Question poor B string tone

[Boyd]

Hi all.
I just bought a used Stingray Classic 5. I had a four string set of GHS Boomers so I went and bought a single B string, Its a D Addario .128.
The GHS strings ring like a piano but the odd B string has a metallic overtone and doesn't sustain very well.
Ive always heard positive things about the B string response on MusicMan, So any advice about how to improve the tone and response of the B string

 

[rizzo9247]

While I've played a gazillion strings on various basses, I still find that slinkys sound best on Rays. Or it could just be a bad string which happens from time to time.

 

[sanderhermans]

Dadario strings pretty much suck in my opinion. Especially for bass.... i also would not suggest mixing string sets. Just pit a fresh set of slinkys on there and youll be ready to go!

 

[nurnay]

Dadario strings pretty much suck in my opinion. Especially for bass.... i also would not suggest mixing string sets. Just pit a fresh set of slinkys on there and youll be ready to go!

This.

 

[tunaman4u2]

Dadario strings pretty much suck in my opinion. Especially for bass.... i also would not suggest mixing string sets. Just pit a fresh set of slinkys on there and youll be ready to go!

I agree!

 

[bassmonkeee]

D'Addario strings are what they are. You like them, or you don't.

And, I second that mixing brands is not the way to go to get an accurate reading of what the bass sounds like.

 

[Boyd]

Thanks for the input. So i'll get a set of regular slinky and hope for the best.
I dont know how to post pics of my basses so i'll list them for now.

1974 P bass w/heavy mods
1987 Ernie Ball Stingray in Honeyburst w/clear pickguard
1/28/2011 Ernie Ball Stingray classic 5 in heavy tobacco burst. Also putting a clear pick guard on this

 

[Movielife]

My Classic 5 has loads of growl and sustain on the B! It is tight and aggressive. I love it.

I suggest EB strings as above.

 

[Boyd]

Just put the EB strings on. What a difference! Its just like Movielife said.

 

[Movielife]

Just put the EB strings on. What a difference! Its just like Movielife said.

Brill! Glad you like it.

I still prefer the EB B string tone (on their basses and strings) over every other manufacturer I've tried. Growl, depth, punch, but no mud.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Another thing to be aware of: when installing the string, make sure that there is no twist in it and that it goes on freely. Sometimes, when you hold it into a forced position (for example, at the bridge to align the ball end just so), it can put some strain/twist on the string which can possibly lead to a poor sound and weird overtones.

I have never had any problems with D'Addario strings, but I prefer Ernie Ball Slinky's on my MusicMan basses.

 

[sanderhermans]

Imo dadarios sound verry crisp and new for a long time. Wich is something i dont like... esspecially on guitar. + string life seems alot shorter than with slinkys. I like keeping strings on my basses for as long as possible. I dont like the sound of new strings but dadarios start rusting pretty fast, at least thats what ive experienced.

 

[five7]

Next time, give a set of cobalts a try. Steroid slinkys!

 

[nurnay]

Just put the EB strings on. What a difference! Its just like Movielife said.

Yay! As someone else mentions, if you don't mind spending a little extra, try the Cobalt Slinkys. They kill!

 

[Golem]

Another thing to be aware of: when installing the string,
make sure that there is no twist in it and that it goes on
freely. Sometimes, when you hold it into a forced position
(for example, at the bridge to align the ball end just so),
it can put some strain/twist on the string which can
possibly lead to a poor sound and weird overtones.

......... which is a good reason to avoid string-thru-body
designs that don't also have the option of top stringing.

 

[stu42]

Another vote for cobalts!! They produce some serious thump!

 

[Boyd]

......... which is a good reason to avoid string-thru-body
designs that don't also have the option of top stringing.

True. I thought of that when I read the post from Smallmouth Bass.
Unfortunately the MM classic 5 that I have is thru body only. I could mod the bridge by drilling holes in the tailpiece, or is there an aftermarket bridge since EB doesn't sell parts.
Does anyone know a trick to keeping the twist out when loading the strings?

 

[Big Poppa]

......... which is a good reason to avoid string-thru-body
designs that don't also have the option of top stringing.

ok golem...tell us your scientific proof...now we have a guy thinking of drilling holes in his hardened bridge. Personal preferences are fine but please you aren't accurate from a technical point of view.

The guy bought a bass with two different brands of strings we have no idea how old they are and we are planting the seeds of modification?

This is where giving advice is sort of scary....please do not drill your bass....

Here is the rub here also the title of the thread is poor b string tone on the ernie ball music man forum...someone scanning are led to assume that there is an issue with our strings and basses...the real title is I have some ghs and daddarios strings mismatched and combined on my used bass...

 

[Spudmurphy]

... and as someone who has engaged a lot in Problem Solving here in UK HMRC, BP has stated the root cause. (5 Whys is a great tool for this when common sense isn't applied by the person raing the issue!)

[Gotta say there's been a few "raised eyebrows" with some of the things I've seen posted on here lately (the whole forum, not just the Bass side)]. But hey ho - it makes for an interesting place!

 

[Movielife]

True. I thought of that when I read the post from Smallmouth Bass.
Unfortunately the MM classic 5 that I have is thru body only. I could mod the bridge by drilling holes in the tailpiece, or is there an aftermarket bridge since EB doesn't sell parts.
Does anyone know a trick to keeping the twist out when loading the strings?

PLEASE DO NOT MOD THE BASS! String throughbody/through bridge makes zero difference to me. Maybe a slight feel difference, but tone should be the same.

Seems you got this sorted though! Enjoy.