Lower Action - Heavier Or Lighter Guage Strings?

[BassGod]

So, I'm using EB Hybrids on my Sterling right now, and I'm not satisfied with the action on the E string. It's a bit too high. It's a 105.

Could I acheive a lower action with a lighter guage E string? Or would a heavier guage work better?

Graeme

[Minger]

Technically, probably lower guage string because of less tension.

However, I'm not sure this is the best way to do it.

[sunbeast]

I find higher tension strings are better for low action, as they are less prone to buzzing. The only thing you have to worry about is if your neck/ truss rod can handle the higher tension well. 105 is a pretty standard E string though, so you probably ought to just adjust the action of the E string or tighten the truss rod a bit (if the neck has too much bow to it)- have you tried that yet?
Karl

[BassGod]

I'm actually starting to think my nut needs to be cut lower or something. The action is at 3/32" right now, and I'm getting quite a bit of buzz when I dig in even a little bit. The neck has slightly less than a credit card's width in relief.

Graeme

[Figjam]

heavier gauge. You'll have to tighten your truss rod, but they have a smaller range of motion= less buzz.

[PilbaraBass]

Originally Posted by Figjam

heavier gauge. You'll have to tighten your truss rod, but they have a smaller range of motion= less buzz.

+1...

If you want to achieve really low action, you either have to develop a lighter touch or put more tension in your strings (heavier gauge), or a combination of both.

Heavier gauge also means that drop tunings are more practical.

[SherpaKahn]

Originally Posted by BassGod

I'm actually starting to think my nut needs to be cut lower or something. The action is at 3/32" right now, and I'm getting quite a bit of buzz when I dig in even a little bit. The neck has slightly less than a credit card's width in relief.

Graeme

The bottom of the grooves in your nut don't need to be any taller than your frets. Also, the nut does nothing when you're fretting a note, so try playing while fretting and while leaving the string open to see if you should lower your nut.

-Stephen

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

+1...

If you want to achieve really low action, you either have to develop a lighter touch or put more tension in your strings (heavier gauge), or a combination of both.

Heavier gauge also means that drop tunings are more practical.

+1

exactly. i play heavier gauge and enjoy it.