B String Modification

[Basserama]

As an owner of a rosewood fingerboard SR5, I have for some time been aware that 34" scale length has its limitations for a 5 string. The B string has to be played a little lighter than the rest of the strings (particularly if you like a low-ish action). The B seems to be a "different animal" to the other strings and didn't feel balanced with the others. Also, sounding a little "boomy" and loose.

Picking up on a tip someone mentioned in a previous thread, I added some extra tension to the string by threading tubing onto the end of the B, between the ball end and the back of the bridge. By experimenting with materials and adding over an inch, I noticed a major difference in the sound and playability of the B string; it felt tighter, more focused and notes sounded more clear. Also, the extra tension made it sit better with the other strings, so almost no difference in feel over the whole set.

I did a lot of comparison tests between standard and extra the new extra tension B string (intonation, sound, etc.) This was with a new set of steels, 40 to 125.

I know some manufacturers have a string-through-body option, so I ended up making that modification to the bass. By drilling through the body at a 60 degree angle from one of the existing screw holes near the B itself and coming out the back. The string runs through the body into the bridge through one of the existing screw holes. I don't consider this to weaken the bridge, as the string pulls down anyway (see attached picture).

Although the back part of the job is not finished yet (need to fit a more permanent metal receptacle for the ball end) the result is as I expected from my previous tests.

It may sound a dramatic modification to do to the bass, but to me, it solved the long term B string problem, it really works. I am sure its not something that EB would approve off, but its a shame its not a standard option on the SR5s.

I know some purists will write and say there is nothing wrong with the standard scale length, but I guarantee this modification has improved the B's sound and playability massively.

 

[Basserama]

Picture Of Modification

...a pic of the aforementioned mod.

 

[bovinehost]

I think B string response has a lot to do with the particular string itself. I'm a flatwound enthusiast and have had no complaints whatsoever about the response of the B string in the Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats.

I'm also a big believer in the concept that it's YOUR bass, it's a TOOL, and if you have to modify it to be happy with what it does, then no one has the right to tell you you shouldn't.

If you're happy, that's what counts. Looks like you did a decent job! I certainly couldn't have done that.

Jack

 

[Basserama]

Well, I agree with you Jack; in terms of personalising.

I think heavier gauge strings and a higher action, do increase the B's tension on a 34" scale bass. Putting on a lighter set with a lower action (40 to 125), I noticed things felt a little more "baggy" and unpronounced.

I noticed Atelier basses (Japan) offer string-through-body for the B only. It sounds odd to use it on only the one string, but it does seem to behave different to the rest of the strings.

Although its an easy enough mod to make, it needs to be treated carefully.

I know the B on the SR5 is a powerful sounding string, but with more tension it sounds even better, more tone to it and works better with faster fingerstyle (as in playing 16th notes on it); its not as slow, response wise.

Regards

Mike

 

[lowstrung]

Hey that was my tip. Gladd it worked. I would have never thought of going through the body. That was a good idea, nice job too. I think I'll try that. First I"ll find me a ball liner for the back of the body. Would you please post a pick of the back.

 

[lowstrung]

Some one should let Groovier know how that worked. He was the one that started that thread. How to Make Strings Tighter?

Wonder if that could pose a warranty issue.
Care to coment Derek

 

[skydivepr]

Well if it work for you I approve it!!;-)
I would not do that on a new SR5 like mine!!:-o

Nice job any way, please post a picture of the back

Anyway, I think EB should consider to make 35"scales necks. All the problem mentioned will be gone. (derek, your input here please)

Lakland, Peavey,warmoth gecko, etc, make 35" scale for 5 string and above.

I was a owner of a Lakland 55-01 and the sound of the B string was great. Very clear piano like sound, the tension was ok, at the top the rear pickup where the string have more tension.

I change to SR5, because of the sound and the details of the instrument, not much time experimenting with the b string. Remember, this is a rock bass, the sound is totally different of others basses, like Lakland.
I recorded a song this week and the b string sound BIG, but was a slow song so I dont have the option to research with more types of riff, sounds, songs etc.

Also the playing technique have a lot of impact on that, if you play with pick or fingers, the attack of your fingers or pick, etc

Well please post the rear picture.

thanks

 

[lowstrung]

If you don't want to do the more permanent mod you can still work with a spacer at the bridge entrance.

Why can't EB just come up with a B string with the proper tension.
After all thier in the buisness of making custom strings.