About gauges!

Westie808 · #1 09-28-2011, 01:33 AM

I see that u gius talk alot about gauges and ofcourse I know that its about strings but im not shure what gauges are???? Any help guys...

spaz21387 · #2 09-28-2011, 01:42 AM

it relates to size of strings .90 is consitered extra light. .95 is light 100 is medium or standard, 105 is heavy,And 110 is extra heavy

walldaja · #3 09-28-2011, 07:12 AM

spaz21387 is referring to the E string

ixlramp · #4 09-28-2011, 01:39 PM

Gauge is the width of the string. When written .040 that's in inches. When the same gauge is written 40 that's in thousandths of an inch. Larger gauge means more mass which means more tension (=tightness) at a particular pitch.
You can learn about tension and gauges here: http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf

darkstorm · #5 09-28-2011, 11:43 PM

45-105 gauge set is the most common and is most often in my experience called medium gauge. Some people of course prefer lighter gauge sets. fairly common in Jazz music. Those who downtune ussually get a little bit heavier gauge set then they would if tuningg standard EADG.

Sometimes a gauge set by one mfg of same gauges and string type will have less tension then another mfgs version.

If your looking to get new set of strings, the std 45-105 will prob be whats on your bass now. And is good choice for begginer and as medium ground imo gauge set. Once in a while a basses stock strings will be 45-100 or 45-105. But thats fairly uncommon for the strings brands msot mfg are using for stock strings.

FunkMetalBass · #6 09-28-2011, 11:51 PM

Gauge is the measurement of a string's cross-sectional diameter.

Westie808 · #7 10-01-2011, 04:24 AM

Right now im using 45-105 there pretty good and with the callyces on my fingers I kinda dont see any difference about the gauges at all xept for the sound! And what do u guys think about the ibanez srx550?

FunkMetalBass · #8 10-01-2011, 10:23 AM

Gauges affect the tension of the strings, which affects the sound and how the feel. If you like to play aggressively with your right hand (I do), a heavier gauge will eliminate some of the fret buzz that you get with lighter gauges. Calluses don't mean much in terms of string tension, only your ability to handle rough strings.

Westie808 · #9 10-03-2011, 04:00 PM

Thanx bro! Now I think that I should go for big gauges since I like the sound of them

FunkMetalBass · #10 10-03-2011, 06:59 PM

If you like them heavy, Circle K Strings has big gauges for you! I personally swear by their .112 E-string and .150 B-string.

Westie808 · #11 10-03-2011, 09:44 PM

Wow! I should get those then and circle k are good right!! Anf I have a four string bass soo no B for me hahaha

knuckle_head · #12 10-04-2011, 10:21 AM

You can do B on a 4 string . . . if you want to.

RBX4 · #13 10-04-2011, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Westie808

Wow! I should get those then and circle k are good right!! Anf I have a four string bass soo no B for me hahaha

Circle k strings r the best....

Westie808 · #14 10-07-2011, 12:37 PM

I just got the circle k's and dude....they are awesome!! Gonna get me more sets of those and I also got some dr neon strings wich are cool too!