Set-up and all about it

[CrispyEgg]

okay, i started this thread cuz i desperately need help, i cant solve my problem! (worse comes to worse i'll bring it to the davis dude and ask him)

i've got two basses, a 5 string, 34" Ibanez Gio equipped with PRISMs and a 6 string, 35" Ibanez BTB equipped with Slowounds
the problem is, the feel of both basses, (feel refering to the feel of playing, not the sound) is very different!!! somehow the 6string just feels too tight and the 5 string (setup by me and well seasoned neck strings etc) has a very comfortable feel.

question is, does the 35" neck scale make a lot of difference? its harder for me to play high-tension, as how my 6string feels right now, probably because of the neck scale! =( has anyone experienced this or know anything about this? i wanna make my 6 string have somewhat a comfortable feel akin to my 5, but whatever i've tried so far doesnt work (i even tried to detune half step to get a looser tension on the strings). its a lot harder to tap/slap-pop on the 6, and the fret board width is definitely not the problem....

 

[jbarks]

lower the bridge ht on the 6-string? i lowered my bridge ht and detuned 2 semitones to get the feel i wanted...

 

[fretless6]

Dropping tuning just to get lower tension sounds kinda extreme. The tuning should be based on the music you play, not how loose you want the strings to feel. Try going for lighter string gauges instead. Lower action helps as well.

 

[CrispyEgg]

the strings are at the lowest they'll go without extreme buzz, on my 5 string the action is about medium low only

superkicky u detuned 2 semitones? cool, on a ?-string?

fretless 6: most 6 string packs come in only one guage. i wanted to buy extra long scale (35"-36") but nobody imports them here in sg. guess i'll have to mail order =(

 

[jbarks]

2semitones on a 4-string 34" to DGCF.. right now i'm using .40s but will probably switch to .45s cos of the detuning.

 

[fretless6]

Why would u need a string set for super long scale? Almost all 6 string sets cater to at least 35" scale. There are string sets that are lighter and lower tension. Like the Labella Super Steps.

 

[CrispyEgg]

what would be the best set for a 35" scale. best as in, least tension.

 

[fretless6]

what would be the best set for a 35" scale. best as in, least tension.

The 6 string set with the lowest tension I've used is Labella Supersteps. The string gauge is lower than the standard 6 string sets u'll find, and they are taperwound, so intonation is more accurate, despite the low gauge. Esp useful on the low B.

 

[cherns]

I'd suggest the TI jazz rounds if you're looking for something with a real soft touch. Nice and silky

 

[fretless6]

I'd suggest the TI jazz rounds if you're looking for something with a real soft touch. Nice and silky

Ahh yep, the Thomastik Infields are nice and light as well.

 

[CrispyEgg]

thanks lots... i'll try them out soon =D

 

[squidospyder]

... a 6 string, 35" Ibanez BTB equipped with Slowounds...

Hey there. If you're changing strings soon, try DR Hi-beams. They feel more flexible somehow (actually its due to the core but I don't think I want to get into the technical stuff, no need for that), and may just be your answer. I swear by DRs by the way...

But one man's meat is another man's vegetable, so just give it a try first...

 

[CrispyEgg]

ahaha does davis sell a pack of 6 for Hi-Beams? i dont remember them havin HiBeams in 6... however, i'm gonna get a pack of coloured strings by DR if i do get a 4/5 string, i borrowed my friend's 4 string and its equipped with regular DRs, and tehy are solid stuff

mm anyhow, i'm gonna try the labella supersteps first, slightly more inexpensive...

 

[novocaine]

where can i get the purple boxed Hi-beams?! i can't seem to find them anymore in Singapore. Davis doesn't stock them anymore! i'm desperate for them! anyone can help?!

 

[fretless6]

where can i get the purple boxed Hi-beams?! i can't seem to find them anymore in Singapore. Davis doesn't stock them anymore! i'm desperate for them! anyone can help?!

Those are nickel plated Lo Riders, not hi beams. AFAIK, Davis is the only retailer for DR Strings here.

 

[Panopticon-3]

DR sold out leh, i was there last sat but couldnt get DRs so i settled for black diamonds instead

 

[jbarks]

They've got stock! I was there Thursday.

 

[CrispyEgg]

what DRs were u looking for? 4 /5 /6? Hi?

 

[CrispyEgg]

(shameless declaration)
i just ordered a pack of labellas from gain10. i have no idea how to process payment! esp cuz they didtn send me the account to transfer the $ to. !!!!! lets hope this goes smoothly.

(side track)
I WANT THAT SUPER COMP M132!!!!!!!!! CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!!!! SPONSOR A FELLOW SOFTEEEEEEE

 

[fretless6]

You need to check your email :mrgreen: :smt006