Should I go lite gauge?

[Groover]

I've always used medium gauge or higher (105 for standard rounds, 109 on Labella flats for the E string) - I've always assumed the fatter the string, the better.

I'm typically playing Precision Basses, so flats, etc work well on that. I now have a '74 Jazz bass that I'm really itching to play out.

It's currently strung with Fender 7150 Pure Nickels, but I think it's choking that "Jazz" sound.

Thinking about going with light gauge (100) DR Low-Riders Nickel Plated....

Good idea? Will I lose a lot of thump going lite gauge?

I don't slap nor pick, but I do play a pretty heavy fingerstyle

Recommendations?

[WookieeForLife]

Try it. What do you got to lose. $20? Dont take other peoples opinion. Go form one of your own. Thats the thing i would do. Good luck.

[P-BASSLOVER]

Not a chance! DR Lo-Riders whether in nickel or stainless have plenty
of thump! The nickels do indeed have more though.

[fretlessguy]

I am a fingerstyle player myself. I prefer lites do to my joint problems. With the right EQing, they have plenty of thump. I also prefer nickels on my rounds. They sound really good on my P basses.

[JimmyM]

I think there's something to the sound of heavier strings. I wouldn't classify it as better or worse than light gauge, but there is a heaviness to the tone. But in the long run it really doesn't matter, so play the gauge strings you like.

[LzeroKI]

From when I started playing up until a few months ago I always thought the heavier the gauge the better, then one day I bought a set of light gauge GHS boomers because I really needed new strings, after getting used to having them on my SX Precision they have become my favorite strings, just for the shear play-ability factor, I can bend a note like hell with these strings.

However, this may not apply to everyone, so my suggestion is to try em, and if you don't like em, stick with med. gauge.

[DavePlaysBass]

I have gone back and forth. Presently I play at Church in a modern approach on traditional with a hint of Gospel. In a different seeting I play classic rock and old country. In these settings where I consider my playing to be more in pocket and supportitive, I am liking the traditional 45-105 gauges. I have played a lot of light gauge strings. For me they are great when doing virtuoso stuff. But for meat and potato pocket playing, I like the 45-105. There is a low mid punch that supports and fills the room. I have changed my mind many times regarding string preference. But this is my latest opinion.

[Dave Siff]

I play mostly on heavy strings (.054-.111 for DGCF tuning) but I've got a P-bass in that tuning with .040-.095 strings, and it is a blast to play. The sound still has plenty of balls, and those light strings really make the bass easy to fly around on.

[Mr Venus]

I love light strings - I use 35-55-70-90 Rotosounds. I have small hands, so this really helps the playability. I've never felt they lack any bottom end or punch.