The ultimate string gauge tone checklist!

[Lorenzop]

...or almost!
Can you answer the following points then give your 2cents based on experience or why you conclude what you say: All things being equal (string type & bass) are there differences on these:

1. Fundamental:
which has more fundamental, Low or High gauge?

2. Harmonics:
which has more Low or Higher gauge?

3. Sustain:
Which has more Low / High?

4: Attack/punch:
Low or High

5: Volume (don't confuse with sustain!)
Low or High

6... You can add!

[JimmyM]

All strings are different and can't be generalized like that.

[SoVeryTired]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

All strings are different and can't be generalized like that.

Nonsense. The shiniest ones win, simple as that.

[Freez]

Hmm, interesting...I agree with Jimmy, hex core vs round core will skew the results, as will nickel vs steel, etc. but based on my limited knowledge of physics, I would think it might lean this way:

1. Fundamental:
A loose string should have more fundamental; less taughtness = less harmonic = more fundamental. Light gauge string should be looser (?). Point light gauge

2. Harmonics:
A tight string should give more harmonics. Point Heavy gauge

3. Sustain:
A loose string should sustain longer, due to less resistance. Point light gauge

4: Attack/punch:
I think this is more in the fingers than the string.

5: Volume
See #4

If some science geek can come along and enlighten me, great! My knowledge of physics comes mostly from watching Big Bang Theory!

[Lorenzop]

Ok good start.
As to Sustain, I've read (wiki) that "more mass = more sustain" like the pendulum principle ( heavier will keep swinging longer). On the other hand I think less tension also more sustain. Point is usually strings that are thicker are also more tension??

[jamersonburton]

but strings that are thinner vibrate more freely right? so shouldn't they vibrate more and in turn, produce more sustain? but then again, it requiers more force to move a higher tension (higher guage in most cases with the exeption of tapes) so by putting more force into playing the string accompanied with the increase in mass, wouldn't that have a larger impact on sustain?.... oh well.... i'm kinda crappy at this stuff.