Using same gauge strings?

[LastSalmonMan]

Would it be possible to use say.. two .105 strings on E & A and two .085 for D & G? or another similar set up. Tuning would be standard. I'm curious here.

[T40Chump]

What would be the purpose of said stringing? Just curious because it seems that it might--just maybe--cause neck problems.

If not, you still might get a floppy feeling E and D with a tight feeling A and G. That would be weird feeling IMO.

I'm working on the assumption that string gauges vary across the neck for consistency of tension across the neck.

Maybe someone here has learned a little something from actually doing it and can chime in with some real information.

[LastSalmonMan]

I'd just be interested in seeing how it feels/sounds. I love slapping on a heavier gauge string, so if i could make them all heavier gauge I may have more fun. hah.

[JHRyan]

The gauges most companies use for their standard sets make it so that the strings vary quite a bit in tension across each string. There's been a move from companies like circle k and others to provide string sets with even tension across the strings, but it's still pretty far from the norm.

As for the OP, while your bass may be fine with stringing a .105 up to an A (provided the neck is nice and sturdy, and the nut is filed to accommodate it) the string itself may be under too much tension making it much more prone to breaking.

[T40Chump]

Originally Posted by JHRyan

The gauges most companies use for their standard sets make it so that the strings vary quite a bit in tension across each string. There's been a move from companies like circle k and others to provide string sets with even tension across the strings, but it's still pretty far from the norm.

Did not know that...thanks.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by LastSalmonMan

Would it be possible to use say.. two .105 strings on E & A and two .085 for D & G? or another similar set up. Tuning would be standard. I'm curious here.

Bad idea! The 105 A, 85 D and especially the 85 G will all be at insane tension, either the strings will break, or your bass will be damaged.

If you want to up the tension on all strings use a heavy set like 110 90 70 50, the small increase in gauge will result in a significant increase in tension.

See the daddario tension chart pdf to understand tension. Ideally, tension should be roughly equal on each string, and no higher than 60 pounds.

[LastSalmonMan]

Yeah. After attempting to get a 105 into A tuning I have determined its a terrible idea.

[ixlramp]

LOL!

For example, the .085 G is twice the normal gauge (.040-.045), so the tension will be 4 times normal tension, 148 pounds