Author Topic: 32 inch and a B string? (Read 166 times)

FC Bass · « **on:** September 28, 2006, 01:47:53 PM »

Hello all, I have put a 5 string set minus the G on my Coco Bolo (?) Spoiler (BEAD). The B string buzzes when I play it hard, I think it's the heaviest gauge though (130?) There has been no major change in the neck bow. I believe the 5 string Spoilers also have a 32 inch scale so it should be possible I guess? If I want to go on with this I should adjust the nut because the strings are kinda sitting on top of the nut now.
Any suggestions or anyone with experience with 32 inch and a B string?

Cheers,
Flip

FC Bass · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2006, 02:05:59 PM »

BTW sorry for the misplacement, I realize now this is more something for the troubleshooting thread. Feel free to replace it Modder Dave, Mica or Val.

Cheers,
Flip

crgaston · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2006, 02:08:20 PM »

Hi Flip!

Here are some thoughts:

Jeff's Dire Wolf is a 32 5 string, and he says it sounds great.

You might want to ask if Alembic can cut the top half of a nut for your string guages so you can switch it back and forth easily.

A B string, even a 130, usually has less tension on it than the other strings, so unless your neck wants to flatten out some it shouldn't be a problem.

For a BEAD bass, I would prefer a 35 or 36 inch scale, because one thing that you will probably notice is that it will be tough to get the intonation right all the way up and down the neck. When you're using the BEAD tuning, you will probably be playing on the B string even more than you would on a 5, and higher on the neck, too. It may become frustrating hearing the slight tuning imperfections so often.

Just some thoughts...
Take care,
Charles

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2006, 03:14:08 PM »

I don't know nuthin' 'bout those cables you guys call strings, but having jammed with Jeff, I can vouch for the great sound of the Dire Wolf.

Bill, tgo

dannobasso · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2006, 07:39:30 PM »

I have 5 32 spoilers. 3 are 6's, 1 is a seven and an origional 83 4 string that I strung bead. I usually use a .128 but i sometimes change sets. It can work very well. Keep at it. Technique also has a part to play. See how different approaches bring about different results. I usually adjust my basses with no stress on the truss rods, bridge and nut as low as they go and then start from there.

FC Bass · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2006, 05:33:05 AM »

Thanx! I've got an 130, 110, 85, 70, R.Cocco set. I loosened the truss rod on the bass side a bit and placed the bridge higher. It works fine now (no buzzes) I'm used to a lower action, but it still plays very nice and light.
The B string has fundemental tone! Much better than my ex Fender Jazz 5 string (34 inch)I bet you can move a mountain with a 35 or 36 inch Alembic!
Note on the action: On my Koa Spoiler it's +/-3mm at the 12th fret.
On this one it's +/-5 mm at the 12th fret.
(Space between the fretboard and the string)

Danno: your '83 is that the Black one? I love black Spoilers! Someday..........oh boy!

Cheers!

FC Bass · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2006, 05:38:08 AM »

Ehhh double post, lets abuse this oppertunity to spam this thread with a link to my site where you can see these fine Alembics: FC Bass webpage
And to my showcase posts:
Alembic Koa
Alembic Coco Bolo or Bocate

Cheers!

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on September 29, 2006)

FC Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** September 29, 2006, 05:38:38 AM »

Next job: intonation.... and if I stay with this idea, I will try to order a new nut precut for these gauges, I like the idea of being able to switch it back and forth easily.

Thanx!
Flip

hieronymous · « **Reply #8 on:** September 29, 2006, 07:30:36 AM »

I have my Exploiter tuned CGDA. I always wanted to tune a bass in 5ths (kind of like an octave cello, but I got the idea from playing mandolin), and I realized that the Exploiter might be a cool one to do it to. But I don't like the low C - I used DR High Beams, and the C just sounds dead. Maybe it's an issue with the nut or bridge not being the right size/shape. But I'm glad you don't seem to be having this problem!

Sorry this post doesn't help your situation much - just thinking out loud I guess. Next I want to try going in the other direction - almost piccolo, but tuned to 5ths...