Bending Strings?

Bass_masta16 · #1 08-12-2008, 11:47 PM

The first thing I would like to say is: I am no expert at this stuff, I am only a bit past the beginner stage.

I've noticed from watching videos and such, that when they bend there strings, it appears that it takes little to no effort. I have Ernie Ball Hybrids on my bass (MIM Fender P Bass), and it takes a fair bit of strength to bend my strings, its not because I'm weak or anything though.

So basically, my question is: Why don't mine bend so easily? Maybe the kind of strings I have? Or maybe it just appears in the video that they bend easier

tank4checo · #2 08-12-2008, 11:52 PM

try lowering your action

bazmeister · #3 08-12-2008, 11:56 PM

what fret are you bending them at? im not calling you stupid but it is gonna be easyer to bend it at the 12th fret than the 1st fret........

Bass_masta16 · #4 08-13-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tank4checo

try lowering your action

I have my action pretty low to the point that it almost buzz's and stuff

Bass_masta16 · #5 08-13-2008, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazmeister

what fret are you bending them at? im not calling you stupid but it is gonna be easyer to bend it at the 12th fret than the 1st fret........

lol, i know that.. i usually bend anywhere from 7th to 12th.

crack-boom · #6 08-13-2008, 12:48 AM

Hmmm I wouldnt have a clue, I find it real easy, almost too easy to bend my strings (Ernie Ball Super Slinkys)... Good luck at finding out why you find it difficult...

Mr. Lovejoy · #7 08-13-2008, 12:51 AM

I can bend very easily, hearing it is a completely different story

fretman4god · #8 08-13-2008, 12:53 AM

you may need lighter strings...thats what it seems like...

TMacATK · #9 08-13-2008, 12:56 AM

Lighter gauge strings.

High action won't help, but I believe that the flexibility of the string/ease of bending depends mostly on string gauge.

Hawaii Islander · #10 08-13-2008, 01:09 AM

The easiest strings to bend that I've tried so far are Fender Tapewounds. I have a set of Steve Harris Flatwounds on my Fender Jazz bass that are tough to bend due to the thick guage, but I can bend even on the 5th fret. It's not nearly as pronounced as with the Tapewounds though.

Bass_masta16 · #11 08-13-2008, 01:23 AM

Thank you to everyone that has given me a suggestions. I'll try some lighter gauged strings and see how they work.

Nick Kay · #12 08-13-2008, 01:27 AM

Forget light strings. Switch to .050-.110 flatwounds for a few months. You'll be able to bend plumbing pipes after that.

Bass_masta16 · #13 08-13-2008, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

Forget light strings. Switch to .050-.110 flatwounds for a few months. You'll be able to bend plumbing pipes after that.

Lol

Hawaii Islander · #14 08-13-2008, 02:41 AM

I use Rotosound SH77 Steve Harris Signature Bass Strings (Flatwounds) Guage: 50-75-95-110 on my Fender Jazz bass. Yes, I can bend these. No, I can't bend plumbing pipes.

kyral210 · #15 08-13-2008, 03:42 AM

Go down the gym, work out, get stronger. The stronger you are the easier they are to bend!

Solarmist · #16 08-13-2008, 07:52 PM

Yeah - the answer is lighter gauge preferably round wounds with round cores. I think steel rounds are even easier to bend than the nickel rounds. You can also drop-tune a half step.

GeneralElectric · #17 08-13-2008, 11:11 PM

I bend the strings on my basses all the time. So much so that I've worn through the strings and have had them break.

There is probably a rule somewhere where I shouldn't be doing bends with flats.

lunker · #18 08-13-2008, 11:23 PM

just work on it. your hands will get stronger and it'll be easier even on heavy gauge strings.

kyral210 · #19 08-15-2008, 06:59 PM

As a rule of thumb (according to me) is thicker stings = better tone. For that reason, I never go down a gauge to make life easier. i get the best strings I can as thick as I can and learn to play them.

Thunderthumbs73 · #20 08-15-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass_masta16

The first thing I would like to say is: I am no expert at this stuff, I am only a bit past the beginner stage.

I've noticed from watching videos and such, that when they bend there strings, it appears that it takes little to no effort. I have Ernie Ball Hybrids on my bass (MIM Fender P Bass), and it takes a fair bit of strength to bend my strings, its not because I'm weak or anything though.

So basically, my question is: Why don't mine bend so easily? Maybe the kind of strings I have? Or maybe it just appears in the video that they bend easier

Hi. Some have very light gauge strings. I think bass players tend to have pretty strong hands, but I think light strings. I've some ultra-light Ken Smith strings on one of my basses, and I can bend a whole step pretty easily, and whole and 1/2 as well.

Of course, if you want to jump on board the fretless ship, you can get all those cool blues-y licks and not bend the strings one iota.