B String Mod

[Basserama]

Yes, Lowstrung, you set my curiosity off, by mentioning extending the string to create tension. I found a method that worked and was stable, by using small metal nuts. You can adust the amount to get the desired tension you want (see pic 1).

Its certainly worth trying, as makes no permanent difference, but makes you realise how much better that extra tension feels on the B.

 

[Basserama]

More Pics

This method of string-through-body works well with a 125 gauge string. A 130 may cause problems, in terms of the saddle being further back for intonation, so may not be as easy to apply.

I have ordered a 'bass string ferrule' from Warmouth, to finish off the back part of the job (temporary state at the moment). The ball end will then sit inside the body.

 

[Basserama]

String Angle

This is the angle the string goes through the body.

 

[skabassist13]

are those ferrules that your buying similar to the ones on the mark hoppus bass. i kinda want to make my p-bass string-thru but i was worried about denting the wood without a ferrule or something like that

 

[lowstrung]

Like I said great job on the mod. Those are really good pics.
I gotta hand it to you. You are persistant to have gone through all that trouble re-stringing the B. I was thinking it would be about an inch but with some of the strings the thread wrap or taper could dictate how much you can extend the string back. The only thing I wish you had done was work it out for the 130. I was looking to see if maybe there was enough room to go behind the screw.
Then I thought about going to a machine shop and having a heavy duty eyelet milled out of stainless to mount behind the bridge but you would have to mount it on the heal of the body to get the extension you need. So maybe I''ll go at it with a drill press behind the screw and check my angle to make sure I come out still in the back of the guitar with enough room for a liner.
I just really feel that that B string is slow and floppy. Dosent feel like the rest. The only thing else I could think of trying is the flat wounds that bovinehost is talking about, but somehow I dont think that will solve the problem as well as you have. For sure I am going to extend the string to see what it sounds like.

 

[Basserama]

Thanks for the comments.

I think a 130 means that, the saddle is set a little further back (for slightly different intonation than a 125) to it could be more difficult to run it through the existing screw hole in the bridge.

I think its a case of not having too sharp a bend on the string as it passes over the saddle.

An option there would be to lengthen the existing hole, for the B string ball end (in the bridge) downwards. then drill a hole through the body a little further back than mine.

It also means you still have the option to restring it normally too.

I would recommend people trying the method you originally suggested first (as in my first posting "string_extensions.jpg"); this gives a taste of the advantage of the extra tension.

I certainly agree with you; the B does feel "slow and floppy." The modification I made makes it feel like a more normal transition when going across the strings (it doesn't feel different or need to be played a little lighter than the others - there's a more balanced tension over the whole string set). Also, it sounds better (brighter and similar to the E) and not muddy and yet the power of the string is enhanced, as it is a strong sounding B string anyway.