Famous bassist strings and their gauges

[bobyoung53]

True. JPJ has contradicted himself multiple times in interviews on what was used on the classics (rounds or flats). I think sometimes these guys suit their answers to fit whatever company or type they happen to currently use, or at time of interview. Add to that the number of years between then and now and there's probably no definitive answer for most of it. Our vocalist told me a story the other day about how back in the 80's, he and his bass player at the time went to see some incarnation of Yes at a club. They had a chance encounter with Chris S who was smoking outside and he was apparently this bass players all time hero. The only words he could muster out of his star struck daze were "What kind of strings did you use on so and so?"

CS: "For Gods sake, read a F'n magazine, man!"

At which point CS flicked his cigarette and walked away, annoyed.

That was a great way to treat one of your fans.

 

[GK Growl]

That was a great way to treat one of your fans.

I'm more concerned about the cigarette butt he flipped.

 

[xroads]

I thought Pino was a TI flats guy?

Edit: Thanks winterburn69.

I think the SB Precision is downtuned to D, that's why he uses La Bellas on it.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I'm fascinated by the range of gauges in use: Some guys have a .065 G string (that's as thick as my D string!) and some guys have a .030 G string (that's as thin as my C string!)

 

[Pier_]

I'm fascinated by the range of gauges in use: Some guys have a .065 G string (that's as thick as my D string!) and some guys have a .030 G string (that's as thin as my C string!)

a .065 G string probably it's because they use drop tunings. a .065 G string tuned to G probably would destroy the neck the only case I can think about it's with the Rotosound Black Nylon strings, but in this case they are not "really" that gauge: the actual gauge is .040 (roundwound), covered with a nylon tape, so it becomes .065, but it's not a "065 G".

PS: I was reading about Stuart Zender from Jamiroquai, and it seems that he always used 35-95 strings. don't know if it was already mentioned.

 

[wasabifox]

What does Sean Hurley use?

 

[michael_t]

What does Sean Hurley use?

I've read somewhere he uses the La Bella 760FL flats on his P bass.
Not sure which rounds he uses.

EDIT: This might help...

Sean Hurley On John Mayer And The L.A. Session Scene

 

[trothwell]

Abraham Laboriel
Strings 1: GHS Brite Flats
Gauges 1 : ?
Strings 2 : GHS Super Steel
Gauges 2 : ?

In a 2015 interview, it sounds like he is now using (a) stock Yamaha strings, (b) stock Kala U-Bass strings, and (c) D'Addario strings. [I think that stock Yamaha strings are D'Addario, though perhaps they weren't in 2015? No idea.]

I have seen two recent videos of him with his Wyn fretless bass -- the initial video at the workshop, with GHS tapewound strings, and a later video with some other tapewound strings with darker silks. I thought likely either Labella or D'Addario -- and now I suspect D'Addario!

 

[Pbassmanca]

Oh man, I forgot about this thread! One of my favourite topics. I have some good info on a couple bassists strings that I will post when I have time!

 

[BillyBA]

I have a Dave LaRue\Steve Morse Ernie Ball ad on the wall in my music room from the Dixie Dregs days so not sure if it is still accurate but:

Dave LaRue
Strings : Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Custom Gauge
Gauges : 40 60 70 95

 

[BrentSimons]

I have a Dave LaRue\Steve Morse Ernie Ball ad on the wall in my music room from the Dixie Dregs days so not sure if it is still accurate but:

Dave LaRue
Strings : Ernie Ball Extra Slinky Custom Gauge
Gauges : 40 60 70 95

He might have switched to Cobalts but I think he's still using the same gauge? He said when playing with Steve and the Dregs he needed something lighter so he could play all those notes quicker!
Best wishes,
Brent

 

[ricardol]

Darryl Jones
Fender 7250?

 

[michael_t]

Darryl Jones
Fender 7250?

Sorry, I can't see very well what color ball end for the D...

If it's chrome/silver, they're Fender.
If it's black, they're D'Addario.

 

[SturmUndDrang]

Mike Gordon, Ken Smith Slick Rounds .044 -.130
He says he likes them because they don't have the grungy sound of round wounds.
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[michael_t]

Mike Gordon, Ken Smith Slick Rounds .044 -.130
He says he likes them because they don't have the grungy sound of round wounds.
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Interesting you mention Ken Smith Slick Rounds, which are the closest equivalent to the GHS Brite Flats, ie Alloy 52 half-rounds.

I just finished my 3-week stint with them after deciding they weren't quite what I was looking for.

 

[SturmUndDrang]

Interesting you mention Ken Smith Slick Rounds, which are the closest equivalent to the GHS Brite Flats, ie Alloy 52 half-rounds.

I just finished my 3-week stint with them after deciding they weren't quite what I was looking for.

Other than the gauges, they're the same. I don't think it's a big secret that GHS winds for Ken Smith. Your thread is what made me think of Mike. So there's at least one other guy besides me that likes them lol.

 

[michael_t]

Your thread is what made me think of Mike.

Oh yeah... Now I remember it was you I was going back and forth with at one point in another thread. All good.

 

[maturanesa]

Wooten is using DR Pure Blues now

 

[zenuno]

This is a great thread, I've been obsessed with this stuff for years now.

+1

 

[J_Bass]

Joe Dart:

Rotosound Swing Bass 66 M.
Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats.
La Bella Flats.


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