What're Your Fretless Gauges?

[TheEmptyCell]

Curious to hear what gauges people are using on their fretless basses.

Currently, I'm using some D'addario ProSteels, .045 - .105. The action on this bass is pretty high (need to shave the nut and reseat it).

Do you prefer a heavier or lighter gauge? Which, in your experience, gives more mwah? I'm going to change to some light Sunbeams .035-.090, after I do a pot bypass on the electronics.

[Flatwound]

Lighter gauge and lower action give more mwah IME. I'm currently using GHS Infinity Steels, .044-.102 on my fretless, and they sound fine, but they may not be my ultimate string on this bass.

[bassjigga]

I like lighter gauges too. I usually use 40-60-75-95 in D'addario or DRs.

[Beefbass]

Fender 9050L's .45-.95

[Jazzin']

50-105
D'Addario Chromes. It was the only size they had at the store of the only brand which had flatwound strings.

[Mojo-Man]

I like likghter gauge for fretless.
100-80-60-40.
sometimes 95-for E string.

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by Jazzin'

50-105
D'Addario Chromes. It was the only size they had at the store of the only brand which had flatwound strings.

yeah i like higher gauge and chromes. they give it more character IMO.

[43apples]

I use 45-105's on my fretless (Ibanez RD500F). With thinner strings, it loses all of its lowend and sounds weak.

Im interested in trying a 50-105 set.

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by Erlend_G

I use 45-105's on my fretless (Ibanez RD500F). With thinner strings, it loses all of its lowend and sounds weak.

Im interested in trying a 50-105 set.

do it man you won't be disappointed. i went and have never gone back. I upsized on my fretted bass too.

[KayCee]

Usually .045, .065, .85, .105, .130 nickel D'Addario

I don't like .040 and .060 on the top as well. Too thin sounding for me.

[MysticMichael]

Currently using .040, .060, .080 & .100. That's as heavy as I'd want to go. Light-gauge strings and low action is definitely the recipe for maximum mwah...

MM