8 STRING BASS PLAYERS...(strings)

jaibeau · #1 08-25-2011, 09:50 AM

What's everyones take on gauges? Mine came with .18/.23/.35/.40/.45/.55/.70/.90. That's just too damn light for me. I'm used to a 5 string with 45-135..

I just went to a .26/.32/.35/.45/.45/.65./80/.100...prob is the .26 snaps right at the last turn. I noticed it's round wound tho.

Do you think this is too heavy and a strain on the neck. Thoughts?

knuckle_head · #2 08-25-2011, 01:34 PM

Way wacky on both sides IMO.

Try sets closer to;

.094 .070 .053 .037 and .047 .033 .020 .014

Less over all tension on the neck and more balanced tension at that.

NecroticImbecil · #3 08-25-2011, 01:45 PM

I forget all the sizes, the 4 fundamental strings are Rotos, the E on that set is an 85. The octave strings are I believe 30, 22, 16, 12. Funny your octave strings are close in gauge to my fundamental strings, but tuned an octave higher.

Seen too many in stores strung up w/telephone cables, could hear the neck wood creaking and snapping from across the store, bent like a crossbow. Also I figure it's tough enough playing w the extra strings, no need to add work to it with a bowed neck and stiff strings that need a bench vise to fret cleanly.

I'd say if you're married to telephone cables, tune down if tension is an issue, if your situation allows that.

Just my $ 0.27, I'll no doubt be proven wrong by the next 342 posters. Then again my almost 30 yr old 8 and 12 do not have neck issues...

bah, took too long. The guy above me, he knows what he's talking about. proven wrong before i posted. cool.

ehque · #4 08-25-2011, 02:40 PM

Wait, 8 as in 4 doubled, or 8 as in 8? What are you tuning to?

knuckle_head · #5 08-25-2011, 03:08 PM

Octave pairs

Webtroll · #6 08-25-2011, 03:13 PM

If the same string always snaps at the same point I'd look for something that would cause that, like a burr. If you can't figure it out take it to a pro. You shouldn't be breaking strings like that.

knuckle_head · #7 08-25-2011, 03:30 PM

It's not that it's a burr - it's that it's pulling way too tight and the string isn't capable of it.

EDIT; 66 pounds - I'm surprised he could even get it to pitch.

jaibeau · #8 08-25-2011, 05:06 PM

It snaps bc it's a wound .26...a g tuned to 440 an octave higher has to be a straight string (no wind)..that's why it's snapping IMO.

ehque · #9 08-26-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaibeau

It snaps bc it's a wound .26...a g tuned to 440 an octave higher has to be a straight string (no wind)..that's why it's snapping IMO.

66 pounds on a bass string whether wound or plain is going to break. Look for a lighter guage as mentioned above.

knuckle_head · #10 08-26-2011, 11:59 AM

You could try this;

The thick, low octave set is mounted and feels okay, yes?

My .053 or .051 balanced 4 string set ought to sit reasonably well with the tension of the .100 set you have on your bass - replace the higher octave set and you should be good.

.053 .037 .026 .017p
or
.051 .037 .023p .016p - I suggest this set

Even these are a bit on the tight side, but they ought to work a bit better than the originals.