Light Gauge Strings

Jawbone · #1 10-05-2010, 10:57 PM

Need some recommendations for a lighter gauge bright strings. I've been using d'a xl nickel medium gauge. I've heard a lot about the dunlops are they worthy? Tried the "head light" series and don't particularly care for them. Thanks

FunkMetalBass · #2 10-05-2010, 11:10 PM

What's your price range? I'm an avid supporter of Circle K's. They are a bit more expensive than your D'Addarios, but have an incredible life and the balanced tension sets are incredibly comfortable.

m.oreilly · #3 10-05-2010, 11:21 PM

the rotosound options are a given for me, in that they go quite light while still having decent bark, and can be had cheap, while lasting a bit longer than the d'a. in fact, quite a bit longer

doktorfeelgood · #4 10-05-2010, 11:43 PM

I've been using the D'Addario EXL-220's (.40, .60, .75, .95) for about 4 months now on my modded VM P-bass and my Highway 1 J-bass and they are excellent. Tension is very minimal and plenty of brightness with good mids and plenty of bottom. Cheap, too.
You should check them out. )-(

ixlramp · #5 10-06-2010, 01:16 PM

So I assume you're using 50-105 ...

I would recommend either a Circle K Strings tension balanced set or building a tension balanced set from singles. Tension balanced sets would have these gauges:

40 55 75 100 (135)
35 50 70 95 (130)

Take a look at the tensions in D'Addario's so called 'medium' set:

XLB050 G 0.050 53.4 lbf
XLB070 D 0.070 60.1 lbf
XLB085 A 0.085 48.4 lbf
XLB105 E 0.105 40.3 lbf

25 pounds more tension on the D and G than on the E and A, and the D is 50 percent tighter than the E. Since when was 60 pounds considered 'medium'?

DR Strings · #6 10-06-2010, 01:22 PM

FWIW, you can ALWAYS make any kind of set from us using any available gauges listed on our website in the series you are looking for, even as light as a 30-90 or piccolo set. Ask you local retailer, or contact us directly. We also have some sizes not listed in our regular packaged sets, and have made many many customers very happy who are using alternate tunings or are needing something out of the norm. That includes 'balanced' sets offered by other companies.

Jawbone · #7 10-07-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

What's your price range? I'm an avid supporter of Circle K's. They are a bit more expensive than your D'Addarios, but have an incredible life and the balanced tension sets are incredibly comfortable.

Wow, never heard of these. I'm playing the .045-.105 so yea going lighter is still an option but I do like the mix and match approach.

JimmyM · #8 10-07-2010, 11:45 PM

i buy the twin packs of the d'addario xl's that go 40-95. just found them through amazon for $20 per twin pack, too! i'd go even lighter if i could find a twin pack set

PiNgtime · #9 10-14-2010, 07:51 AM

I believe i've tried that same twin pack that JimmyM referred to. What I am currently coming off of are the bright pink Ernie Ball super slinkys. http://www.amazon.com/Ernie-Ball-Sli...064235&sr=8-11

jgroh · #10 10-14-2010, 08:04 AM

Ive used both Rotosound and DR's. I really like the DR Hi Beams and the ones I ordered are the "Lite-Lite" set (40-95). I currently have some Rotosound Funkmasters on my Ric (30-90) which are really light, but I think I am going to replace those with the DR's. The DR's last longer than the RS's and dont have that rougher texture to them, plus they sound great. I found a place that I can get them for $15 (plus shipping) but its still cheaper than anywhere else Ive seen them.

TimB 619 · #11 11-25-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i buy the twin packs of the d'addario xl's that go 40-95. just found them through amazon for $20 per twin pack, too! i'd go even lighter if i could find a twin pack set

Listen to Jimmy here! He let me play his Fender P Lyte with the light D'addarios. I can assure you, there is no loss in bottom end with these strings. I was told years ago-want a fat sound, use fat strings. Guess what? Not so. All IMHO/IME of course.

smcgov · #12 11-25-2010, 10:39 AM

DR Hi-Beams 40-95.....they were recommended to me and I knew about a few minutes they were the one.

Andy_D · #13 11-26-2010, 08:03 AM

I recently bought a couple sets of Dunlop SS lights(40-60-80-100) for $10 a pack zZounds. Put a set on my VM Jazz. Wow!!! what a difference not just in tone, but I was able to lower my action considerably. Previously I had a set of Dean Markley Limited Nickels on there (purchased in Singapore) that sounded like complete crap. I was even considering selling the bass because the tone and action sucked so bad. I was also getting lots of weird overtones on the higher frets, and buzzing on the lower frets.

Has anyone else had such a dramatic change in tone AND playability from a mere string change. I mean I expect better tone from fresh strings but was completely blown away at the degree of tone improvement and never though that changing strings could result in such a dramatic improvement in action and overall playability.