Light Gauge Strings Adjustment

[Mikhail1]

Not for my bass, but for me! I just put a set of Daddario XL 220's on my p bass and the feel is remarkably different from the 165's I usually run. I feel very little resistance and lose my place way too easily. The only upside so far is these strings were made for slapping and popping and require very little effort. I going to keep with them and see if I improve with time. Did anyone else who made the switch to lighter strings have this problem?

[Mushroo]

Strings are the #1 most important biggest factor to the feel and sound of your bass... obviously making a drastic switch in strings is going to make a big difference! It's like switching from briefs to boxers, things are going to feel a little "loose" at first.

The obvious question is, have you properly set up your bass since changing strings? Intonation, truss rod, nut, saddle height, pickup height? If you're not comfortable doing these things yourself, take your bass to a pro for a setup.

I am a big fan of lighter-gauge strings. I enjoy having to play with a lighter touch, and yes, with practice and a good setup, you should be able to play pretty well with your 220's.

But if you try and and don't like it, go back to the 165's! It's of utmost importance that you play the strings you like, good luck!

[Mikhail1]

I can set up the bass, just haven' t bothered yet. The strings being lower tension were much closer to the neck and the intonation on the A string is a hair sharp. Still there is little string buzz unless one digs in. I guess I just have to get used to them. Its weird, my left (fretting) hand is going "nice" while the right is going " what the..." Pick playing is a different story,loads of buzz and I feel like I'm back playing guitar!

[Mushroo]

Try moving your right hand closer back toward the bridge where the strings have less "give"; sometimes that helps for me.