Are 50-135s too heavy?

Oldboy · #1 11-07-2010, 01:59 PM

Hi.I'm currently using a Squier Precision 5.

Don't laugh,I really like it.Compared to the one I had a couple of years ago with it's floppy 'B' and varying string volume,this one is far superior.The 'B' is lovely and tight and I think it's generally a good bass.
Now.the strings are needing replaced, and I was looking at a set of Ernie Ball Slinkys,gauge 50/135.What would be the disadvantages,if any, of heavy strings on this bass,do you think?I'm worried about upsetting the playability of the bass as it is at the moment.
I'm not sure what strings are on the bass at the moment.The silks are a sort of burgundy colour,which are slightly reminiscent of Rotosound,but not quite the right colour.

darkstorm · #2 11-07-2010, 02:04 PM

If you like heavier gauge its fine. Otherwise try 45-130. Little less tension and little bit easier fretting.

Pilgrim · #3 11-07-2010, 06:22 PM

You may or may not like them - but you'll only be out the money for a set of strings.

ggunn · #4 11-07-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

You may or may not like them - but you'll only be out the money for a set of strings.

Just speaking for myself, that would be WAY, WAY too heavy. Those would be like tugboat hawsers to me. I prefer a string set in the .045-.105 range, which is a fairly normal span of gauges.

You did see that he is talking about a 5 string, right? .105 is pretty light for a B.

RnBass · #5 11-07-2010, 06:33 PM

I'm using this set on my Cirrus BXP. It is the way I bought it and it plays fine. I like the huge tone.

JimmyM · #6 11-07-2010, 08:37 PM

geez, that would be like a death sentence for me! i use little weenie strings...40-120. i'd go even lighter if i could get exl's that start with a 35 G in a 2-pack.

Oldboy · #7 11-08-2010, 05:53 AM

The thing is the way the bass is set up now just suits me fine.I just don't want to risk upsetting things by putting on too heavy a string,The last P5 I had was a nightmare and I would hate to go back to that.I don't know what strings are on it at present,or what gauge they are.If I did,I'd just get another set.
Maybe I'm making too much of this.I guess I could just get the EBs and if I don't like them get something else,mibbes .45/.130 like Darkstorm suggested.

LiamPodmore · #8 11-08-2010, 05:55 AM

I use Ernie Ball Power Slinky Bass 5's (I presume the strings you are reffering to) on my Squier Jazz 5 and they just perfect. They arent too heavy at all aslong as you get a setup done.

Liam

73jbass · #9 11-08-2010, 06:14 AM

I use a .135 B,with .100 to .040 set with no issues at all. It's actually a more balanced set as far as tension goes.

ixlramp · #10 11-08-2010, 12:19 PM

Sounds like your current strings are what came with the bass? If so they are probably the popular mid-tension set 45 65 80 100 130. I believe basses are usually supplied with the mid-tension set since that is the 'average' tension / most popular set.

50-135 will work, with a set-up, but will feel heavier, especially the high strings which have extreme tension. Here are the D'Addario's published tensions for 50-135:

XLB050 G 0.050 53.4 pounds of tension
XLB070 D 0.070 60.1
XLB085 A 0.085 48.4
XLB105 E 0.105 40.3
XLB135 B 0.135 36.1

As you can see, the B has just enough tension at 35lbs, but the high strings have totally unnecessary extreme tension up to 60lbs. Almost all string sets have this tension imbalance. IMO it's a bad tradition.

I recommend a tension-balanced set, equal tension on each string. This way you get a really tight B without the extreme tension on top. Something like 40 55 75 100 135 or 45 60 80 105 140.

Pilgrim · #11 11-08-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggunn

You did see that he is talking about a 5 string, right? .105 is pretty light for a B.

I edited it later - you're quick...and absolutely right.

The Lurker · #12 11-08-2010, 02:27 PM

That's what I use on my piccolo bass.

On my *real* bass, I use unwound strands of bridge cable.

mccartneyman · #13 11-08-2010, 03:00 PM

If they feel OK for you and don't cause neck or other problems, why not? I started in 1965 with flats from .052 to .110 and my bass loved' em. Thomastik Jazz Flat 5ers have a .135 B string although tension is low.

Oldboy · #14 11-09-2010, 05:52 AM

Well,I got the EB Power Slinkys,put them on and so far I'm happy with them.They are heavier than what was already there.Noticeably so,in fact.More tension for a start,obviously,but to me that means a clearer note.I've had to drop the action ever so slightly,but that's a plus in my estimation.On an aesthetic note,I like the absence of silk windings.I tidies up the headstock,I think.
Like I said before,I was worried about upsetting the 'B' tension,as it was a problem with a previous P5,and in that case,several changes of 'B' strings failed to cure the problem.I'm amazed at how good this Squier is actually.The wide neck is comfortable to play,although I don't have huge hands.
Anyhoo I'm happy enough now,and I may take Liam's advice and get a proper setup done.
Input much appreciated.

Infidelity · #15 11-09-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

geez, that would be like a death sentence for me! i use little weenie strings...40-120. i'd go even lighter if i could get exl's that start with a 35 G in a 2-pack.

I agree, I use 125 though..

And I · #16 11-09-2010, 12:13 PM

heavier strings will cause more tension on the neck and you may have to tighten the truss rod to keep the action at a comfortable level. Also if your action is really low, the larger gauge may mean you have to raise the action to avoid fret buzz.

vibhas_2310 · #17 11-09-2010, 12:20 PM

Just out of curiosity is there a reason why even after all these years manufactureres continue to produce string sets where the string have unequal tension ??

I'm trying to start a fight or something here but has any manufacturere produced a set in which all the strings have similar amount of tension ??

Or is there a disadvantage to doing something like this ??? And would u sacrificing your sound ??

Thanks,
Vibhas

BigOldHarry · #18 11-09-2010, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

If you like heavier gauge its fine. Otherwise try 45-130. Little less tension and little bit easier fretting.

too heavy for me. Maybe not for you.

ixlramp · #19 11-09-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vibhas_2310

I'm trying to start a fight or something here but has any manufacturere produced a set in which all the strings have similar amount of tension ??

Circle K Strings sell balanced sets for any number of strings and every semitone of detuning.
Zachary Guitars have developed Zachary Optimum Gauges (this page is a funny read).
There are many advantages and no disadvantages to tension balanced sets, in my opinion.