Sensitive strings

[metalx224]

I'm looking for some strings that are good for tapping on a bass. Anyone have any good ideas? I have an Ibanez.

[ixlramp]

I tap more than any other technique. My experience is that flexible strings help, I find D'Addario ProSteels and XL nickels very flexible. I find it helps if the tension is equal on each string or even falls towards the highest pitch string, since the higher pitch strings are inherently more difficult to tap. I would therefore recommend a 'tension balanced' set or a custom set of singles chosen for falling tension.

[Dead Boy]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

D'Addario ProSteels and XL nickels very flexible.

which gauges do you find work best?

[ixlramp]

Well I like ultra light tension (almost as low as a guitar) so I doubt my choice would suit others, also I don't tune in fourths.

However for the average bass player tuned BEADGC I would suggest an approximate starting point of 130 95 70 50 35 25, this should have a consistent string-by-string fall in tension from B to C.

But then it's down to personal preference and a balance with other techniques. Tapping benefits from low action and loose strings, but this means your other techniques have to be more gentle to avoid fretbuzz. I guess the only thing i could say for definate is:
1. Buy or construct a tension balanced set or a falling tension set.
2. Use the lowest tension you are comfortable with.

[darkstorm]

Going off of what ixlramp is saying about light tension being best, you might also try Dean Markley blue steel Theyre a little bit lighter tension then rotosound swing66 and dr neons which to me are medium tension. For same gauge string sets.

[knuckle_head]

[ixlramp]

Oh yeah I should mention that Circle K Strings sell balanced tension sets and apparently the strings are very flexible.

[grendle]

I never got that technical with strings for tapping. My favs for that were always ken smith's in ultra light I believe. They had a good even tone and weren't too slinky, tension was good. They didn't get the wierd off harmonics either like some do. Just my .02