C, G, C, F what gauge?

[pd1134]

I currently use 110-50 but i keep reading around here that a lot of you use 110 as a thicker D string. I use a Jazz bass and was just wondering what gauge i should use to get an optimal sound. I tune in C, G, C, F so I am guessing i may have to go thicker, maybe do that "buy a five string set and throw the last string out" thing. Any suggestions?

 

[JFace]

I use DR lo-riders in standard 105 gauge. I play CGA#D#. I've used the thicker strings, and it just isn't the same. The DR lo-riders are naturally very tight, so when they are downtuned, they have similar tension to your average tension strings. I also feel they sound better when they are that loose.

 

[knuckle_head]

This from a guy that prefers a .136 B string, but I'd look at gauges like;

.124 .084 .064 .046

or

.118 .080 .061 .046

 

[rhapbus]

Steve Digorgio uses a 110 for his B string. Use whatever YOU feel comfortable with.

 

[wetzelman1]

right now I'm using a 105 as my c. I've used a 115 and 110 before and the 105 is the best. I'd like to try the lowriders or some flat/half wounds.

 

[knumbskull]

.125
.90
.70
.50

in individual Roto steels works well for me in CGCF. or check out Circle K's drop tuned sets.

 

[Double Agent]

I don't think that the gauge is as important as the tension. Some strings, like DR Hi-Beams will have a looser feel to them, even when tuned to E standard, no matter what gauge you use. Other strings, like DR Lo-Riders, will have greater tension that you will allow you to get away with using a lighter gauge, while still avoiding a floppy feel even when tuned lower.

The key, IME, is to stick to strings that have a hexagonal core, as they have much greater tension than strings wound on a round core. D'addario XLs and DR Lo-Riders both have a hexagonal core. There are probably a lot of others as well. I would stick to the hexagonal core options and use the gauge that "feels" right to you.

 

[pd1134]

Everyone keeps mentioning Lo-Riders, do they sound similar to the Hi-Beams? The Hi-Beams, IMO, are the best sounding strings i have ever come across by far (i love the overdriven tone with these). I have tried GHS, Ernie Ball, D'addario's, even the new Dunlop strings, and IMO nothing comes even close. I would love to retain that Hi-Beam sound as much as possible. So yeah, what are the differences between the two types of strings (besides greater tension on the Lo-Riders due to the hexagonal core)?

 

[Double Agent]

I have no personal experience with Hi-Beams. Lo-Riders were my first DR string and I fell in love with them and haven't used another roundwound string since I found them. However, from what I've heard, Lo-Riders have a push in the low-mids, which give them a somewhat deeper sound in the mix than Hi-Beams even though they have similar low end output. I've also heard that Lo-Riders have more "growl" than Hi-Beams, which wouldn't surprise me based on my experience with them.

But, for me, the feel is the key. I initially chose Lo-Riders over Hi-Beams because I heard that they had more tension. I tend to play with a heavy right-hand technique, even when I'm trying to lay back and be smooth. So things get a little sloppy when I play a string with lower tension. The higher tension of the Lo-Riders lets me play the way I want to play. Oh, and the slap tone is AMAZING! Not a Marcus type of slap tone, a little grittier sounding. I can't imagine a better string for finger-style rock. Also, they don't destroy my hands or my frets and they last a really long time. They aren't perfect for everything, I'm currently in search of a smoother-sounding roundwound that has similar tension for a smooth jazz project I'm working on (nickel Lo-Riders will probably be my first experiment), but what they do, they do really well and they are definitely my favorite string overall out of anything I've played.

I would imagine that the Hi-Beams and Lo-Riders aren't worlds apart; after all, they are both stainless-steel roundwounds within a single brand name. But, both sets have their share of devoted users, so obviously there are differences. There are a lot of threads that compare the two if you search for them. I can't say that they'll work for you, but they are very nice and you may find that, while its a different flavor from Hi-Beams, there are some instances where the Lo-Riders have a better feel or sound.

 

[pd1134]

Double Agent, you pretty much nailed it for me, my next set of strings will be Lo-Riders. I love that jazz growl i get when i have my gain pushed (not fuzzy, i can't stand fuzz), and it sounds like these strings will only compliment my tone more. thank you for being so detailed on quick to respond. I love this f'ing site.

 

[Thunderscreech]

.115 to .50 GHS did it for me. the C was a little loose, but otherwise it was good.