What will the difference be?

**BassIsFun17** · #1 07-12-2010, 11:27 AM

Hello everyone,

I have a question about switch string gauges.
Currently I use D'Addario Pro Steels. I love the tone they give me and they feel great to me. Right now I'm using string sizes (45, 65, 85, 105, 135). I have really been getting into slapping and tapping lately, and I feel like it will be easier to learn to apply these techniques with a little smaller strings. I was thinking of going down a size and switch to (45, 65, 80, 100, 130). In one of the bands that I frequent, some songs require me to tune my low "B" down to "A". With the string gauge I am at now, my low "B" is still pretty taught when tuned down. If I switch to a lighter gauge like this, will it make it less taught for drop "A"? If there would be problems, can it be fixed with a proper setup?

Thanks!

Meatrus · #2 07-12-2010, 02:56 PM

A lighter gauge string tuned down will be more floppy. A setup wont help with the floppyness, but the brand of strings you choose may slightly. If you pick a stiffer string like low riders etc (often incorrectly called higher tension) it will help slightly. A 130 tuned to A should be doable, but a 135 would normally be the choice to go for, especially if you play like most people who droptune do (hard!)

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Darkstrike · #3 07-12-2010, 03:00 PM

Why not go down the guage on the EADG strings, and keep the 135 B?

FunkMetalBass · #4 07-12-2010, 04:48 PM

That light gauge is worthless, IMO. You'll want the D and G strings to be lighter, as a majority of your tapping will probably be on those two strings. If possible, keep the 135 B and the 105 E. Lighten the ADG (80-60-40).

**BassIsFun17** · #5 07-13-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meatrus

A lighter gauge string tuned down will be more floppy. A setup wont help with the floppyness, but the brand of strings you choose may slightly. If you pick a stiffer string like low riders etc (often incorrectly called higher tension) it will help slightly. A 130 tuned to A should be doable, but a 135 would normally be the choice to go for, especially if you play like most people who droptune do (hard!)

.

I do play hard when I need to. Most of my playing is all about different dynamics. So with the current setup I have, I should be able to get by with whatever I want to do with techniques? What is a good set of Lo-riders to try out? I had them once before, but it was really before I actually cared about strings as much as I do now. That has just come with maturity haha