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Heavy Gauge String Player Thread

#5
Used the jamersons for a short time about 14-15 years ago. Never had a huger sound. But i could see my fender necks turning into boomerangs, and my hands didnt like 3 hour gigs with them.
 
#6
Back when I still played roundwounds I rocked my 78 Precision with Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.110 E IIRC). I really liked the heavier gauge cause I play in drop D a lot and it keeps those low notes a little tighter.

When I switched to flats I dropped back a notch in gauge simply cause of what my local store had in stock but I may go back up the .110 if I can find a set that heavy.

Generally when I'm playing a lot and my chops are up, I like the heavier gauge but if I fall out of playing shape they can be a bit of a challenge.
 
#8
I'll chime in here. Not sure if I count being that my current string choice is DR Hi Beams but I use the heavy gauge 110-50. Hi Beams are more flexible than most so it may be comparable to a medium gauge. On top of that, I tune down 1/2 step flat and drop the E string to D flat at times.
 
#9
jaywa said:
Back when I still played roundwounds I rocked my 78 Precision with Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (.110 E IIRC)
Click to expand...

I use the same on my '89 MIJ P-Bass which is set up to be played while tuned 1/2 step down.
Personally, I would think twice about heavy gauge strings on a J-Bass or J-style bass. I stick to medium gauges on my '76 J-Bass. I don't want to pull that delicate neck too hard.
 
#10
I use D'Addario Rounds at 45-65-85-105-145 on my Lakland 55-64, which has a 35" scale. Tension is relatively high and balanced string to string. In terms of tension, similar to the 4 string set of Jamerson flats on a regular 34" scale precision. In terms of tone, similar to Live at Leeds. I really dig in (not sure why, but I do) and play back near the bridge, so I really love high tension
 
#11
Problemchild said:
I prefer heavy gauge strings 45/50-110, DR rounds on the "P" and Labella Fs on the fretless "J".

Who are the Heavy Gauge String Players on this board ?

Please Post !

Is a Heavy Gauge String Player Club in order ?

:hyper:

PC
Click to expand...

Count me in.

I recently switched to 50/110 (Ernie Ball) on my Ibanez and I'm loving it! I drop tune (CGDA) and having the heavier gauge took up some of the slack AND boosted the sound.

My only regret is that I wish I had thought to do this sooner.
 
#13
Wow, what a sad response so far...

Been at .110's for 6+ yrs. Roto 77's, 66's, Ernie Ball only in a pinch, Steve Harris custom once (too blah), trying Hi Beams now - jury's still out on 'em. Oh and finally tried La Bellas... WOW.

I like the tension closer to URB and I use pretty high action. It all forces me to keep it simple and allows me to really dig in.
 
#16
i use a custom gauge set. 115, 90, 65, 40. 1/2 step down to Eb. if i do tune standard though i dont change gauge. i cant stand lose floppy E or A strings. this set seems to be the best balanced tension feel for me.
 
#20
I use a slightly unorthodox set of 75-130 (tuned A#D#G#C#) with A# as a roundwound and the rest flat (only use the first string as support for pickin' the D# so didn't bother getting an individual A# string to go with the Steve Harris custom set). :D Basic stuff for half-step down, just that the set is effing heavy for a 4-string, being the first four strings of a 5'ver set.
 

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