High C thicker than 0.30?

[eunchang]

Hi everyone.

I have a 32" 5 string bass with high C. I have been using 0.30 gauge for high C. With my shorter scale, it feels just too supple. Out of curiosity, I tried light gauge regular 5 strings(0.40-1.20) tuned up to E to C. My bass neck can handle the extra tension; my hands can't. Sounds much better though.

So I am looking for a string around 0.35-ish. Or a set 0.35-115 or so. Any ideas? I already checked DR, GHS, D'addario website but no luck.

Your inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks.


Eun-Chang

[Darkstrike]

I use a 0.35 G string off of a guitar, works perfectly.

[Bass Below]

How about this set http://www.juststrings.com/lab-760rx-m.html with this single added http://www.juststrings.com/lab-dtb120.html

The .120 is not medium scale, but you can make do with it I'm sure.

[eunchang]

Thank you both.

I think what I need to do is finding an online seller that charges reasonable S&H. Juststrings.com charges $35 for international shipping.

[ProfessorString]

You might consider looking at some piccolo bass strings. Folks like Brian Bromberg have had great success using piccolo sets for the upper registers. If you are looking to get a deeper punch from the smaller gauge, you might want to avoid strings with a hexcore and go with a solid core, or abrasion core.

-Prof

[eunchang]

Hi Prof, thanks for your input.

I didn't consider piccolo strings, however aren't they smaller in diameter compared to regular strings to be tuned up an octave? I just don't know so if I am wrong, please correct me.

I have been using 0.30 for high C which was good, but I got to want just a little more tension from strings. My guess was some more tension may be able to bring out more sustain and overtones from my 32" scale bass. Not just the sound, but the taut feel I need. Do you think solid core with same diameter can do this job? Please share your experience with me.

[santucci218]

Originally Posted by eunchang

Hi everyone.

I have a 32" 5 string bass with high C. I have been using 0.30 gauge for high C. With my shorter scale, it feels just too supple. Out of curiosity, I tried light gauge regular 5 strings(0.40-1.20) tuned up to E to C. My bass neck can handle the extra tension; my hands can't. Sounds much better though.

So I am looking for a string around 0.35-ish. Or a set 0.35-115 or so. Any ideas? I already checked DR, GHS, D'addario website but no luck.

Your inputs will be much appreciated. Thanks.


Eun-Chang

just so you know...it would be .030

...just so you know....

[ProfessorString]

Yes. Since you have a smaller scale length, they might work for your set-up. A .030 gauge would have about 55lbs tension on a 35" scale tuned up to a C. It might tune up to something more comfortable on your 32" scale. It's going to be subjective on your part.

This should probably be on a different thread, but....
The hexcore has presented a bunch of problems for bassists wanting punch from smaller gauge strings. Hex works good on the shorter 24.75" standard guitar scale length. But add an extra 10" to the scale for basses, and the loss of string mass from the hex shape makes for a thinner sound on the lighter gauges. The hex design was developed 40 years ago and was not intended for extended range basses and drop tuned guitars. Getting a string with greater core mass, might give you the tension and punch you are probably seeking.

FYI, In recent years we have been winding with heavier "tuned" abrasion cores to get the punch and tuning stability needed in the lighter gauge bass strings and piccolo sets. Here is a short 90sec vid about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGpLxbLQXQ0

Hope some of that helps.

Cheers!
-Prof