What guage should I use if....

BrandonBass · #1 07-02-2006, 03:01 PM

I play standard tuning and has very low action?

Im using 45-105 i think, and theres a lightly buzz when i play the e string sometimes. So Im thinking maybe I can use larger gauges....but Im wondering will they be harder to pluck or slap? thanks

Fong249 · #2 07-02-2006, 03:59 PM

Give 40-100 a shot actually. I've tried all the way up to 110 on a 4, and it gets pretty weird to play at that length.

BrandonBass · #3 07-02-2006, 04:29 PM

would 40-100 be like more flabby and cause more fret buzz?

bazzanderson · #4 07-02-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandonBass

would 40-100 be like more flabby and cause more fret buzz?

Yes it would. The heavier the guage (usually) the less string excursion which translates to less fretbuzz. I'm in the same position as you on my 5er. I just ordered a 4 string EB Power Slinkies (55,75,90,110) and I ordered a separate 135 for my B. Gonna be crazy to play but I'm looking forward to super low action with no fretbuzz.

Mottlefeeder · #5 07-02-2006, 05:04 PM

You may have already been there, but my first question has to be about what fret buzz you have.

A small amount of fret buzz that does not sound through your amplifier is the price you pay for a low action. It isn't wrong, and possibly you can hear it during solo practice, but not during performance. Check that out before you start making adjustments.

If you can hear it through your rig, then you either need to adjust the truss-rod and/or bridge height, or get tighter strings (and adjust the truss-rod).

If you want really tight strings, consider steel-cored flatwounds - because they get more metal into a given diameter, you have to run them tighter to get up to the note.

Figjam · #6 07-02-2006, 05:52 PM

I find that the gauge you are currently using usually works fine, but a slightly heavier gauge may work better for you.EB power slinkies are something to look into.

BrandonBass · #7 07-03-2006, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mottlefeeder

You may have already been there, but my first question has to be about what fret buzz you have.

A small amount of fret buzz that does not sound through your amplifier is the price you pay for a low action. It isn't wrong, and possibly you can hear it during solo practice, but not during performance. Check that out before you start making adjustments.

If you can hear it through your rig, then you either need to adjust the truss-rod and/or bridge height, or get tighter strings (and adjust the truss-rod).

If you want really tight strings, consider steel-cored flatwounds - because they get more metal into a given diameter, you have to run them tighter to get up to the note.

ic, i think my fret buzz is the first one you mentioned

EADG mx · #8 07-05-2006, 01:52 PM

Well 40-100 will have less tension and be floppy, so you
ll have to raise them. 50-110 will be thicker.. so you'll have to raise them.

I'd go standard gauge, 45-105. It works great for me.