Any other fans of light strings?

[PiNgtime]

Hey everyone. I am a fan of light strings ever since I realised I'm not the most naturally powerful player when it comes to my hands. I'm assuming there are at least SOME others like myself who gravitate toward lighter gauge strings......

If you do, what is your preference? Last night I strung up using the .40-.125 Ernie Ball super slinkys. I like them, but I do wanna know what other options are the popular ones.

Discuss?

[kreider204]

Oh, ya. I think the "heavier strings automatically equals better tone and mas macho player" is more a guitar thing than a bass thing - I've noticed that quite a few folks around here mention .040s and .045s.

[Aaron_D]

I was all heavy all the time until I switched to elixers and I couldnt find anything over medium...now Im all medium all the time! Not quite as catchy.

[jgroh]

I tried to go with heavier strings but nope. I am content in knowing that I much prefer lighter strings. I used to use Rotosound Funkmasters, dont remember the gauge but those were LIGHT!

[IPA]

I like regular old 45-105 rotosounds, the only reason I've considered getting anything heavier is for tuning down to C for some QOTSA type stuff.

[kreider204]

(Apologies in advance for mentioning the dreaded name - PLEASE don't let's go off topic ... )

I think I recall that Jeff Berlin uses .040s, and I think most people certainly find his tone acceptable.

[PiNgtime]

Originally Posted by kreider204

(Apologies in advance for mentioning the dreaded name - PLEASE don't let's go off topic ... )

I think I recall that Jeff Berlin uses .040s, and I think most people certainly find his tone acceptable.

dun-dun-dunnnnnnnnnnnnn. heh

That would make sense, since he appears so comfortable and agile. I've found people tend to just automatically go with medium to heavy gauges, just by those being the norm, rather than having actively CHOSEN to do so based on their personal preference.

This would imply that they are not too particular or don't have much difficulty. One way or the other, I appear to have spent more time thinking about it than they have.

I would be willing to try other 'light' gauges, even Rotos, which I only know for their heavy gauges. If I try something that's highly recommended, but still not as low as .40, I can't say I'd expect to fall in love... however I DO want to give other brands a chance.

Thanks for the feedback lads!

[kreider204]

Originally Posted by PiNgtime

dun-dun-dunnnnnnnnnnnnn. heh

I should say, I do have .050s on my short scale bass, but that's just to compensate for the lower string tension of the short scale, so they don't really feel heavier, if you get my meaning.

[PiNgtime]

Ah I see. Thanks for that. What short scale is it?

[bassman1987]

I like medium lights on my P-bass, right now I have a set of .100-.45 GHS Boomers on there and it sounds killer!

[kreider204]

I'm glad you asked. Click on the thumbnails - it's a circa 1970 Univox "Lucy" (so-called Lucite body).

[grifff]

I wouldn't consider .045 to be "light" but I use .045-.125 on both of my basses. I tried a set of .040's and they were too light.

[PiNgtime]

Thanks grifff. That's good feedback too!

[superfunk47]

.45 is medium in my book. I like me some .40-.90 or .95s - I like not having to fight the instrument. If I want to wrestle the thing, I'll play my double bass.

As far as recommendations, what are you looking for? What do you like/dislike about the Rotos? I've known a lot of cats who have really liked DR after playing Rotos for a long time - Lo Riders will give you a similar-ish feel (although they won't feel as rough as the Rotos), and they make them in nickel or stainless.

If you feel like branching out, Hi Beams/Sunbeams (depending on your nickel/SS preference) are good, and I've heard good things about the Fatbeams, although I've never tried them myself.

[Mayers]

On my 6 strings basses I use elixir .32, .40, .60, .80, 1.00, 1.20

Simply because they aren't very big strings and feel normal under the finger.

To illustrate more what I say. I did buy a set of string for my 5 strings bass few years ago. .45, .65, .80, 1.00 and 1.30. The set feel very wierd because the very big B strings again the E strings.

[MysticMichael]

I'd played light gauge strings (.040 - .100) for quite a few years, and loved the suppleness, quickness and easy playability of them. But more recently, I've noticed that I just hadn't been getting the kind of power and presence I prefer from the "D" and "G" strings. So a few months ago, I switched to medium lights - with a .065 "D" string and a .045 "G" string.

Couldn't be happier - it's the best possible compromise between ease of playability and strength of tone. I doubt I'll return to light gauge...

MM

[grifff]

I really like the DR Fat Beams on my fretted basses, they give a nice round warm tone that I enjoy. They are moderately expensive compared to some of the other brands but I think it's worth it.

[mpm32]

XL170's

[PiNgtime]

Superfunk and Mayers, thanks alot that's great solid information there.

btw if I sound detached it's because i'm in the Caribbean, and choice is limited for the most part. I rather buy on amazon based on what comes recommended.

Superfunk, I generally just like strings that are NOT DIFFICULT to play. Pretty simple. Hence trying the EB Slinky pack of .40-.125

Are there flats that come in light gauges? tbh when i've checked out flats, I went straight to Roto's site, and didn't spend too much time after I saw that the gauges were BEYOND heavy (in my book)

[PiNgtime]

Originally Posted by mpm32

XL170's

I've tried the D'Addario lights too! similar light gauge to the EB. They were cool I have nothing bad to say about them.