How to tell gauge of strings?

NS2A · #1 11-22-2008, 12:50 PM

Ok, kind of a stupid question...

I just bought a used bass and I love the action and the strings on it. I *think* they are .40-.100, but is there a way to tell for sure?

Caliper? (Which I don't have handy).

The seller *thought* they are .45-105 Rotosound, but wasn't sure. They seem lighter, but I'm no expert.

Any ideas?

bggeezer · #2 11-22-2008, 01:26 PM

buy a set of 40-100s and compare them...Its a good idea to put some fresh strings on anyway (dermatologically speaking)

GeneralElectric · #3 11-22-2008, 02:21 PM

You'd need a calliper.

Do you have a picture of the string? If its got red silk, its a Rotosound, dunno about the gauge.

JustDavid · #4 11-22-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

If its got red silk, its a Rotosound,

Or Thomastik Infeld.

Mr_Sore_Fingerz · #5 11-22-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Or Thomastik Infeld.

I think GHS Bass Boomers do as well actually lol

NS2A · #6 11-22-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

You'd need a calliper.

Do you have a picture of the string? If its got red silk, its a Rotosound, dunno about the gauge.

It does not have red silk. Just plain string at both ends. I didn't realize Rotosound has red silk as I've never purchased them before.

Not to make a bid deal out of this, its just everything is perfect on the bass (action, tone, playability) I don't want to mess with karma.

Oren Hudson · #7 11-22-2008, 07:35 PM

Don't want to rain on your parade, but I've found that sometimes, just changing strings, even with the exact same brand and size, adjustments need to be made after changing. It'll drive you crazy. Not always, but sometimes. The worst one I've ever had the experience with is my '82 Jetglo Ric. I had to do nearly a complete set-up when I changed the strings. BTW, the 45s will be lighter and are my preference on all of my basses.

JustDavid · #8 11-23-2008, 07:15 AM

Hopefully that's rare, but it never hurts to check the setup after a string change. Nor every now & then, especially if you restring rarely.

Charles Obscure · #9 11-23-2008, 07:46 AM

Get one of these:
Digital caliper
And you'll never have to guess again. I got the 4" model when it was on sale for that price.

Guessing the brand is still up for grabs.

bertbassplayer · #10 11-23-2008, 08:04 AM

For the red silk thing... The Rotosounds I usually get don't have any silk. They are .45-105

Moondance360 · #11 11-23-2008, 08:20 AM

You need a micrometer to measure the thickness or gauge of instrument strings, measured in thousandths of an inch. Unless you work in a machine shop, the $20 variety from the local hardware store will work fine.

Pbassred · #12 02-06-2009, 03:08 AM

I have a mic that I bought as an apprentice years ago from an old guy who was retiring. It was made in 1939. That's pre-fender. Still going strong.