Light Strings (0.045-0100)?

[OldSchoolFlats]

Any thoughts on light vs. regular strings?

I just got a new 4-string TRBX304, and it came with D'Addario EXL170 / 0.045-0.100. My first reaction is that the strings are too light, and I am thinking of putting-on some medium-gauge DR Sunbeams.

While I realize strings are a personal choice, and each bass/string combination has its own vibe...
...I am a hobby bass player. My main bass is the 5-string Sire in my avatar: I will probably put flats on it shortly. I got the TRBX304 for slap/tap and the 24-frets. Basically, I wanted both an "old-school" bass (with a B-string finger-rest ) and a more modern 4-string bass for easier slap: the TRBX304.

Question: Are the lighter D'Addario EXL170 / 0.045-0.100 strings worth giving a chance? I seem to recall that for slap, lighter strings are indeed a "thing". Right now though, they just feel "un-bass-like" to me. I grew-up with flatwounds, so I expect strings to be like "bridge cables".

 

[michael_t]

I just got a new 4-string TRBX304, and it came with D'Addario EXL170 / 0.045-0.100. My first reaction is that the strings are too light, and I am thinking of putting-on some medium-gauge DR Sunbeams.

Gauges are only part of the equation when it comes to how a set of strings FEEL.

Based on my experience, the Sunbeams 45-105 (round core) are more flexible and looser-feeling than the D'A XL Nickel 45-100 (hex core). Lighter gauges don't necessarily translate to "lighter feel" or even "lighter tone".

 

[michael_t]

If you want to try a set of DR strings that are firmer in feel than the XL Nickel 45-100, try the Nickel Lo-Riders 45-105, which are hex-core.

 

[Root 5]

That ain't light! Real men play .028 - .080! THAT is light!

If you want a bassier tone with your 45-100s, turn up the bass knob on your amp & instrument if necessary. Back off the mids & treble to taste.

 

[Gorn]

My strings are 89-68-51-43 and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

If you want to try a set of DR strings that are firmer in feel than the XL Nickel 45-100, try the Nickel Lo-Riders 45-105, which are hex-core.

Tried the Lo-Riders years ago: they seemed stiff and sounded "clanky" to me. Part-of it may be subjective. The bass in question has a thin neck, and 24 frets. I'm more used to beefy 6 or 5-string necks.

Interesting to hear others in this thread using much lighter gauges...

 

[michael_t]

Interesting to hear others in this thread using much lighter gauges...

My go-to gauges these days are 40-55-75-95. I do prefer hex-core over round-core to keep them from getting too loose and floppy.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

That ain't light! Real men play .028 - .080! THAT is light!

If you want a bassier tone with your 45-100s, turn up the bass knob on your amp & instrument if necessary. Back off the mids & treble to taste.

Damn, you got them on a Strat, Tele or Les Paul?!

...but seriously, sounds like "thin is in". I can certainly get all the "beef" I need by turning-up the bass-EQ. Will give them a fair chance. Still coming to grips with switching between 4 and 5 string.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

My go-to gauges these days are 40-55-75-95. I do prefer hex-core over round-core to keep them from getting too loose and floppy.

Just glad to see you still frequent the strings forum!

 

[michael_t]

Just glad to see you still frequent the strings forum!

This is the only place I frequent.

 

[MCS4]

Personally, I don't believe that 45-100 is even "light," but rather is on the lighter side of the standard/medium spectrum.

I like 45-100 or even 40-95 just fine for standard tuning.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Personally, I don't believe that 45-100 is even "light," but rather is on the lighter side of the standard/medium spectrum.

I like 45-100 or even 40-95 just fine for standard tuning.

Still getting used to the 4-string, and thin neck, but the feel is nice the more I play it. Definitely something to be said for not putting to much tension on a thin 24-fret neck.

Always wondered how so many players stretched their strings for vibrato when playing. Not so easy with old-school flats.

 

[salmon256]

I like light. I started out using lights, I mean very light, the G picked tended to sound too pop-ish but I think that may of been my own problem. I use lights or regulars now since my small hands have gotten use to it, but I think they are fine, it's your preference in the end.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

That ain't light! Real men play .028 - .080! THAT is light!

If you want a bassier tone with your 45-100s, turn up the bass knob on your amp & instrument if necessary. Back off the mids & treble to taste.

If you are playing in a band or ensemble be careful, cutting low mids can make it hard to hear the bass in the mix. Ok with a slight bass boost if needed however.

 

[BlackVincent52]

I started with 45-105 D'Addario flats. The tension was fine for my right hand ("plucking" hand), but they felt stiff under my fretting hand. I switched to La Bella flatwound 43-104. They feel less stiff but the lower tension took some getting used to. If I ever change strings again, I'll probably try La Bella 45-105 with the hope that they will be more tense than the 43-104s but still less stiff than the D'Addarios.

Anyway... What was the question?

 

[Nev375]

45 - 100 works just fine for me. That's my preferred gauge.

But I'm ok if you like them a bit heavier. Bridge cables are too much work for me.

 

[michael_t]

For me, it's not a question of whether "45-65-80-100" is too light or too heavy; it's the overall balance in playing feel.

I started out with the most commonly available bass string set, ie D'A EXL170 (45-65-80-100). I could tell right away the 65D felt so much tighter than the 100E both for fretting and for plucking. That's when I started researching on string tension, and found out how uneven that particular set was. Ah ha moment for me. That's how my "string journey" began 12 yrs ago.

 

[Benj-jammin]

I used the DA XL 170's for years on my basses - always thought they had great balance on the tonal spectrum, lots of presence, etc. However, they can be a bit sizzley for some. I recently switched over to the Dunlop nickel medium/brights - 45 -100, love these strings - gives me the presence and punch, but not quite as sizzley as the 170's, IMO. Like many have said, you adjust the eq and tones, you can achieve just about any sound that you need.

 

[REV]

I've been much happier since I switched over to Labella Low Tension Flats .042 - .100. I have a set of Fodera light guage strings for my 5'er (.120-.042) but I haven't installed them yet.

 

[matante]

Tried the Lo-Riders years ago: they seemed stiff and sounded "clanky" to me. Part-of it may be subjective. The bass in question has a thin neck, and 24 frets. I'm more used to beefy 6 or 5-string necks.

Interesting to hear others in this thread using much lighter gauges...

Lo-Riders and nickel Lo-Riders are different strings. Nickel Lo-Riders are darker than D'Addarios and less clanky.