Whats the best string guage for a low A

[waytoodeep03]

Topic

[StonewallValent]

Originally Posted by waytoodeep03

Topic

A0, Like for a fiver? I'd suggest the higher gauge five string sets. Maybe .130?

[TortillaChip520]

Those cables they use to hold up suspension bridges.

[fuNKmaster83]

in my experience it all depends on the bass and your preferences... for some it might be 130 for others 140 and there are some like my friend that uses 150

for my new project that i have build 130 was adequate even at low A but i will go and try 135 and 140 next time...

[Rick Auricchio]

You need to choose a string that fits the nut slot, or else you'll have to rework the slot. After doing so, you may have difficulty going back to a narrower gauge; it may rattle in the large slot.

Try different string brands to see which works best. They perform differently.

There are three things that determine the sound of a string: length, tension, and mass. Longer length (how about a 35" scale bass?), looser tension, and higher mass. Using a thick string will increase mass, but it may not help with tension. And you can't change scale length without changing instruments.

You also don't say what you're using for pickups, amplifier, and speakers. It isn't all about the strings.

[FunkMetalBass]

Shouldn't this be in the Strings subforum?

Also, I'd probably use nothing smaller than a .145.

[pejsaboy]

Are we talking low A directly under the standard B on a Five string? If so, I can't imagine needing anything other than a standard B string; something between a .125 and .135 should do it.

Now if you're thinking a whole octave lower than that... yeah, probably the suspension bridge cable

[ixlramp]

Standard B strings are already at a minimum practical tension, this is the nature of standard sets. Dropping to A reduces tension to 80% of it's former value, and these thick strings have a lot of momentum and therefore are prone to flopping about with a flabby sound. It's essential to up the gauge. I was tuned to A0 for a few years and discovered that a .145 was essential, it really helped the tone. The string was in fact only just tight enough for good tone. I used D'Addario prosteel .145, excellent flexible strings.

So, at least .145.

[knuckle_head]

If you like a .100 for E consider .150 for A.

If you like a .106 for E consider .158 for A.

At A a .142 pulls less tension than a .130 does at B.

[Eater_of_Birds]

knuckle head always sorts these queries out ^ ^ i may cheekily pm you about getting a couple of circle K sets in the near future.

[80'sRocker]

whichever one you decide to put on it

[waytoodeep03]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

If you like a .100 for E consider .150 for A.

If you like a .106 for E consider .158 for A.

At A a .142 pulls less tension than a .130 does at B.

Awesome.

Who sells a .158?

[ixlramp]

Circle K Strings, their website is offline this weekend for upkeep. They sell singles from .008 to .254.