Strings... It's What's For Dinner (Dratted B String)

[Tarrbot]

OK, I tried doing a search but as you can imagine looking for "strings" will bring back 500+ results.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for--other than maybe some discussion on what strings people play and why they choose those strings over others (your style prefers x string over y string, etc).

I haven't been playing bass like I did when I was younger and only half-heartedly picked it back up when the kidlet became interested in playing guitar a few years ago. Since then, I've acquired an acoustic-electric, a fretless and a 4003S/5 several weeks ago (for what I think is a steal, I might add). And for the past few weeks, I can't stop thinking about playing (or tinkering on the /5).

So with that intro, I'll start the string discussion:

I can't seem to figure out what the preferred string gauges are for the low B anywhere online. Mine seems kinda muddy and I'm just wondering if it's the strings, the action, what? I play flatwound Chrome XLs with 132, 100, 80, 70, 45 gauges. I'm not sure what a good B string gauge would be.

I noticed that Ric sells a 5 string set but that it is 1) only in round wound and 2) only 115 as a B string. What's up with that?

Am I using a string that's just too big for this bass? On the Ric forum, John Hall states about halfway down

Increase the B string to at least .130 I think I have a .135 on mine

So, assuming John knows what he's talking about ( ), I shouldn't have a muddy problem on mine, should I? Or could it just be the pickups not set properly or the action a bit high?

I recall in college I was using some custom made strings when I had my 4001 that my bass professor made which were extremely bendy. Like bend a string across the entire neck bendy and still maintain great tone and still be moderately tuned correctly for an hour or so of heavy playing. But obviously that wasn't a low B.

So, anyone want to just talk strings?

And hopefully this won't supercede Ted's awesome series. I notice there hasn't been a string addition yet. Is that one in the works Ted?

[weemac]

A 130 should be about the right gauge (remember thar Rickenbackers are a slightly shorter scale than the usual)
If you are a flat user you may even find thar keeping the "B" a roundwound may balance out a little better with the rest of them (once it plays in a bit)
Eden.

[cassius987]

Actually 115 is pefect if you ask me. Smaller strings=more precise. (IMO)

Bigger=more mud. Again, (IMO).

[Tarrbot]

Any string (brand, size, style, etc) preferences?

I like the big "buck three two" gauge but I'm not sure if it's "right".

It certainly doesn't help that I've never played a 5 stringer before and have no idea what to listen for in terms of overall tone or feel.

[ram]

I tried different strings and ended up finding that D'Addarrio EXL220-5 with a .125 B was what I liked.

[atomic_punk]

I used to use .130 5-string sets, but recently went up to a .135 (D'Addario XL) because my band plays in flat tuning and I wanted more tension on my "red bass in my avatar". It did the trick. Not mushy at all.

[Tarrbot]

Steve, was it mushy before that? I see that you're in Southfield, any good Ric shops in this area?

Tom, is the 125 bright (if a low B can be bright) or mid-toned?

I'm assuming unless otherwise noted that everyone is using round wounds.

[ram]

I think it can get very bright on the 4003s5. I think there may be a clip of it somewhere - I'll see if I can track it down.

[atomic_punk]

If there is one in the Southfield area, Ken Joseph and / or Kevin Kuney would know where they are. Ken told me once there is a place in Berkley that is good for Ricks. I don't own any right now, so I have not taken them anywhere local.
My problem is that my left hand is pretty strong from playing a 12 string bass for a long time, and I tend to string bend when I don't want to. The stiffer string is a necessity for me. And D'addario rounds are plenty bright for me!
Side Note: My band is playing in your town this weekend, at the Dawghouse on Van Born. Feel free to stop in and check them out between sets if you like.

[rickaddict]

I've used a few different sets on my S/5's, but not any flat wounds. So far, my favorites are Elixers. They're coated with Gore-Tex so they last a long time. They also feel slick and buttery-smooth! They don't go on as bright as most other RW strings, but they keep a consistent tone throughout the life of the string. I don't find them muddy or floppy. You can get them from juststrings.com individually or as a set. I like to get them individually 'cuz they're available in slightly lighter gauges than you can get them as a set. 40-60-80-100-125 seems to work well.

http://www.juststrings.com/nanowebcoati ... rings.html

[Tarrbot]

Steve, what day (and time) are you playing? I'll check my schedule but I could walk there if I had to.

Jeff, I'll see about looking into those Elixirs. Sounds like something I might like to try. Thanks.

[hieronymous]

You can buy single strings from some manufacturers at juststrings.com. Actually, here's the list.

Experimenting with different strings can be a pain in the butt and expensive! Good luck in your search. (I don't really play any basses with a low-B so I'm not much help with specifics)

[rickenbrother]

I always use the D'Addario EXL 170-5 set on my Rick 5 string basses. I like a .130 B string.

[falconfixer]

I would have to know what amp and cabinet you are using!

Take the guitar to a good shop and audition some other rigs. I would try a Hartke..

[atomic_punk]

Just wanted to say that I met Scott at our gig this weekend and he was a fine guy! Hope you stick around here, Scott! Keep playing that S5, you will get used to it. After he described it to me, I want to see some pictures!!