String Gauges

[asherg33]

I may sound like a noob, but I really don't like the output of my higher strings on my 5 string ibanez sr305 (D and G strings) because I don't get enough sound out of them playing live through a PA mixer. A normal 5 stringed ibanez bass is gauged with .045 .065 .085 .105 .125 gauged strings. I may just buy some singles of strings but i was thinking of raising the D and G string gauges and leaving the rest the same, so it'd be: .050 .070 .085 .105 .125

Is there anything wrong with this? Or should I move all the strings up in size?

[TomB]

I don't think there's anything wrong with trying heavier strings, but I'm not sure what you'd accomplish, either. If by output you mean volume, then I wouldn't jump to conclude the strings are the issue. ...but maybe you didn't mean volume?

[tylerwylie]

Sounds like pickup adjustment should be tried first. If not, I'd try lower tension G and D strings.

[Jay2U]

+1 for the pickups. They should be closer under the thinner strings.
The output should be consistent with all controlls set to their neutral positions.

[asherg33]

I meant volume when I said output. And ya I've been thinking its the pickups too, but I should lower the tension on the G and D strings or do the opposite?

[Jay2U]

I would not go for fatter strings. Yes they do have a little more material moving about in the magnetic field of the pickup(s). But: A a stiffer string has less amplitude, due to more tension. So that makes more material, but less movement. I have had many brands, kinds and sizes of strings on my cheap Ibanez GSR200EX, but the output accross the board has always been fairly even.

[ksandvik]

The few times I've been to jams and I can't get any sound out from the thinner strings on my bass guitars, usually it's the amp setup where they cut out the highs as their preference.