Question about string sound terminology + recommendation...

[jeffreybar]

I'm getting to the point in my playing (been going at it for about a year and a half now) where I'm starting to pay attention to things like strings (it's time to rhyme!). And I've had the same set of Ernie Ball roundwounds on my P-bass for around a year now and it's time to get some new ones, so I thought I'd try something different, and hopefully learn a bit in the process.

The terminology question is this: given the setup listed above, I find that I strongly prefer the sound of the E-string...to the point where I'll avoid stepping up to the A if I possibly can. The E sounds just so much more "talky" to me, and the other strings sound more "singy" -- not a quality I want. I've adjusted the crap out of the pickups, and it seems to be a quality of the strings rather than pickup height. What is the proper term for this sound? Punchy? Growly?

Knowing that that's the sound I prefer, what strings would you recommend? I'm not adverse to changing types (since I've never tried half-rounds or flats). Just trying to find something that sounds good to me and plays well to boot.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by jeffreybar

I find that I strongly prefer the sound of the E-string...to the point where I'll avoid stepping up to the A if I possibly can. The E sounds just so much more "talky" to me, and the other strings sound more "singy" -- not a quality I want.

Do you know the gauges you are using?

Most Ernie Ball roundwound sets are 'traditional tension' where the E string has the lowest tension of all the strings by a large margin. For example here are the tensions of a 'regular light' D'Addario set:

XLB045 G 0.045 42.8 pounds of tension
XLB065 D 0.065 51.3
XLB080 A 0.080 42.0
XLB100 E 0.100 36.5

So perhaps what you like about the E string is the low tension? The answer would then be to buy a 'tension balanced' set (or build such a set from singles) that has all strings the same tension as the E.

The gauges would be ...

95 70 50 35
100 75 55 40
105 80 60 45

Circle K Strings sell tension balanced 4 string sets, look for 'balanced standard' sets HERE.

[ixlramp]

What I'm thinking is that when people talk their vocal chords are usually loose and relaxed, when singing they're tight and tense, similar to strings. Low tension strings have a laid-back, warmer, relaxed sound to them.

The traditional unbalanced tension creates a change of tone across the strings. The conventional .065 D string at 50 pounds is insanely tight, while the E string is 15 pounds looser.

[jeffreybar]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Do you know the gauges you are using?

Sadly, no. I assume it's a standard tension set, and I think the E might be a .105. I only had the bass for a few months when I got them, so I pretty much got whatever the guy behind the counter said was good.

That's very interesting about the tension...that's not something I had even considered. It's probably transparent to me, since I don't have much experience with different types of strings, but I went back and played a bit, and yeah, no question the D is a heck of a lot tighter than the E. And there's no question that there's a large shift in tonal character as I move across the strings...so maybe the tension balanced set would be a good next thing to try.

Thanks for the advice and link.

(edit) Question though: why do you recommend getting .100s or lighter? If I prefer the sound of the (thick) E, wouldn't I want heavier strings rather than lighter ones? Or is there some feature of the balanced-tension set that makes lighter strings preferable?

(further edit) Think I figured this out. Lighter strings = lower tension, if I'm reading the tension chart on the Circle K site correctly. I didn't understand this before.

[JustDavid]

I'm not current on the balanced-tension topic. I'd try a set of K's but for my strong preference for 5 string Flats (admittedly a fringe market).

I find a large difference in tone between an open G, D @ 5, A @ 10, & E @ 15. I prefer the E or A voicings, & sense the OP & I are in the same boat.

To my take, someone's 2nd set of strings is a big topic. First off, don't discard the existing strings; if you try a new set & hate them, revert to the old ones.

My own advice would be to try the deepest set of Roundwounds you can, or to try a set of D'Addario Chromes Flatwounds.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by jeffreybar

Think I figured this out. Lighter strings = lower tension

Yes. For a particular open note, lower gauge = lower tension.

[JTE]

The standard EB gauges are the same as D'Addarios- Regular Slinkies are 50/70/85/105, Super Slinkies are 45/65/80/100. See if you can at least get the gauge of your E string and use D'Addario's tension lists (I know EBs used to be D'Addario strings, and suspect they still are).

John