The Funk: Is there a better guage string for The Funk?

[Russell]

Dear TalkBass Friends,
Is there a better guage string for Funk bass? I use 50-105's DR High Rider. Is thicker better than thinner guage strings? What strings do you think are best for The Funk? Thank you in advance...

[Figjam]

Hard to give an outright better gauge, to each his own. I used to funk something fierce with 35-95s, now i use 45-105s. I also think it depends on the bass and brand string.

[JimmyM]

The best gauge of strings for funk is whatever you like. I think people get too hung up on stuff like that when the important thing is just to play well.

[maurilio]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The best gauge of strings for funk is whatever you like.

+1

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I think people get too hung up on stuff like that when the important thing is just to play well.

.....mmmmm, I just wonder why artists like, Marcus Miller, Anthony Jackson, Vic Wooten, Will Lee, Randy Jackson, Bootsy, Les Claypool, just to name a few (they all have experience, technique and they play VERY well), have all different strings with different/custom gauge/manufacture.....maybe it's only "commercial"!

Mo'

[JimmyM]

Part of why they have custom string sets is because they can. And of course it's a selling point for people who worship the styles of the guys with the custom sets. But everyone's custom sets are a little different, so it's all a matter of taste. That was the point I'm trying to make...it doesn't matter what kind of strings you like...just whatever you get, play as good as you can.

[maurilio]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Part of why they have custom string sets is because they can. And of course it's a selling point for people who worship the styles of the guys with the custom sets. But everyone's custom sets are a little different, so it's all a matter of taste. That was the point I'm trying to make...it doesn't matter what kind of strings you like...just whatever you get, play as good as you can.

+1

Mo'

[Fuzzbass]

What's your definition of Funk? Muscular 60's-70's fingerstyle a la James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia, and Jerry Jemmott? Or modern zingy slap-pop a la Marcus and many others?

[pickles]

Originally Posted by Fuzzbass

What's your definition of Funk? Muscular 60's-70's fingerstyle a la James Jamerson, Rocco Prestia, and Jerry Jemmott? Or modern zingy slap-pop a la Marcus and many others?

+1!!!

For the old vibe, some flats or slightly dead, light, and flexible rounds are the call (well broken in DR high beams are great for finger funk). For slap bass which may or may not be at all funky I prefer heavy guage stiff strings with a lot of snap (such as Sadowsky stainless standard guage), and near-zero relief in the neck.

[Zebra]

For slap, I found that the set of lights I put on really gave more ease to slapping. I also found that in general I didn't like the light gauges (Well, at least EB's definition of "light".)

[Russell]

Thanks for your responces. I like what you said. The guage of string does not matter for The Funk. The question is: do I have The Funk within me? Thank you TalkBass friends.