Why do higher gauge strings sound better?

Poor Tom · #1 01-06-2010, 12:55 PM

I could be way off base here, and it might all be just subjective. Recently I have been contemplating switching to higher gauges because the low tension of my D'addario EXL220 set makes playing 16ths with muted notes mixed in a little difficult(also the mutes don't ring out to well). I had a set of EXL170 lying around so I decided to put them on my pbass. The sound is instantly better to my ears. The best way to describe the difference is that they sound more "round" or "fat". The extra tension even gives them a better sounding attack(more thump and punch). The only change here is string gauge. Same bass, amp and settings. The string brand is even the same.

So is there some sort of science to back up why heavier gauges sound better? Is what I'm hearing just in my head or have others experienced the same thing?

*Note that I play fingerstyle

Madcity Fats · #2 01-06-2010, 01:07 PM

Well, of course "better" is a relative term, but physics dictates that fatter strings will better reproduce lower frequencies which, judging from your post, is your preference. All other variables held constant, a .105 gauge E string is going to provide a bit more on the low end that a .100 gauge (or lighter).

playerunk · #3 01-06-2010, 02:05 PM

well it depends..

shape of the core and material of the wrapping also play a part.

but considering all things equal a thicker string should sound more..well..thick

MNAirHead · #4 01-06-2010, 02:16 PM

It all can be corrected by the touch, processing, amps cabinets etc..... all for folks who can't hear or care about the sub 100hz

Oraflora · #5 01-06-2010, 02:18 PM

Would there be any benefit to playing with lighter guage strings?
I use 45 - 105 mostly out of habit.

goldenglory18 · #6 01-06-2010, 02:22 PM

I just switched to 110 and a dropped C# tuning from 105's and dropped D.

My tone has never sounded better.

To answer your question.........it is all in our heads. hahaha.......

bassophile · #7 01-06-2010, 02:26 PM

It also depends on your technique. Playing lighter strings a little bit softer will give you also a bassy tone, while you increase gain to compensate.

BobaFret · #8 01-06-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oraflora

Would there be any benefit to playing with lighter guage strings?
I use 45 - 105 mostly out of habit.

I started using the 40-100 DR Low Riders last year and I like that they are easier to bend and such. It's really just easier for me to play. Haven't noticed anything sonically that I didn't like.

4-string · #9 01-06-2010, 03:02 PM

They don't.

At least not IMO, I prefer light strings by far.

Thunderthumbs73 · #10 01-06-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poor Tom

I could be way off base here, and it might all be just subjective. Recently I have been contemplating switching to higher gauges because the low tension of my D'addario EXL220 set makes playing 16ths with muted notes mixed in a little difficult(also the mutes don't ring out to well). I had a set of EXL170 lying around so I decided to put them on my pbass. The sound is instantly better to my ears. The best way to describe the difference is that they sound more "round" or "fat". The extra tension even gives them a better sounding attack(more thump and punch). The only change here is string gauge. Same bass, amp and settings. The string brand is even the same.

So is there some sort of science to back up why heavier gauges sound better? Is what I'm hearing just in my head or have others experienced the same thing?

*Note that I play fingerstyle

Do they? I think it depends on what your idea of "better" is. A subjective thing. I have a Precision bass with ultra-light gauge strings and it sounds very round, fat and punchy. it can definitely be a fingerstylin' funk machine. A lot of this has to do with the the player, the bass, and even the amp too.

4-string · #11 01-06-2010, 03:14 PM

This is all so subjective, but one thing is certain: contrary to popular belief, heavier strings do NOT have better lows.

Poor Tom · #12 01-06-2010, 03:18 PM

yeah I'm sure I am the defective piece of the puzzle. Either way, after trying the 170s for a couple of hours, I had to switch back to the 220 set. My fingers just weren't made for anything higher than 40-95 ahah. What's the point of a little added sonic power if I can't even play right. And the funny part is that when switching back to the lighter set, I don't feel like I lost anything sound-wise. I think it was just a quick case of "the grass is greener.."; Move along, nothing to see here.

Ron G · #13 01-06-2010, 03:38 PM

Victor Wooten uses 40-95 and Jeff Berlin uses 40-100.

Gab124 · #14 01-06-2010, 03:41 PM

I have been reading a lot about this lately just for my own interest. I think tone is subjective between lighter and heavier strings for sure, way too many variables there. What i have found is playability - heavier strings allow me to do more muted fast strokes because my finger slips off so fast due to tension. Lighter gauge seem to have more character and details, but I can't play them the same. Neither is better tone wise in my mind, especially considering the amount of types and brands available in for each.

JT Bass · #15 01-06-2010, 03:42 PM

Sure it makes a difference. Guitar players obsess over the difference. SRV used 13s.

irbass22 · #16 01-06-2010, 03:48 PM

well, I think that you must change them according to what playing technique you're using... for example if you slap it's better to use light strings

Diogenes · #17 01-06-2010, 03:58 PM

Actually I think lighter gauges sound better and is why I use .035-.090 on my 34" scale 4-string. That's also another reason I like playing short scale basses... lower tension than a 34" scale with comparable strings. I find the lighter gauges allow me to play more expressively and respond better to changes in technique. But in the end it's all subjective anyway.

bassophile · #18 01-06-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderthumbs73

Do they? I think it depends on what your idea of "better" is. A subjective thing. I have a Precision bass with ultra-light gauge strings and it sounds very round, fat and punchy. it can definitely be a fingerstylin' funk machine. A lot of this has to do with the the player, the bass, and even the amp too.

+1

Meatrus · #19 01-06-2010, 04:33 PM

I can only speak on my experience which is a bit limited, as I have never gone below 40-100, and only up to 50-110 (not including 5 and 6ers). But I havent noticed any difference sonically between the two. Maybe if you go super light, you may lose some bottom, but I doubt it, based on what I have used.

Lesfunk · #20 01-06-2010, 04:41 PM

When I was young, strong and gigging 25 times a month, I used 50-110 gauge and raised the action rather high because I played so hard I used to constantly fret out.
I found that my sound got bigger with a clearer fundamental. There definitely is a cause and effect relationship.
Nowadays I'm back to 45-105 with med/low action

I can't go any lighter than 40-100 without sounding pussified