Can a lighter gauge cause excessive clicking?

[NickInMesa]

I switched to lighter gauge (D'Addario EXL 220 .040-.095) after trying a bass which had them and liking them, and the owner saying it was less tiring on long gigs.

I had them installed on my Jazz bass when I bought it and always had excessive clicking with it, which is cool for heavy metal, but not for classic and modern rock.

I tried all sorts of settings, tried putting electrical tape on the high frets, played closed to the bridge (which changed my sound), used the neck pickup more (which as well changed my sound, I am usually 10 on the bridge, 2 or 3 on the neck), changed my technique by putting my fingers on my plucking hand perpendicular to the strings, to no avail.

The bass was properly setup, by the way.

I believe my issue is with the gauge. There is probably more slack and since I play relatively fast,

Stuff like Barracuda is harder than with other basses. I also believe that since there is more slack, the string vibrates longer and not in sync, which gives me grief.

Is the lighter gauge the cause of this do you think, and should I switch to maybe .100, for instance EXL170?

[gforce9]

A few things going on there:
Lighter gauge strings, because of the smaller diameter, sit lower in the saddle and possibly the nut (ie. closer to the frets, albeit slight). Also, if you switched from XL 170's, for example, there will be less tension as well. Your intonation is probably slightly off anyways, you could raise the saddles a bit and try that. I have a Modulus VJ with a graphite (very stiff and non-flexible) and use the XL 220's and they are perfect. My brother-in-law has an MIJ Jazz with a maple neck and he uses XL 160's (50-105) and it feels good. 105's on my Modulus would be like playing ComEd lines. The bottom line, find strings you like the feel of then readjust the bass to accommodate the new strings; different gauges will cause a readjust anyway..........

[DavePlaysBass]

Typically a lower gauge string will have less tension and larger envelope of movement. This can lead to more clank and buzz. Also as stated, the setup needs to change when going lighter. The setup used for a heavier set of strings will clank more with light gauge strings than a proper setup with light gauge strings.

[mongo2]

Adjust your setup and/or technique.

[dmusic148]

More relief, and higher action worked for me.

[JimmyM]

+1, plus it'll make them sound heavier to raise them a tad.

[NickInMesa]

Don't want to sound like a prick, but the question is: can a lighter gauge cause excessive clicking.

Not do I need to get my bass setup and do I need to change my technique.

As I said, it has been set up professionally for this gauge.

And I don't have this issue with heavier gauge.

But kind thanks for the answers, I appreciate the willingness to help.

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

Typically a lower gauge string will have less tension and larger envelope of movement. This can lead to more clank and buzz. Also as stated, the setup needs to change when going lighter. The setup used for a heavier set of strings will clank more with light gauge strings than a proper setup with light gauge strings.

I guess this is one answer in this direction, but was wondering if others may disagree on this.

[JimmyM]

wow dude, try to help a guy and it bites you on the ass. ok, i'm done here. so long and thanks for all the fish.

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

wow dude, try to help a guy and it bites you on the ass. ok, i'm done here. so long and thanks for all the fish.

Are you okay?

Will you survive me saying thank you for the help and being nice to you?

The question is not about setup, that's under control. I like my action low, and it seems that lighter gauge is not exactly the best idea for low action.

Are you sure you will survive?

I'd shake your hand and pat you on the back if you were here, then give you a hug, how 'bout that, feeling better?

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Don't want to sound like a prick, but the question is: can a lighter gauge cause excessive clicking.

Not by themselves.

Setup, the players touch/technique, and the string tension/gauge work together. There's no such thing as being "setup properly for the gauge" but there is such a thing as being "set up properly for the player's techique with a particular set of strings"

The answer you seek is already in this thread.

[Jaco who?]

+1, no one who's been there can truthfully answer your question without qualifying it by mentioning possible changes to truss rod, string height, and, yes, maybe even technique.

[fretlessguy]

When I made my switch from medium to light gauge, I had the same problem. I was just flat being to heavy handed in my playing, causing the same effects you have. Beside lightning up, I raised the strings just slightly.

[Rumblin' Man]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Don't want to sound like a prick,

You failed.

The answers here are correct. Whether you want to solve the problem or not is up to you now.

[eyecandy]

it would cause excessive clicking if you play hard... light gauges are for those who love to slap and pop and with a delicate touch.. if you play with a pick well this gauge aren't for you...

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by Rumblin' Man

You failed.

The answers here are correct. Whether you want to solve the problem or not is up to you now.

I 100% know the answers are correct.

Setup, string height and technique were corrected, as mentioned in my OP.

But there is a limit in what setup, string height and technique can correct.

Originally Posted by eyecandy

it would cause excessive clicking if you play hard... light gauges are for those who love to slap and pop and with a delicate touch.. if you play with a pick well this gauge aren't for you...

If you are a heavy handed fast player as I am, light gauge is likely to be excluded. I don't pop nor slap.

Sorry if folks are getting their feelings hurt so easily.

Do I have to add the picture of a kitten?

[Jaco who?]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

If you are a heavy handed fast player as I am, light gauge is likely to be excluded. I don't pop nor slap.

Sorry if folks are getting their feelings hurt so easily.

Do I have to add the picture of a kitten?

Well, no hurt feelings here, but if you knew they're not for you to begin with, why did you ask?

[Febs]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Sorry if folks are getting their feelings hurt so easily.

Seems like the only person getting his feelings hurt is you.

[electracoyote]

If you're heavy-handed and can't lighten your touch, and unwilling to raise the action high enough to alleviate the noise, .40-.95 may not be the right gauge for you. If you're confident that the set-up to accomodate the new gauge is not the problem, you may have no choice but to bump it up to at least .45-.100.

I would also advise you work on your touch and develop a variety of dynamics into your playing. A lighter touch comes in real handy sometimes.

I also question how much hand relief you're going to get over the course of a typical gig with a lighter gauge. It would have to be marginal at best. I think with 100's and a good set up, your hands are going to feel pretty close to the same at the end of the show as they would with 90s.

Then comes the question of what you sacrifice in tone with an ultra-light gauge, and how you're going to make that up in your signal chain.

Light gauge set-ups take a lot of patience and adjustment in configuration and technique. There's a learning curve for sure. I guess it was just never worth the potential benefits to me.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

But there is a limit in what setup, string height and technique can correct.

No there isn't IME.

If the strings are causing a lot of clicking, it's you and your setup/technique, not the strings. If you get clicking with a light gauge and don't want to change your setup or technique, go back to a heavier gauge.

[Ric5]

I have noticed that flats can really contribute to clicking.