Heavy Gauge Strings bringing me down

[Afrokid]

Right now i have some pretty heavy gauge strings (ernie ball powers), on my 4 string. Im a pretty avid finger style player (infact thats the only thing i can do), so i want to expand my horizons...but im having trouble picking up other techniques...when ever i tap the notes dont sound full, and its hard to push some of the strings all the way down. Is this cus i just dont know what im doing, or is it the fact that my heavy gauge strings are making it harder for me to learn slap n ' pop and tapping?

[Cactusgrant]

You know I used to use a thunderbird with big thick strings, I never thought I could slap, I just couldn't get it. Soon as I started using a Jazz with lighter strings I felt like Les Claypool, I was a regular old slapper. So I think certain strings could hold you back from learning, as now I can slap the strings on the T-bird fine. Just one of those things I guess...

[Johnny Crab]

Originally Posted by Cactusgrant

You know I used to use a thunderbird with big thick strings, I never thought I could slap, I just couldn't get it. Soon as I started using a Jazz with lighter strings I felt like Les Claypool, I was a regular old slapper. So I think certain strings could hold you back from learning, as now I can slap the strings on the T-bird fine. Just one of those things I guess...

+1
Got a T-Bird clone with lighter-than-normal for me strings and it was a HUGE difference. Now, strings are 40-60-80-100. They used to be 45-105(or 110). Hearing/watching Victor Wooten play and checking his gauges(95 or 100 E's) also clues one in...

The other thing is if you can't or don't know how to set up your own bass, have a GOOD tech do it with your instructions. NOT a guitar tech...they can be hit or miss on bass. Talk to local players and if you hear one tech's name coming up a lot in the "good/great setup" discussion....there's your guy/gal.

[haloonpc]

Yeah, both light and heavy gauges have pros and cons. That's why I use medium gauge.

[PilbaraBass]

i was looking at some photoes of Bootsy Collins, that man uses some serious cables.

I'm currently using D'addarios XL170's 0.45 - 0.65 - 0.80 - 0.100.

I don't dig lighter gauge this...but for me, I think the perfect set would be 0.45 - 0.65 - 0.85 - 0.105 in a nickel round.

[pickles]

Lighter guages are easier to play, but you may also have a setup issue. Make sure you don't have too much relief in the neck. Heavy strings with low action make for one of the best slap feels IMO.