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Gauged set.

#3
You sure these are the gauges you want and the tuning you intend to use?

.140 B - 42 pounds
.120 E - 60 pounds
.100 A - 70 pounds
.080 D - 70 pounds
.060 G - 75 pounds

I'll wager 60% of this set will break if this is your intended tuning with these gauges unless you are going an octave down from standard.
 
#4
AmadeusXeno said:
I don't know of any in that exact gauge. I know I've seen 55-135 which is a little lighter. You might wanna check Circle K strings. They have a large variety of gauges and probably have something in almost that gauge. They aren't stainless though.

These are the closest I found on musicians friend http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/dr-strings-drop-down-tuning-5-string-heavy-bass-strings/585432000000000
Click to expand...

I just had a quick look at the Circle K's and their gauges are everywhere even though I should keep the others to a higher pitch, I'll look further into those.

That you for the link to the DR's I've already had a nice look at them but probably not dark enough on the B.

Thanks for your help.
 
#8
Gauges are way off.

Pick a tension on a string you like and then match the rest of the set to it - using tension charts and not numbers off the top of your head.

I am certain you've never played strings at 60 pounds tension.

.150 .112 .082 .061 .045 from circle K is probably the heaviest tension I would go at BEADG.

EDIT: "Heavy" would be more a function of EQ and amp/power. What are you using?
 
#11
ehque said:
Gauges are way off.

Pick a tension on a string you like and then match the rest of the set to it - using tension charts and not numbers off the top of your head.

I am certain you've never played strings at 60 pounds tension.

.150 .112 .082 .061 .045 from circle K is probably the heaviest tension I would go at BEADG.

EDIT: "Heavy" would be more a function of EQ and amp/power. What are you using?
Click to expand...

Tension doesnt mean to much to me, it actually confuses me a little, I just want a nice dark B, matching EADG, that I don't have to tune down so the strings will not "knock or vibrate etc." all over my frets.

A Line 6 lowdown LD15w/8inch.
 
#12
whitefuneral said:
Tension doesnt mean to much to me, it actually confuses me a little, I just want a nice dark B, matching EADG, that I don't have to tune down so the strings will not "knock or vibrate etc." all over my frets.

A Line 6 lowdown LD15w/8inch.
Click to expand...

If you learn the terminology, people will understand you better. Basically, higher gauged strings have higher tension - if you are tuning to the same note.

So, a .100 E has lower tension than a .105 E, for example.

High tension strings vibrate in smaller circles, so they aren't as likely to knock against the strings. However, tension has little to do with sound. A high tension set can be extremely dark sounding, or may be extremely bright. There's little correlation there.

Then again, most people seem to get by with normal sets. I'm sticking to my recommended string set above. It is generally most comfortable if all your strings have roughly the same tension. Your set doesn't, and in any case WILL break at the tuning you want, regardless of string manufacturer.

Other than that, you could try a nice set of flats (no experience here) since they are more likely to sound "dark".

Your amp won't be able to keep up with even a light-handed drummer. I'm fairly certain that if you try something MUCH bigger amp-wise - like a SVT or something - you'll see why you can get HEAVY even with normal strings. Probably you could bring your bass to a shop and try out a few big rigs?
 
#13
ehque said:
You are correct - high tension strings vibrate in smaller circles, so they aren't as likely to knock against the strings.

Then again, most people seem to get by with normal sets. I'm sticking to my recommended string set above. Your set WILL break at the tuning you want, regardless of string manufacturer.

Your amp won't be able to keep up with even a light-handed drummer. I'm fairly certain that if you try something MUCH bigger amp-wise - like a SVT or something - you'll see why you can get HEAVY even with normal strings. Probably you could bring your bass to a shop and try out a few big rigs?
Click to expand...

Ok then i might have more of a look at the circle K's and my string tension. But I just don't have the money for a big rig just yet.
 
#15
You can custom build close to that set here:
Invalid Link Removed

.145
.105
.80
.60
.45

Will give you in the range of 37-41 pounds of tension except for the .60 which is 43 pounds. It's a pretty balanced set though. Heck it's worth a shot for only $23, plus you'll get a discount if you register as a TB user on his site.
 
#16
You can also get a custom set of GHS Boomers, they have a .145 as well. I have no idea what their tension measurements are though. Might be better off just buying a heavy gauge 4 string set then adding the .145 separately. Boomers are at the opposite end of the sound spectrum from the ProSteels....they are very dark sounding nickels.

Invalid Link Removed
 
#17
whitefuneral said:
Ok then i might have more of a look at the circle K's and my string tension. But I just don't have the money for a big rig just yet.
Click to expand...

As mentioned above, instead of trying to get bigger tone with your strings - save the cash and upgrade your amp/cab as soon as possible.

It's highly possible that with such a small, low-power and inefficient rig, any sonic difference in strings will not be heard at all. I would put my string money towards upgrading ASAP, unless they break or are unplayable.

You play metal, right? Are you playing in a band? How does your combo keep up?
 
#19
whitefuneral said:
Tension doesnt mean to much to me, it actually confuses me a little, I just want a nice dark B, matching EADG, that I don't have to tune down so the strings will not "knock or vibrate etc." all over my frets.
Click to expand...
Tension is a measure of the tightness of a string, and is measured in pounds. Most bass sets roughly range from 30 pounds: very loose / 'extra light gauge'
... to 60 pounds: very tight / 'heavy gauge'
Tension is determined by the gauge (thickness) of a string. Higher gauge creates higher tension.

What is the sound you are after, is it the 'darker' sound you get when a string is detuned, such as an E detuned to D? Or do you like the sound of really thick, tight strings?

If you want the B to tonally match EADG, it helps to have all strings at equal tension. Most sets actually have the B looser than EADG. Circle K Strings sell 'balanced' sets that are designed to have all strings at equal tension, the gauge numbers may look strange because of this. 5 string sets are here (nickel roundwounds): Link Removed

So for other brands that don't sell balanced sets i recommend building a custom set from single strings, making sure the tensions are equal: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. mmbongo's suggestion of 145 105 80 60 45 is a good one, the B string will be tight and will not flop around. D'Addario ProSteels have a bright, aggressive growly sound. You may want to choose nickel roundwounds instead for a 'darker' sound.
 
#20
ehque said:
As mentioned above, instead of trying to get bigger tone with your strings - save the cash and upgrade your amp/cab as soon as possible.

It's highly possible that with such a small, low-power and inefficient rig, any sonic difference in strings will not be heard at all. I would put my string money towards upgrading ASAP, unless they break or are unplayable.

You play metal, right? Are you playing in a band? How does your combo keep up?
Click to expand...

It just cuts through the mix, my guitardist likes to have his mids on bass -.- cab being?
 

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