://www.lordofthestrings.com/lots/RAPRD/Galli-SG5N-/00001401.html 145 (!) It has a tapered section on the bridge side (about the size of the A string where it goes over the saddle) I think that makes a huge difference in the way the string behaves. Very well balanced sound (same "ring" across all strings)and extremely tight. :-) Downside: They are very hard on your fingers... | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 788 Registered: 9-2009 |
Had the same experience until I splurged and tried a set of TI Powerbass strings on my Europa 6. They are expensive (approx. $100) but stay bright for a long time and really cut through. I know that Thomas Infeld strings are priced ridiculously high and they are best known for their flats which I use on 2 of my 3 Alembics but I keep coming back to them and ultimately they provide me with whatever sound I need for what I playing. | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 276 Registered: 7-2011 |
Bloody hell, Brian. Those ARE expensive! The problem is that the 4 other strings are too hefty. Sounds like I have some stuff to ponder. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 675 Registered: 6-2014 |
+1 on TI PowerBass strings, if you like super-bright. I liked the gauges but they had way too much sizzle for me. I've seen them on sale for $89. | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 437 Registered: 10-2002 |
The best low B I've used so far comes from this company.......... http://store.kaliumstrings.com/index.php/ Another really good low B comes from this company http://www.ghsstrings.com/products?categories=bass-boomers The GHS bass boomers have a really good low B. It's all about string tension from what I've been told. | ||
| ed_zeppelin
Intermediate Member Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 188 Registered: 2-2010 |
You can get individual bass strings (or any other instrument) at juststrings.com, in case you want to try individual strings without having to fork over for a whole set. http://www.juststrings.com/bassguitarsinglestrings.html | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 277 Registered: 7-2011 |
Yeah, I know. I'm afraid I won't be comparing apples to apples that way, though. If the core size is off even a smidge, the output of the strings will be different. Kalium only takes PayPal, and I hate PayPal. Otherwise I'm all over those. You can build your own set for the same price (or cheaper) than the full sets. The TI Powerbass ones are just too big (the other 4) for me. I'm used to playing 40-95/100. |
