How to choose a 5 string bass for a better B string sound?

[IMENATOR]

I had 5 string bass once and noticed a dramatic reduction in presence in the low B string. For example a 4 bass string with drop D would sound more present that playing D note on the B string in the 5 string bass. Also, the low B note in the low B string did have rumble but not that much presence. It was not a dead string, same happened with new strings a couple of times. It looks like an issue of thicker strings, maybe I am wrong.

I don't have that bass anymore I want to do home recordings again and want a 5 string bass again. How do you solve for the problem I described?

 

[Mincer]

The longer the scale on that B string, the better. So, something fanned fret will get you a better sounding B string.

 

[ehdwuld]

you could tune the 5 string with without the low B
but with a high B
not BEADG
But
EADGB

 

[Chistopher]

If it's a bass you want to add a high c string so you don't have the weird interval

 

[uOpt]

Did you try different strings?

 

[zionstrat]

Mincer nailed it.. it's the long scale... My sixth string looks like I'm holding a table in front of me it's so long and wide..

 

[IMENATOR]

Did you try different strings?

New string same brand and gauge gave same results. What did you mean?

 

[IMENATOR]

The longer the scale on that B string, the better. So, something fanned fret will get you a better sounding B string.

Are there any Sterling Stingrays with 35 inch scale? That is my favorite sound.

 

[uOpt]

New string same brand and gauge gave same results. What did you mean?

Different brand, different core, different winding material, different gauge.

 

[donaldr]

I find the B string less defined with passive electronics.
I have a Yamaha TRBX-505: clear B string in active mode, less presence in passive mode.
I have an LTD Surveyor 5 and the B string is nice and clear: EMG active pickups and preamp.
I have a Squier Jazz 5 with passive pickups and electronics, less presence from the B string.

A 34" scale length is working for nice a nice B string, but it depends on the construction and the headstock. I usually find meh B strings when it's not totally aligned with the tuner.

I finally have DR Low Riders Stainless Steel (hex core) on my Yamaha and it really plays well. Try different brands and try hex cores strings.

 

[IMENATOR]

I find the B string less defined with passive electronics.
I have a Yamaha TRBX-505: clear B string in active mode, less presence in passive mode.
I have an LTD Surveyor 5 and the B string is nice and clear: EMG active pickups and preamp.
I have a Squier Jazz 5 with passive pickups and electronics, less presence from the B string.

A 34" scale length is working for nice a nice B string, but it depends on the construction and the headstock. I usually find meh B strings when it's not totally aligned with the tuner.

I finally have DR Low Riders Stainless Steel (hex core) on my Yamaha and it really plays well. Try different brands and try hex cores strings.

Interesting, I like Yamaha basses, good wound for reasonable price. I think I can try that TRBX-505 (34" scale) the same store as some Jacksons (35").

 

[alex1fly]

Long scale is fine but the real trick is finding the right gauge of B string. Like the .135 from your string set might be flubby but a .130 might be just right. You really have to treat the low B as a separate item. Get your 4 string set dialed, then pursue the B string separately through singles.

35” scale does not solve the problem. It makes it a little easier to solve the problem, but you still have to match the gauge to your particular instrument. It is perfectly doable to get a great low B on a 34” or even 32” scale bass.

 

[jeremy]

id think a thin core steel B string would speak more clearly if one could find such a thing