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- Jul 28, 2006
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- The Brains: FretNation.com
I like DR ddt @ . 145 I tune 1/2 step down feels good on my Squier VMPV.
Lol.
I'm using .135 right now. If I tune the bass up a 1/2 octave on the B string, it starts to sound the way it should.
String tension is a rabbit hole topic. You are asking far too generic a question. Add details or more specific criteria to get better answers.
According to basic math, the tightest would be one of the .266 from kalium strings, but that probably won't do what you want it to... Need more info to give you good recommendations.
According to basic math, the tightest would be one of the .266 from kalium strings, but that probably won't do what you want it to... Need more info to give you good recommendations.
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I have a 5 string bass with a floppy low B. Currently running Elixir stainless steel 045, .065, .085, .105, .135 on this bass. The issue was present with D'Addario pro steels and Nickel wound as well.
It sounds the way it should (IMO) if I tune it up 1/4 to 1/2 step, indicating to me that I could possibly resolve the issue with different strings...
If using D'addario XL's, and just wanting something tighter than the.135, check out the .145t at bass strings online. @SLaPiNFuNK hooks you up with great service.
I'm not an elixer player, so I can't comment on that brand's availability in bigger diameters.
I'm not an elixer player, so I can't comment on that brand's availability in bigger diameters.
DR LowRiders and many "hex core" strings will be stiffer at a given gauge than a round core string will be
I wouldn't recommend it, that's equivalent to a .130 E, near breaking and fairly unplayable.
For equal (scientific) tension to the .105 E you need a .145 B (according to D'Addario and Kalium tension charts). .145 drops to A well too.
Note also your A and D are tighter than the E and G. Equal tensions would be .045 .060 .080 .105 .145.
Most sets have the B looser or much looser than the other strings.
If you try to raise perceived tension (stiffness) by using hex core or flatwounds (instead of altering gauges) then all strings will be stiffer so you end up with the same problem of the B being and feeling looser. So custom gauges is the solution.
Very few brands sell 5 string sets with equal tension strings, Kalium Strings do but it's best to just build sets from singles, or buy a (balanced or otherwise) 4 string set and add a single .145 B.
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Boomers: balanced tension set (5 string ...balanced-ish)
Check out these tensions with Boomers. They are more tight feeling compared to other sets, such as D'Addario
Check out these tensions with Boomers. They are more tight feeling compared to other sets, such as D'Addario
Of course @ixlramp meant in the context of low B strings; when it comes to higher strings, the higher you go the more standard steps in gauge (.005 or multiples) matter, because they're percentually bigger relative to the diameters in question: come the G string, a .005 increment is roughly equivalent to tuning up a whole tone.
I've used a .166 B string on an Ibanez SR505 with great results. That was from Circle K (Kalium now). They have great strings.
Some basses just have better B stings for reason I don't think I get, but my Moduli 35 inch scale basses always rock the B well. On one of them I have a .120 DR Sun Beam on as the B and although a little lose still sounds good and blend in with the other stings. Maybe stiffness is part of the equation.