.100 or .105 for tighter sounding E string?

[BrandonBass]

Some people claim that 100. will sound less tight, since its got less sting tension while others claim that 105. will sound more boomy because its well..thicker.

SO whats the truth?

 

[seanm]

Given the same strings, the 105 will be tighter than the 100. The second part of the question is way too subjective to answer. IMHO, a boomy sound is more a problem with the room than strings.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Considering the same manufacturer and string construction type, the lighter gauge is more free to move, emphasizing the fundamental. Since clarity and "tightness" are usually associated with the upper mids, it's the heavier gauge that you want.

 

[JimmyM]

If you could reliably tell the difference between a 100 and a 105 E of the same make in a blind listening test, then you would have the greatest hearing in the history of the world.

 

[WilliamSandoval]

I've always found the .105's to be fuller sounding.

.100's are like a 5' 2" 98 lbs 18 year old NFL Linebacker. It just isn't right. I don't know if it's too wimpy, or what....

 

[WilliamSandoval]

If you could reliably tell the difference between a 100 and a 105 E of the same make in a blind listening test, then you would have the greatest hearing in the history of the world.

You know you have 52,000 posts right?

 

[madmatt]

I can tell the difference with Ernie Balls. The Regular Slinky set is a lot meatier than the Super Slinky set. And the only difference is .005 added to each string.

 

[JimmyM]

You know you have 52,000 posts right?

Most of them are short.

 

[soulman969]

Which sound/play better to you? You're only one who'll know the difference trust me.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

If you want to compare String brand A .100 to String brand A .105... then it SHOULD be the .105 feels tighter and most likely will sound fuller and beefier...

Comparing String brand A .100 to String brand B .105... Not a fair comparison...

Comparing .100 on instrument A and a .105 on instrument B... Not a fair comparison...

FWIW...

 

[mmbongo]

If you want to compare String brand A .100 to String brand A .105... then it SHOULD be the .105 feels tighter and most likely will sound fuller and beefier...

Comparing String brand A .100 to String brand B .105... Not a fair comparison...

Comparing .100 on instrument A and a .105 on instrument B... Not a fair comparison...

FWIW...

This.

And I generally like the snappiness of the .100 better.

 

[Sleeq]

I prefer .100; feels less floppy to me.

 

[Limeman]

IMO/IME: When I play a lot of slap/pop and/or chords on my bass, then the lower gauge .100 (and an .080 for the A string) suits me better. When I use a more aggressive finger or pick-style in my playing, I find the .105 better suited (.045, .065, .085 and .105 are my favorite over-all 4-string gauges). Try them both. See what feels and sounds best to YOU. That is the only way to ultimately judge.

 

[Tom Howland]

I prefer 105-85-65-45. do no if it sounds better.
Just use to that gauge, it feels like home.

 

[ixlramp]

Truth is ... 105 will be tighter sounding because it is tighter.