Played with a it a bit, and feel pretty “meh” about it. In the little bit of playing I’ve done, I’m just not that wild about the tone and feel of the low B.
Also, not loving the HH as much as I expected to. Different pickup positions have drastically different output levels. Bridge solo sounds way better than any of the other positions.
I got a good deal on this. So no regerts. But looking for something to play and practice to inspire me with it.
Suggestions?
Thusfar the best music for 5-string that I’ve been playing along with are tracks by the RH Factor off of ‘Hard Groove’. But I’d like more musical variety to help appreciate this bass, and particularly some of the other tones it can make.
I would also think it’s better to find the right bass for the music you want to play, than the right music for the bass you have
But, kudos for not giving up right away. By the way, have you put new strings on it? Maybe that’ll change up things already quite a bit!?!
But, yes, the B string can be an issue. It could be the strings, it could be the gauge, it could be bass as well - some models can’t seem to make that B string work properly (I don’t know much about the Sterling Ray though).
But, mostly, the type of music you like should determine whether you need a 5’er. Fusion, gospel and certain types of metal “need” a fiver; most everything else doesn’t.
Maybe gospel could be something to look into for you? Check this one out (I just did a quick search myself):
(Note how a lot what he plays on the B string is to keep is hand in position for as long as he can)
It is effectively a brand new instrument with fresh Ernie Balls on it (dunno gauge). Like - still has the pick plastic guard on pickguard and tuners, and the tag on it. Stupidly good deal, so I figured I could try playing around with it for a bit to get a sense.
I mean… I love 5 strings. I think they look rad (especially 5 string multiscale basses, oof). I once thought they’d be perfect for me, because I could just use the low B as a thumb rest until I had fully learned how to use it.
But… I never grokked the B string, and I don’t play much music that uses it, and I had no reason to expand what I’m learning here and at SBL and in-person to encompass it. I had to realize that 5 strings weren’t for me, and I’d be better off looking at them in awe from afar.
Here’s the issue. Ernie ball slinkies. To me they absolutely suck. I’ve tried them in different basses and they always sound exceptionally poor. I would try some stainless steel such as Dunlop, DR, Dean Markley or Rotosound. After that adjust the pickup height to make the front pickup sound better and you should be set. Even though it’s a new bass I wouldn’t trust anything about its setup. I set up every bass for me I get so I just expect to be adjusting things. I doubt that the bass is the issue. Sterling stingrays are better than the prices which is rare in the world of guitars.
Oh, I disagree. After years of going through different string brands (Dunlop, SIT, Fender, Dean Markley, D’Addario, MarkBass) I have settled on Ernie Ball slinkies on all my basses (Charvel P/J, Fender J/J, Kiesel Osiris P/J). They sound great and last forever.
Yeah. I bought it from a private seller on FB Marketplace. Just that it was from a guy who earns a couple extra bucks flipping B-stock stuff.
This has a chip in the paint on the back, and it needed a new nut for the plug jack. And so I picked it up for $385 (including $5 for the new nut).
As for stings…
I use usually use D’Addario NYXL for rounds, and then Labella Deep Talkin’ Flats. Was interested to try the Ernie Ball Slinkies. I know enough people like them. Was pretty sure they wouldn’t be lacking. The EADG all sound fine (as long as I don’t keep missing the A or D strings).
It’s just that B strings sounds muddy, and gets tons of fret buzz if I dig in at all, because of the low tension. I suspect that’s just the nature of the beast. That I’d really need multi-scale to make it sound and feel the way I’d like.
This is where strings are so completely subjective. I hate the feel of slinkies. Even when I don’t know what they are. I got a new Sire bass once, supposed to come with D’Addarios. I did a set up and started playing, and hated the feel of the strings. Come to find out they were slinkies - D’Addario was having a hard time meeting its commitments and Sire slapped on EBs.
Point is, strings are an individual taste. And you might try out a heavier guage B to get more tension
One I like kicking around a bit is Human Behavior by Bjork. Not originally done on a 5 (I dont think) but playing that low note on the B is awfully convenient.
Not uncommon. This is all very YMMV and subjective, but on every 5 string or BEAD 4 string I have tried, the B string needs to be heavier gauge to not be flubby - I would not consider below .130 and I prefer .135.
Additionally, with a 34" scale instrument, I have not found a B string with a timbre I like above the 5th-7th frets. On most 5’s I have tried, even with bright rounds the timbre gets dull up in the 7th-9th fret range and worse as you go higher.
I’ve moved to 35" scale for all my 5s. My 6-string MS was a 37" scale for the B. I sold off any 34" 5s as I don’t dig the low tension on the B - but they do also sound better in longer scales as well.
Elixir has .045-.135 too, and DR does too. It is weird that D’Addario doesn’t offer them in a NYXL set and makes you buy it as a single string though, especially since EXL’s have a .045-.135 set.
Stringjoy is a great resource. They make really great sounding/playing strings at a very fair price, plus they offer individual strings of a variety of gauges so players who desire can roll their own to create completely custom sets.
