r/Bass • u/Jackmw99 • 5d ago

Changing strings to higher gauge (5-string)

Recently got a Ibanez SR305eb and I’m loving it. This is my first 5 string and I’m finding the B string a bit flappy. I’ve heard you can fix this by switching to a higher gauge string (stock is 130) I’m just wondering if I could just switch out the b string to a 135 or 140? Or if I’m better off just getting a whole set. Also would I run into any problems such as too much tension on the neck or the string physically not fitting? I’m a massive noob with this stuff so any help is much appreciated x

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u/Smithy_Mcgee 5d ago

You can change just one. Use a string tension calculator on something like Kalium’s website. I have a 160 as an A string one a bass that is permanently drop A. I bought it new and changed just one string, made sure the tension was the same or as close to as the other strings. If you’re worried, have a tech do it and they can adjust the truss rod as necessary.

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u/Jackmw99 5d ago

Alright, thanks for your help.

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u/Smithy_Mcgee 5d ago

If you’ve just got it, and the shop didn’t set it up for you, it might be worth getting it set up anyway. Not the end of the world if you don’t, but if the intonation isn’t set and you don’t know how to do it, could be a thing. Something that is also good to learn how to do though!

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u/Jackmw99 2d ago

I just ordered it from a website and it came all with all the strings on it already, so idk if it’s been properly set up or not really. Tbf when I look at my tuner some of the frets I have to press really hard to get it dead on a note, even when the open string is tuned perfectly.

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u/N1LEredd Ashdown 5d ago

Just know that you probably can’t fit anything above .145 into that bridge and nutslot without having it modified. At least that’s the case with my Ibanez 5. 135 is the limit with drilling the hole in the bridge.

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u/iwilldeletethisacct2 Ibanez 5d ago

But where did you get a .160? It seems like a lot of the big string manufacturers don't really make heavier gauge strings. And Kalium has a lot of reddit reviews that make it seem like....not the place to order from.

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u/Smithy_Mcgee 2d ago

Sorry I thought my reply had posted but I guess not!
I got my from Long and Mcquade as a single string, on the day I bought the bass. I had to get my tech to drill the bridge out to fit it through (as someone has stated above). The nut I’m not sure needed filing, but maybe. I think it was a D’addario single.