Lighter Strings for Easier Slap/Pop???

[jokerjkny]

hey all,

i've used some pretty heavy guaged strings eversince i first picked up bass, but was wondering is it worth me going down a few guages to sweeten my slap playing?

thoughts?

[Volk]

I would think string tension would be a bigger factor than the gauge, and since you can get looser strings in regular gauge I'd try to find some floppy ones before you go and have you get a whole new nut and whatnot.

[Tony G]

I use 40-100 DR HiBeams or FatBeams on my jazz bass for slapping. The lighter gauge string has a nicer feel to me, with a tighter, more focused sound.

[pickles]

I actually prefer a heavy, stiff string and very low action for slap. I think you get a crisper feel, less string movement, and can play cleaner and faster that way.

Since I play mostly fingerstyle, i've found ways to work with a more flexible string for slap (specifically DR high beams), but if I had a strictly for slap bass, it would be near zero relief and some hex core 45-105s.