Do heavier strings REALLY mean more tone?

[TimWilson]

I've used lights forever and I'm considering going heavier, but first, I want to hear from others who have done the same and proved (at least to themselves) that the old saying is true.

I mean, it comes down to a few millimeters... Can there really be a measurable difference in tone just by adding a bit more weight to the string? A difference that can't be just as easily made up at the volume knob on my amp?

I guess the cost of a set of strings is worth the research, but I wanna hear from the club. Who's made the switch and what did you hear?

[bongomania]

Heavier strings means more mass at the midpoint, which means a wider swing but quicker damping of the vibration.

So (in a perfect theoretical world) with heavier strings you'd get more punch but less sustain. Whether there is more "tone" depends on your interpretation of the idea of tone. And of course the whole punch vs. sustain thing I describe there is heavily dependent on the actual design/manufacture of the specific strings.

[EagleMoon]

I find heavier strings to be more "thumpy" with less definition. I much prefer lighter strings for the clarity of tone.

[Lokire]

In my way of thinking, lighter strings give you less tension which equals less overtones and more fundamental tone, which equals 'bigger' tone. Works for me

[dmusic148]

In theory you do get a more clear fundamental with lighter strings.
But I can't tell the difference-except maybe in the higher positions.
I like 45-105's generally-40-95's just don't 'feel' right to me.
Tried 45-100 for awhile but the E would get too loose with the Hipshot to D.
For dropped tuning I have a bass set up with 50-110's-works for me.
Guys like Billy Sheehan just run a heavy E to avoid Hipshot floppiness.
Do you feel your sound is lacking somehow? Victor Wooten runs light gauges and I doubt anyone would say his tone is weak.
I suppose it's a really personal thing-I use gauges that make my bass 'feel' right-the 'sound' comes from your hands I think.

[Lokire]

I play TI Jazz Rounds which are about the lightest string set out there (that I know of). .89 E

I don't feel that they're lacking in any way. They're perfect for me. Wouldn't dream of playing anything else now. Maybe for slap stuff it would be better to have more string tension, but I don't do any slap.

And they sound something like this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4yuNbnivsA

[Smallmouth_Bass]

No. It's more complicated than that. There are several factors that make a difference including, string design, materials, the instrument, etc...

[JimmyM]

I've done a lot of experimenting, and I decided to go with .040-.095 because I can play better with a lighter string. I'd probably go .035-.090 if D'addario made a 2-pack set for cheap. I did that set for a while and loved it.

[TimWilson]

I'm asking now because I changed primary basses: I never considered switching to heavier strings until i got my Kubicki recently. The Kubicki uses a 32" scale A D and G string—The E is 'capoed' with the Kubicki extender at 32", but releases to a 36" D. Light strings PLUS a slightly shorter scale have me wondering if it's time to go regular scale, or maybe even heavy...

[Tbirdbassist]

I've only experimented with heavier E strings. Heaviest being a .125 B string for standard, DADG and BADG (rarely).

The heavier the string the bigger it sounds for sure, but there is a slight sacrifice of sustain on the fretted notes.


My A, D, and G are standard at .85, .65 and .45 respectively. I've thought about going a custom set and making them a bit heavier to maybe .88, .68 and .48, for more punch out of them, but that's something I can EQ in without changing my tone much so I'll save it for "if I have the extra cash".


I also thought about getting the other strings heavier because I basically bet the crap out of my strings when I play. I'm a pretty aggressive finger and pick player (I manage to break strings long before they are close to being dead...). But then I think the strings twanging off the board are part of my sound... and the idea leaves again.

On my fretless (MIM Jazz with Nordie NJ4's) I have a standard set of DR Hi Beams .105-.45 and am happy with it but want to start using a .110 or .112 E since I slap on this bass a lot (more than my fretted, I'll explain why in few...) and once had a GHS .115 and LOVED how the notes hit.

On my fretted (Peavey T-40), I have a (again, DR Hi Beam).125 E with .85-45. for the rest. This bass mainly see's pick and finger style us. Slapping is awkward/difficult due to the pickup placement. It's already a fat sounding bass and the .125 just enhances it. It compliments the near 3mm pick and heavy strike I use well.



If you want to hear them recorded, go here: www.myspace.com/thecelltheorem

[Oric]

I like the tone of heavier strings with my playing. Of course, V-Woot gets excellent tone and uses light gauge strings, but his playing style is a whole lot easier with light gauge.

[TimWilson]

Has anyone used HEAVY gauge strings?

[JimmyM]

For about a day. Hated it.

[son_of_mogh]

I use GHS Boomers .050 - .115. I love it. My bass is a G&L L-2000, so the house would have shook anyway. I don't seem to notice a big loss of sustain for my playing. It's just what I like. I'm a strict finger player, some slapping, some pick. Nothing very flashy.

[Lesfunk]

Originally Posted by TimWilson

Has anyone used HEAVY gauge strings?

Back when I was young and strong (and playing 30 gigs a month), I used 50-110 gauge and raised my action so I'd get more resistance. the tone and volume were big.
nowadays I just use 45-105 w/ med-low action

[greenboy]

I'm currently using D'Addario XL in:

C: 028 gtr
G: 038 gtr
D: 050
A: 065
E: 090
B: 120 tapered

I've used even lighter, and heavier up to standard 45-65-85-105 sets with various added high C and low B strings.

With the right pickups (currently Q-Tuners) and rig these sound as fat and loud as all getout, and have more sustained midrange and upper overtones.

Experiment by detuning higher pitched skinnier strings on your bass a fourth and play the same notes on your fatter, lower pitched strings. You might find your ideal gauges somewhere between the two extremes.

[TimWilson]

Cool. Thanks, fellers... I took all my Markley light sets back to the store and exchanged 'em for DR Lo_riders in 45-105... Sunday band practice is the test...