Which gauge should I use?

[harry manback]

Hey. I searched this on the FAQ but found nothing that really answered my question, so here it is...

I have this 4 string short scale bass... an Ampeg Dan Armstrong that I love using live for its look, and I need some new strings... In the band (alternative rock) we tune half step down... so should I use the "standard" .40-.95 set or should I go with a heavier gauge?
Sorry I'm kind of a noob in set-ups and stuff.

[didier]

If you like the feel of what you have on the bass now then probably the best thing you can do is get the same strings. You might need to bring the bass or at least the strings with you to a shop and ask someone to help you figure what you have, both gauge and type, maybe even the brand.

Preferences and reccomendations for strings (type, gauge, etc) will be all over the place. I would prefer a heavier set than what you're talking about, especially tuned down and double especially on a short scale bass. The 40-95 would be a little loose/floppy- to me.

But it's really a to each his own thing, and there's a really wide ranges of variables to consider. I've been playing many years, and I'm still experimenting.

good luck

[alexofc69]

I wouldnt say a good set of light cauge strings are floppy.
I use DR Lo-Riders .120-.40 on my five strings. They are tighter than the DR Hi-Beams since the core is hex vs round.

Try a set of DR Lo-Rider .100-.40. Should be good on a short scale.
Probably dont want to go more than a 105-45.

[harry manback]

so, with a heavier gauge strings would be less floppy or loose? cause sometimes we drop to C and the 4th string gets way too floppy...