slappers and light gauge strings???

[Bijoux]

any slappers using light gauge strings?
I haven't used any light gauge strings in over 20 years. I seem to remember that they were easier to slap on, but the tone wasn't very rich and full.
Is there anyone out there that play light gauge strings and have no tone issues?
Thank you.

[Johnius]

I'm running GHS medium-lights right now, but that only means the E is .100 instead of .105. I have a pair of light guage Rotos that'll I'll be trying for the first time when the boomers wear out. I'd welcome experiences and opinions on going light.

[DWBass]

I use Mediums or Medium Lights depending on brand. Right now I have DR Marcus Miller mediums on my 4 string jazz. I tried those Funk Master strings (super lights) and found them to be horrible and thin sounding. Felt like guitar strings!

[Johnius]

Originally Posted by DWBass

I tried those Funk Master strings and found them to be horrible and thing sounding. Felt like guitar strings!

I'm a little bit afraid of that. I also love DR mediums. But I know there are many players who favor lights, Stanley being the first one who comes to mind. Also, I've seen Jauqo III-X play - he uses ultra light guage strings and he doesn't lose any low end or sound tinny.

[Chrisk-K]

I have a 030-090 set of DR Hi-Beams on my Tune bass. I gave the bass more relief (.40mm) and raised action a bit (3mm on the bass side and 2.5mm on the treble side) to avoid fret buzz. Now I know why Mark King uses 030-090 sets. It's easier to do acrobatic and stunt slapping on that bass. I don't notice any loss of bottom ends with 030-090.

[JAUQO III-X]

On my none sub contra basses my strings are always,


SIT(brand)

.110 .080 .060 .040 .030 .025.

They they are extremely flexible and I love that about them.


I lose no low end and my low end can get even heavier if I want. I have met so many bass players after a show that were shocked to see how thin my strings are. And even more in shock to find out that I was getting such defined low end with strings so light.


As the one witness has already stated in this thread.


Engineers are usually at a lost for words as well at my low end.

And my action is extremely low.



I'm an SIT strings endorser.

[crustychef]

I play medium lites. Made a world of difference in my playing. So much easier to slap and still loads of low end thunder.

[jasper383]

IME, smaller gauge strings will give you more fundamental, heavier gauges yield more harmonics.

Slapping is easier on lighter gauges. You have a bit of a trade-off.

[ixlramp]

I've been using a D'Addario Prosteel .070 for E on a 35 inch scale, it sounds fine (I have a light touch). I'm thinking it might be because they are so flexible and bright. I'm not surprised that Manring uses them as he likes to use extreme alternative tunings. So it depends on the string, I've tried other strings that sound not good tuned so loose.