Finally tried a lighter gage.

[Mike M.]

Bought a set of Ernie Ball Super Super Slinky 5's today to try out. They didn't cost that much and I figured if I didn't like the gage I wouldn't be out that much.

Didn't know what to expect because I've never tried a gage this light before but already I'm really liking what I'm feeling. The gage is 40 60 75 95 & 125 and already I'm amazed at how I'm not fighting to play certain things. Even my attempts at slapping (which is still fairly new to me) don't sound nearly as cumbersome and as stiff as it did with the heavier strings.

I was using a 45 65 85 110 & 130 gage and about half the time it seemed like I was fighting to play most things. Granted, I'm getting older (57) and truth be known my hands aren't quite as agile as they use to be due to the physical nature of my job.

I'm glad I finally got around to trying a lighter gage! Life's too short so why struggle if you don't have to?

[JimmyM]

right. that's what i use except i use another brand. some people do like the feel of thicker strings, and that's cool. and some people like the thicker strings because they associate thick strings with thick tone, and to a certain extent they're right. but the tonal differences between the gauge you had before and what you're using now is tiny at best and can easily be compensated for with amplification.

[EZ9R]

Billy Sheehan said bass is a strength instrument and Gary Willis says it's a finesse instrument. But, they both agree that thicker or standard (105-45) is better.

I use lighter Rotosound 40-100 because they sound fatter and punchier than the 45-105. A D'Addario .40 G string feel more taught than a DR Low Rider Nickel .40 gauge G string. Just because a strings gauge is listed as such doesn't mean they'll feel the same because different string manufactures use different size string core. D'Addario does list their string tension.

When I first tried DR High Beams (45-105) in '90, they felt like light gauge strings because they use a light string core.
So IMO, lighter strings don't always = less bassier tone.

It's all about the music. If you feel you're not fighting your instrument, then stick with lighter strings.

[Mike M.]

I'm looking at it this way: It's been forever said that tone is in the fingers. Well, if I was fighting my bass to play it with thicker strings it can safely be said that my tone wasn't all that great. Already I can hear a HUGE differance because I'm not fighting to play it.

Yep, it's all about the music and what will help you achieve the best results.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by EZ9R

Billy Sheehan said bass is a strength instrument and Gary Willis says it's a finesse instrument. But, they both agree that thicker or standard (105-45) is better.

they're entitled to their opinions but neither of them are stepping up to play our basses for us. so just like you, i will continue to use what i like, as should everyone.

besides, after gary willis said that record companies are a good thing because they filter out all the crap music that people shouldn't have to listen to, he lost all credibility with me.

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by EZ9R

Billy Sheehan said bass is a strength instrument and Gary Willis says it's a finesse instrument. But, they both agree that thicker or standard (105-45) is better.

I use lighter Rotosound 40-100 because they sound fatter and punchier than the 45-105. A D'Addario .40 G string feel more taught than a DR Low Rider Nickel .40 gauge G string. Just because a strings gauge is listed as such doesn't mean they'll feel the same because different string manufactures use different size string core. D'Addario does list their string tension.

When I first tried DR High Beams (45-105) in '90, they felt like light gauge strings because they use a light string core.
So IMO, lighter strings don't always = less bassier tone.

It's all about the music. If you feel you're not fighting your instrument, then stick with lighter strings.

i've been using rotosound 66 .45-.105 for years on my rickenbacker. always thought they were tough to play but i liked the sound too much to switch. then i realized the obvious...just go down .05 on each string. now i use roto 66 .40-.100. gets basically the same tone but they're easier to play. and you're right, they are sort of punchier because you can dig in more. and for what it's worth, i remember jeff berlin saying at one point that string guage has nothing to do with getting a good, fat bass tone. it's more in your fingers and your EQ.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by Mike M.

Didn't know what to expect because I've never tried a gage this light before but already I'm really liking what I'm feeling. The gage is 40 60 75 95 & 125 and already I'm amazed at how I'm not fighting to play certain things. Even my attempts at slapping (which is still fairly new to me) don't sound nearly as cumbersome and as stiff as it did with the heavier strings.

I was using a 45 65 85 110 & 130 gage and about half the time it seemed like I was fighting to play most things. Granted, I'm getting older (57) and truth be known my hands aren't quite as agile as they use to be due to the physical nature of my job.

Holy geez Mike, I tried Labella's Jamerson set with a .110 E and THAT felt like too heavy to me!! You've been playing strings that are about as flexible as welding rod stock.

Try the Labella Deep Talkin' flats light gauge in .043-.104 and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven!

I'm 60 and my preference hasn't changed in the past 10 years or so.

[fretlessguy]

Good for you . I made the change about four years ago and haven't looked back nor regretted it. My fingers don't hurt near as much as they used to, and I think the sound is just right.

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

i've been using rotosound 66 .45-.105 for years on my rickenbacker. always thought they were tough to play but i liked the sound too much to switch. then i realized the obvious...just go down .05 on each string. now i use roto 66 .40-.100. gets basically the same tone but they're easier to play. and you're right, they are sort of punchier because you can dig in more. and for what it's worth, i remember jeff berlin saying at one point that string guage has nothing to do with getting a good, fat bass tone. it's more in your fingers and your EQ.

Jeff is right on here...I finally switched from 45-105 to 40-100..It has saved my A@@! after 35 years!!!

[alexgeddy]

Hi,

I went to 40 - 95 on my geddy lee and only thing i noticed ws the low end was cleaner not so boomy...never noticed a difference in sound anywhere else...so go for it !!