Should funk strings be heavier?

Pbassred · #1 04-02-2006, 04:25 AM

Been playing RnB and Reggae, but now playing with a 70s/80s covers band. A fair amount of pop and slap. Using a 5 sting Yamaha active.

What are the advantages of heavier/lighter sets?

Peter McFerrin · #2 04-02-2006, 04:38 AM

Heavier sets are harder to slap and pop but stay in tune more easily, have higher output, and just feel more...manly.

I switched to 50-135 Foderas on my bass since I rarely slap anymore, and it sounds amazing. When I do bust out the ol' thumb, I can't get much speed--the string doesn't have much bounce to it--but boy howdy does it sound good.

flatwoundfender · #3 04-02-2006, 04:42 AM

Heavier sets have balls, I really can't stand the sound of light gauge strings, to much like a guitar and not like a bass. Unless you're doing a bunch of slapping, I'd go with a heavier set. It depends on the style funk also, early 70's stuff was probably heavy flats, later 70's and 80's was more likely to be light gauge rounds.

Moo · #4 04-03-2006, 02:02 AM

The old Rotosound Funk Masters were 30 - 90, super light. Mark King played them, I think Geddy did too for a while. I like the soft bouncy feel they have, some hate it.

fuNKmaster83 · #5 04-03-2006, 04:41 AM

I slap a lot and i have tryed heavy string 50-110 on my 4 string! It was not as i expected! Heavy string are very good when you do finger style or thumb.... but for slaping 45-105 is the fatest you can go. If there was a posibility of custom sets i gues a set of mediums 45-105 with added 110 E string would work awesome for ALL ROUND FUNK APLICATIONS!!!

markjazzbassist · #6 04-07-2006, 02:39 PM

i play d'addario nickel strings which have .50, .70, .85, .105 gauges. The d and g strings are heaver than the normal set which i like because it gives me more of a punch. I don't slap i just play finger funk. I don't see myself every going down in string gauges. I could see myself going up to the heavy gauge, but not in the near future.

good luck

Easy Rider · #7 04-11-2006, 03:45 PM

My personal preference now is a 40-95 set.
I did start out on 45-105, as its easier to get a funky tone out of a thicker gauge. But for slapping/popping it's real tiresome, especially if you want to put some speed into it.
So I moved to a lighter gauge and after getting used to it I sound just as funky, but are more comfortable (my shoulder thanks me) and can be speedy at the same time. A lot of funk comes from the fingers, don't forget.
Listen to Stuart Zender (ex-Jamiroquai), he played light gauge strings as well and man... his tone is hella phat and he sure is funky!

Of course, to each his own, and the best solution: having more than one bass! :P