Heavy Gauge String Player Thread

Problemchild · #1 06-20-2012, 07:48 PM

I prefer heavy gauge strings 45/50-110, DR rounds on the "P" and Labella Fs on the fretless "J".

Who are the Heavy Gauge String Players on this board ?

Please Post !

Is a Heavy Gauge String Player Club in order ?

PC

musicman666 · #2 06-21-2012, 02:00 PM

Well I play 105-45..so I think that is a medium gauge...guess that means I can't join the future club....damn.

musicman666 · #3 06-21-2012, 02:01 PM

I do like the tone from heavier gauge strings...just not the tension.

JimmyM · #4 06-21-2012, 09:51 PM

I use as heavy as 40-100, though most are 40-95. Some people don't consider that heavy but it is compared to 30-75.

Luckydog · #5 06-21-2012, 11:08 PM

Used the jamersons for a short time about 14-15 years ago. Never had a huger sound. But i could see my fender necks turning into boomerangs, and my hands didnt like 3 hour gigs with them.

jaywa · #6 06-22-2012, 07:14 AM

Back when I still played roundwounds I rocked my 78 Precision with Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.110 E IIRC). I really liked the heavier gauge cause I play in drop D a lot and it keeps those low notes a little tighter.

When I switched to flats I dropped back a notch in gauge simply cause of what my local store had in stock but I may go back up the .110 if I can find a set that heavy.

Generally when I'm playing a lot and my chops are up, I like the heavier gauge but if I fall out of playing shape they can be a bit of a challenge.

pacojas · #7 06-22-2012, 07:19 AM

tried it once. installed them right before a gig...

i bled!

GK Growl · #8 06-22-2012, 10:18 AM

I'll chime in here. Not sure if I count being that my current string choice is DR Hi Beams but I use the heavy gauge 110-50. Hi Beams are more flexible than most so it may be comparable to a medium gauge. On top of that, I tune down 1/2 step flat and drop the E string to D flat at times.

**Unprofessional** · #9 06-22-2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

Back when I still played roundwounds I rocked my 78 Precision with Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.110 E IIRC)

I use the same on my '89 MIJ P-Bass which is set up to be played while tuned 1/2 step down.
Personally, I would think twice about heavy gauge strings on a J-Bass or J-style bass. I stick to medium gauges on my '76 J-Bass. I don't want to pull that delicate neck too hard.

mattj1stc · #10 06-22-2012, 10:39 AM

I use D'Addario Rounds at 45-65-85-105-145 on my Lakland 55-64, which has a 35" scale. Tension is relatively high and balanced string to string. In terms of tension, similar to the 4 string set of Jamerson flats on a regular 34" scale precision. In terms of tone, similar to Live at Leeds. I really dig in (not sure why, but I do) and play back near the bridge, so I really love high tension

c_maj · #11 06-22-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Problemchild

I prefer heavy gauge strings 45/50-110, DR rounds on the "P" and Labella Fs on the fretless "J".

Who are the Heavy Gauge String Players on this board ?

Please Post !

Is a Heavy Gauge String Player Club in order ?

PC

Count me in.

I recently switched to 50/110 (Ernie Ball) on my Ibanez and I'm loving it! I drop tune (CGDA) and having the heavier gauge took up some of the slack AND boosted the sound.

My only regret is that I wish I had thought to do this sooner.

Geroi Asfalta · #12 06-22-2012, 03:23 PM

I use 45-110 DRs, but I don't consider that very heavy. The heaviest I've used were 50-110 Roto flats.

astack · #13 06-28-2012, 03:33 PM

Wow, what a sad response so far...

Been at .110's for 6+ yrs. Roto 77's, 66's, Ernie Ball only in a pinch, Steve Harris custom once (too blah), trying Hi Beams now - jury's still out on 'em. Oh and finally tried La Bellas... WOW.

I like the tension closer to URB and I use pretty high action. It all forces me to keep it simple and allows me to really dig in.

Jools4001 · #14 06-28-2012, 03:41 PM

I use 45-105's on my Ric which is tuned EADG and 50-110 on my Epi T-Bird which is tuned down a half step. I used 40-100's for standard for years but I like the heavier guage and tension so I'm think of going heavier on both basses

slobake · #15 06-28-2012, 05:54 PM

I love my GHS 55-105 flats on my 50's classic Precision. Had to straighten the neck after I put them on though.

Savage_Dreams · #16 06-28-2012, 06:14 PM

i use a custom gauge set. 115, 90, 65, 40. 1/2 step down to Eb. if i do tune standard though i dont change gauge. i cant stand lose floppy E or A strings. this set seems to be the best balanced tension feel for me.

TheBasicBassist · #17 06-28-2012, 07:11 PM

On my 5-string Smith, and form F-Bass, I used a .135 set of D'addarrio. Though on my 4-string basses I hang in the 35-40 range.

Pilgrim · #18 06-28-2012, 07:32 PM

Cool deal for you heavy gauge players. Rock on, and may your fingers never flinch!

I tried Jamersons and took them off the next day. Not for me. Back to the light gauge .043-.104 Labellas.

Shoewreck · #19 06-29-2012, 04:59 AM

.041-.086 standard tuning. Seems like I'm in a wrong thread.

LemmyLicious · #20 06-29-2012, 05:29 AM

I use a slightly unorthodox set of 75-130 (tuned A#D#G#C#) with A# as a roundwound and the rest flat (only use the first string as support for pickin' the D# so didn't bother getting an individual A# string to go with the Steve Harris custom set).

Basic stuff for half-step down, just that the set is effing heavy for a 4-string, being the first four strings of a 5'ver set.