M vs. ML

[9mmMike]

I am looking for some opinions/thoughts on your preference of Medium versus Medium-light strings.
Who has tried the same brand of strings in different "weights" and why did you choose one over the other?
Thanks.

[SwamiRob]

I've used all the standard Erines by now probably, other then that I haven't tried any brads of strings in other weights. with Erines I've tried 95s, 100s, 105s and 110s, but like with most strings I prefer the definition and feel of tight and wide gauge strings. Plus I play fairly aggressively, and the tension and overall weight of the strings makes for a big sound with a bit less rattle which gives a more open sound for me.

Obviously size doesn't always equate to tension however, the Roto 110s I have at the moment are very easy going on the tension front and even on the finger grating front given them being stainless, don't like the comparitively light D and G on them though.

[JTE]

Well, Medium and Medium Light vary by company. And even with the same gauges, the way the string feels under your hands and their actual tension (two very different, but related things) will vary depending on alloys, construction methods, etc.

Me, I like the way DR strings with the rounc core in 45/65/85/105 (130) sound and feel for rounds. I don't even know for sure what my flats (Lakland Joe Osborn Flats) are 'cause it's been so long since I changed any, but I think they're also in the 45/65/85/105 area.

Now, if you compare otherwise identical strings (e.g., you compare D'Adarrio XL-170 and XL-160) you can probably come to some general conclusions. Lighter strings are easier to push down to the frets, they tend to vibrate more like a string than like a bar, but the vibrate in a bigger arc which might increase the amount of relief you need. Ligther ones would be easier to bend, while heavier ones would be a bit more stable.

jte

[groovenut57]

One thing to keep in mind is different manufacturers use different terms to refer to different gauges. A "medium" gauge from one manufacturer may be "medium-light" from another, and so on.

As an example, here's the info on different nickel rounds sets from D'Addario.

EXL220 - "Super Light"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...ng_Scale_40-95

EXL190 - "Custom Light"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...g_Scale_40-100

EXL170 - "Regular Light"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...g_Scale_45-100

EXL165 - "Light Top/Medium Bottom"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...g_Scale_45-105

EXL160 - "Medium"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...g_Scale_50-105

EXL230 - "Heavy"
http://store.daddario.com/category/1...g_Scale_55-110

Confusing to say the least.

Personally, I like 45-65-85-105 for their Nickel Rounds and 40-60-80-100 for their Chromes Flats.

[SwamiRob]

One thing I always find kinda strange is alot of manufacturers seem to offer sets which they refer to as medium as their heaviest gauge or call 110s heavy medium or something odd like that.

[9mmMike]

Interesting stuff but.........

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

...
Who has tried the same brand of strings in different "weights" and why did you choose one over the other?
Thanks.

[groovenut57]

First off, my experience with strings is limited to one particular brand for the most part - D'Addario. Ever since my guitar-playing days way way back (like 25 years), I've always stuck with D'A for two basic reasons - they are relatively affordable and easy to find (just about every music store has them in stock). Otherwise, I don't claim to be an expert on strings by any stretch of the imagination.

As a relative bass newbie, I like a nice, easy action, so I have my bass set up for "medium-low" action. And my first set of D'A as my logical choice, when I acquired my first bass a couple of years ago (Fender MIM P), was their "Regular Light" set (EXL170, 45-65-80-100), which is classified by some manufacturers as "Medium-Light (ML)".

What I found about this particular set, though, was E (100) and A (80) felt quite a bit floppier compared to D (65) and G (45), to the point of E and A being too buzzy at times due to the relatively low action on my bass. That's when I decided to try their "Light Top/Medium Bottom" set (EXL165, 45-65-85-105), which incidentally is referred to as "Standard Medium (M)" by other manufacturers, and discovered these felt so much better as they seemed better-balanced tension-wise. If you were to check the actual tension guides on D'A website (refer to the links posted above), you may be able to see why the 45-105 feels more balanced than the 45-100.

Then after sticking with EXL165 (Nickel Rounds) for a couple of years, I decided I wanted to try their Chromes Flats as these seemed to be highly regarded by many TB'ers. Two considerations here; 1) flats have higher tension (linear pulling force) than rounds of comparable gauges, and 2) flats are stiffer (i.e. more resistance against the plucking force) than rounds. After some research, I learned their ECB84 set (40-60-80-100) would suit me best for their playability and overall balanced feel.

Again, I'm just a bass rookie, trying to learn as much as possible here on TB by sharing my personal experience.

[9mmMike]

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Thanks!

[groovenut57]

Originally Posted by 9mmMike

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Thanks!

Any time!