I've been messing with my bass more, a Yamaha TRBX305. Still has the stock strings on it and I've been thinking about replacing them.
After some searching around I think I am going to start with just a new B string. I'm just not really into that 5th string. The tension is too low making it flabby and muddy. And I get inharmonicity on that string above the 7th fret or so.
The Internet seems divided on the value of "taperwound" bass strings but there seems to be at least something of a majority that agree they are at least good for B strings. So I'm probably going to go with a tapered .135 D'addario prosteel. The increased tension, inherent greater brightness, and tapered ball end should help solve most of my issues and maybe make me not want to just trade in this bass that I otherwise like for a 4 string.
Edit:
Actually now I'm thinking I'm going to go with Stringjoy Rangers. Their strings are listed as having more tension at the same gauges, and I'm seeing some comments that seem to confirm that. I sent an email with some questions and they replied a little vaguely, but implied that, yes, their strings have more tension due to different manufacturing, materials, etc, and that the Rangers are have a little more tension than the Signature sets. Specifically the total tension for a 45-130 set is roughly 217lb (Signatures) vs 225lb (Rangers).
The .125 Signature is listed as having more tension than a .130 D'addario, in both nickel and steel winding. So that makes the .045-.125 Ranger set look really appealing and is probably what I'm going to try. Lot of good stuff here - B string will be slightly smaller but still slightly more tense, the D string will be less tense and better match the rest of the set, the stainless steel wind for a bit more brightness, and the whole set should fit my existing nut slots without needing any work. Seen some horror stories about broken nuts when putting heavier gauges into these Yamahas since the nut material is so hard and rigid, and cut specifically for the stock gauges.
