Are 50-105 sets more balanced sounding than 45-105 sets?

[Sandwell]

Does having a 50 and 70 with a 85 and 105 make for a more balanced sounding set? Currently got EB Hybrid Slinkys on my P Bass and thinking of trying Regulars next time.

 

[silky smoove]

You can use a tension calculator to work it out yourself. Generally the D string ends up having the highest tension, so I'd think having a heavier G and D would be less balanced in terms of measurable tension. How they sound relative to that tension may be an entirely different story.

 

[michael_t]

It all depends on the bass. And it also depends on the string sets. Strings gauges are only part of the whole equation when it comes to achieving a tonal balance on any given bass.

 

[MrAB4003]

It all depends on the bass. And it also depends on the string sets. Strings gauges are only part of the whole equation when it comes to achieving a tonal balance on any given bass.

That's right! You can't make blanket statements because there are so many factors involved.

 

[Phaidrus]

I agree with @michael_t and @MrAB4003 that one cannot generalize.

In case of the Fender 9050M (55-70-90-105) set of flats, I think it sounds more even across strings, namely between E - A and D - G.

I have also experimented with Pyramid and Dunlop flats and have replaced the D and G strings with heavier gauges from heavier sets and the result was, again, more balanced. Or so it appeared to me. At the price of, as expected, greater tension imbalance.