Light gauge users..what's your reason?

[Crabby]

I just replaced the stock Fender nickles (45-110) on my new 08 American Standard Jazz with a set of "med Lite" DR stainless Low Riders (45-100)/. After a few quick set up adjustments, I was able to bring the action down and get a much more pleasing tone. The DR set feels perfectly balanced and just happen to be the exact same guages as the EB Slinky sets I use on both my SR4 and SR5.

I may have to try a set on one of the Rays to see how they compare to the Slinkys. Of course, I'm comparing stainless to nickle but on the Fender, the thinner guage on the lower end made a big difference and the bass feels much more playable while still sounding great.

The MIM Fenders come with a stainless set (40-100) that is actually quite nice.

 

[4-string]

Sound and playability.

 

[Petethebassman]

AMEN
I cannot imagine using another brand of string anymore. For how I like to play and what I want to hear, Thomastik-Infeld makes the best bass strings in the world.

Craig

+ 10000

I put TI Jazz Flats on my P-bass two weeks ago and they feel and sound absolutely amazing, even without being broken in. Yes, I'm definitely a TI convert. I've always used fairly light gauges, before the switch to TI's I used D'Addario XL's, the 040-095 set. As both brands print tension charts on their string packages it's easy to directly compare them. They're very close, TI Jazz Flats 140,1 lbs vs. D'Addario XL220, 149 lbs. I was surprised that the flats had slightly lower tension and they do feel more flexible, but that might also be due to differences in string construction and materials (TI's use round core, D'Addarios hex core).

In general I've found lighter gauges always easier and more suitable for me as I play with a fairly light touch; and in my experience it's easier to set the intonation with light gauge strings. A couple years ago I tried the D'Addario Chromes, but they were definitely not for me, kinda clanky and very stiff (the overtones always sounded sharp to me no matter how I tweaked the intonation).

 

[Roland777]

I'm in a bit of a pinch right now. On one hand, I really like the follow of light-gauge strings, and not to mention their tone and behaviour when you slap - the double-slaps and pops come out so much more easy when the strings follow easier.
On the other hand, I'm losing so much tension and punch when playing technical fingerstyle! I'm trying to get used to higher tension at the moment, but we'll see how it goes.

 

[Sleeq]

I use .45-.95 Fender flats... i tried the other sizes and this was the only one that was comfy and less boomy.

Plus it makes fast runs easier.

 

[Tom Howland]

I use 120 or 125 B-strings.

I find lighter gauge for a B-string just feels and sounds better.

As for 4-string.
TI-flats 102-43 are my favorite.

But 105-45, or 100-45 will work.

I don't like a thin G-string.

 

[JimmyM]

My reason for light strings is because I'm lazy and I don't want to have to push down heavier strings.

 

[oddbass]

My fender jazz basses sounds so much greater with light strings.
To realy get your fretless to growl---->Light gauge strings (40-95)

 

[Parabolic Box]

Lighter gauge strings seem to have better string-to-string balance. I've begun to dislike the standard 45-105 because the tensions seem wildly unbalanced.

 

[envika]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I play flatwounds that are something like 55-105 or 115, and light gauge makes me cringe. All that floppiness, no substance. I felt like we needed a dissenting opinion.

 

[spcmstrbtasp]

Now I know why the stores are always out of stock on light gauge strings...

Seriously, I don't think any stores in Athens GA carry anything lighter than .45 sets, something about it being a rock n roll town or something...makes me wonder what Mr. Mills plays...I once got a bunch of free sets from a fairly famous Atlanta bassist with a massive string endorsement , but they were 50's for which I had no use at all. I guess maybe, that's why he gave them away...

I definitely prefer the feel and tension of lighter strings. Lately I've been using Lakland Stainless steel / Rounds (green pkg) 40/60/80/100/128 on my 5501 and also the top four of that set on my Stingray 4. Neither bass feels right to me with heavier strings- on the Lakland, it is an amazing difference in playability. Reading this thread made me curious about the gauge of the B though. It seems to be slightly bigger than the 120's many of you have been discussing, and it is one of the best B's I've owned.

Anyone else use the Lakland branded strings?

Also-
Does anyone know if Diaddario Chromes are available in such light gauges? I use those on my KYDD, but I've only used 45/65/80/100s.
I'd like to experiment with light gauge flats at some point though on either my Stingray, or perhaps on my MIM Jazz.

I've never set up the jazz for anything lighter than .45s, and the playability is nearly as good as the aforementioned electrics. I tend to use the MIM on rock gigs and occasionally a pick is called for, so I guess I've been hesitant to try a light set on that bass.

After this thread, I want to try it...

 

[JAUQO III-X]

makes me wonder what Mr. Mills plays

He uses Dean Markley SR 2000's

 

[BuffaloBass]

I assumed they would be. I think I am going to try DR Lo Riders on my 5er when i need new strings. The current strings (Ernie ball slinkies) are decent but i think the B string would be tighter on Lo riders.

Heres the dig... the 5 pack doesnt ship with a tapered B, at least the neckle lows I've been using didnt. I liked the tension of the nickle Los on a 34:. They're pretty taut on the 35", but ring nice with a firm B string.

Ordered medium ga Sunbeams today to try again. Lesor tension, but not too light ga. Experimenting.

To the OP, try it yourself, experiment. seewhat YOU think. Your fingers man, not mine!
To scpm, yeah I liked them, foer ss strings, but I went nickle immediately. Was going to put the oems on and see again. New pupos now. They are a light gauge, and the B is TO DIE for! Converted me to tapered B's.

Peace

 

[fretman4god]

light strings are awesome. I get much more fundamental, and funk, and they really let you do what you want with them. I like playing with a light touch, and I hate it when your strings fight your right hand. I ordered some light DR hi beams 40-120, and I couldn't believe how perfect they were. I wanna try some Fodera Victor Wooten sig strings, cause they're about the same size. I have my bass set up a lot like his, and the closer I get to the same set up as him, the more my bass allows me to do...

 

[EADG mx]

I tried lights because I felt they would be more comfortable for tapping, and more convenient for alternate tunings.


I absolutely hated them. Sure, they WERE much more comfortable for tapping, but that's only one aspect of my playing. I like my action low and I just could not play aggressively without getting fretbuzz. I lost a ton of dynamic range this way. Some people may find them easier to control but I found it to be quite the opposite. I also didn't really dig the tone but it was also my first time trying D'Addarios (prosteels)

imo they're just not worth the pain of having to redo your setup and adjust your technique. Also painful for downtuning (try tuning a .95 E down to C).