Author Topic: B String Guage (Read 1432 times)

rustyg61 · « **on:** January 09, 2015, 12:11:42 PM »

I have always used .130 B strings on my Schecter, but I was looking at strings for my Europa today online & saw several sets with a .125 B. Have any of you used a .125 & how does it compare to a .130? Is it more prone to buzzing with less tension? Is it cleaner sounding being smaller?

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2015, 12:45:55 PM »

IME, depends on the string type, and scale length Rusty.

I use TI Jazz Flats on my Persuader 5, which has a 32 scale, and my Turner 5-strings with 35 scales. The B string in this particular set is a .136, but they are much lower tension. Even so, it doesn't make enough difference that I have to make a mental adjustment to left hand. I have used various brands with .125's & .130's roundwound in equal portions, but couldn't tell much difference with them either. (Yes - I'm a great big wuss that likes floppy, low-tension strings!)

Theoretically, using the same type of string, on the same scale length, tuned to the same pitch, the larger diameter string would be under more tension. Using that as a template for a given tension that's comfortable to you, go up a gauge for shorter scales, down a gauge for longer.

stout71 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2015, 12:57:19 PM »

In my experience, the core diameter (mass) seems to make more difference to me than the scale does. I've used .130s on pretty much everything I play and never noticed a bit of difference between a 34 and 35 scale, and I've played both. However, I generally pluck way back near the bridge pickup just to avoid any possible buzz because the string doesn't have as much play in it down there. I'm in love with Rotosound PSD's but they only come in one gauge. That's just my experience, though. I'm sure a lot of folks will weigh in on this with many, many different viewpoints.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2015, 01:23:22 PM »

My Schecter is a 35 & Europa is a 34 & I can tell a slight difference in the tension on the B strings. On both basses the B is not as clean sounding as the rest of the strings, so I thought maybe going with a smaller gauge might make it a little cleaner. By clean, I'm talking about tone & sustain. I also play close to the bridge because I play fairly hard.

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2015, 01:55:21 PM »

On my 34 scale fiver I prefer the .130. My first set of strings had a .125 which seemed too loose so I bought a single .130 and liked the way it tightened up the feel and tone. Since then I have bought sets with a .130 B string.

Keith

bigredbass · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2015, 09:55:59 PM »

The 'floppy' B-string is one of those things you just have to get used to. From brand to brand, and style of string within each band, it may take a while to find what you want to hear along with what feels right. String making is a black art if there ever was one.

I recently ran across this in the D'Addario website:

http://www.stringtensionpro.com/

. . . . wherein D'Ad lets you plug in or substitute various string gauges inside their various sets, and like GHS, they make a LOT of different formulas. Of course, this strictly applies to D'Addarios, but it's still generally instructional to strings overall. The XL Nickels are one of my default string sets (I'm running their Medium XL's on the Elan now, 50-135, I like big G's and D's) along with Boomers. Alembic's standard 128's or a 125 feels a little small to me, though it may feel a bit tighter. According to the D'Ad app all I need to do is run a 145 or 150 (!) to get the B to the same tension as the E. Probably not . . . . .

I just decided early on that this is the way fives feel, and I've rarely thought about it since. I never felt compelled to go to a 35 or 36-inch scale, because I can't hear a big difference, Alembics are big enough already, and I felt like it would cut down on my choices string-wise. Over time, I've tried just about every string out there, don't hear big differences, and they'll all go dead PDQ, so XL's and Boomers for me, depending what's on sale when it's time to buy.

Joey

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2015, 10:42:59 PM »

My experience is that the higher the gauge of B string, the less it vibrates like a string and the more it vibrates like a bar, with the overtones out of tune with the fundamental, and sometimes intonating the string at all is a problem. I think the lighter gauge has a truer sound. I use a .120 B string. Floppiness has never been a problem.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2015, 07:11:12 AM »

Thanks for the link Joey! I have D Addario Pro Steels on my Europa now. 45-130. I didn't know they offered the 43-127 set, so I may try those.

Edwin, you confirmed what I have been thinking, that a smaller B would resonate better & sound cleaner. I can adjust my plucking on the B to account for a looser string if it sounds better. I'm more concerned about the way it sounds over how it feels. There aren't that many notes I play on the B, but when I do play them I want them to ring out as much as the other strings.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

smokin_dave · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2015, 04:30:35 PM »

I had been hearing a lot of talk about Kalium Circle K strings and took a chance and bought a set.

I'm glad I did.The low B is what I've been looking for.It is a balanced set.Great tension and feel for all of the strings but the low B 130 is one of if not the best B strings I have played or heard.

I took Joeys advice on the Boomers and I really liked them (a good solid low B) but the Kalium's are a step above them and I think I finally have found a manufacturer I can stick with.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2015, 09:04:00 PM »

Dave, were did you get your Kalium strings & what are the gauges?

smokin_dave · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2015, 02:54:59 AM »

You can order whatever gauge you would like.They are a small but upcoming company out of Washington St.

http://circlekstrings.com/store/

The balanced 5 set I ordered are
.130 .098 .073 .055 .039

As I wrote before you can order any gauge you would like to fill your needs from balanced to traditional or custom order whatever you would like and gauge you need.

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2015, 05:56:41 AM »

Dave, that is VERY interesting.

Since their design features some taper at the ball end, do they clear the traditional Alembic bridge / tailpiece spacing (in other words, are they full diameter by the time they pass over the bridge saddles)?

I've had experience with the 'not normal' gauges with the Thomastiks, but do the things they're claiming really turn out in the real world, since you've already been playing them?

Joey

(Message edited by bigredbass on January 11, 2015)

smokin_dave · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2015, 08:02:32 AM »

That was a concern I had Joey but when I strung em'up they did cross the saddles at full diameter.At least on mine and I would assume that the length between the bridge and tail piece would be the same on most Alembics made.

dannobasso · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2015, 09:44:22 AM »

I'm a fan of these for my 34 and above scale basses. Jeff Berlin is also a user.
http://www.drstrings.com/#!ddt-bass/c1ket

rustyg61 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2015, 01:43:24 PM »

Dave, I'm a little confused by the gauges, they have a .045-.010 5 string set, that would not work on a bass, but it is supposed to be a 5 string bass set. Could I get a .125 or .130-.045 set, or are the set gauges predetermined?