Benefits of Heavier Strings

[Dark Star]

Are there really any big pros to playing with a heavier gauge set of strings? Versus the 'normal' gauge?

[photoresistor]

higher tension. very handy if you tune low, unless you like floppy spaghetti strings.

and of course im sure they sound a little different as well, but any set of strings are like that!

[Dark Star]

higher tension. very handy if you tune low, unless you like floppy spaghetti strings.

and of course im sure they sound a little different as well, but any set of strings are like that!

Im assuming the different sound would be a bit 'deeper'?

[ghoulbug]

Try playing a note on the E-string, and compare it to the sound when it's played on the A-string. The tonal differences will be the same as when you use different string gauges.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Dark Star

Im assuming the different sound would be a bit 'deeper'?

No, it doesn't work like that. The pitch will be determined by the note to which the string is tuned - regardless of gauge.

"Different" in this sense would probably mean that the heavier-gauge string emits a slightly more powerful signal, due to the slighter greater mass of metal vibrating over the pickups.

MM

[Roland777]

Assuming all other things are equal, (bass, amp, tuning, blablablabla) lighter strings will have less prominent harmonic frequencies and more pronounced fundamental, whereas heavier gauge strings are the other way around. In layman's terms: light strings, more bass, heavier strings, more "open". Heavier gauge strings also results in a louder clank when slapping/popping.

[JKambing]

Heavier strings also allow for lower action, and makes for faster playing as the strings are stiff enough to go straight down to the fretboard when u press them. A lighter string tends to bend and you tend to need to control your fingers to bring it down straight to the fretboard.

Then again, this opinion is rather subjective and varies from player to player.