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String Gauge

C

Chrono578TGI

Mar 21, 2012
13
0
RVA
#1
I just got my 6 string bass over the weekend and the strings that are on it are alright but not the best. I've played a 5 string for about 8 years now and I wanted to upgrade to a 6. My band plays in Drop-G and I want a low B gauge that won't be "floppy." A 0.135 is on it right now but it sure doesn't feel like one. The bass is a 35" scale and my 5's were always a 34" and I'm pretty sure that a 0.130 was always the B on the 5's and I never really had an issue with tension. I'm thinking about just getting some D'Addarios with the 0.135 to see if that works but I'm having trouble finding anything above a .135 except for Circle K Strings...but my bass is a string thru. :mad:
 
#2
DR highbeams since you are looking for a little more tension. If your bridge allows normal stringing, then I would say Circle K. You might also try Ken Smith Burners. The D'Addario six string sets are set up for a 34" scale. On the B string the wrap over the nut is not long enough for 35".
 
#4
winegamd said:
DR highbeams since you are looking for a little more tension. If your bridge allows normal stringing, then I would say Circle K. You might also try Ken Smith Burners. The D'Addario six string sets are set up for a 34" scale. On the B string the wrap over the nut is not long enough for 35".
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If he's looking for more tension, he should go with Lo-Riders over Highbeams. Highbeams are round core and will feel more "loose".
 
#5
Is your lowest string tuned to G or B?
Are you sure your 6 string doesn't have a top-load option? Big strings don't like to be strung thru-body. A 6 string with no top-load option is a pain in the ass.
For a low G you need at least a .160, that will still be extra-light and only just tight enough to be usable. See http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f16/drop-g-tuning-879780/
For a B a .145 will be the same tension as a .105 E.
 
#6
Chrono578TGI said:
I just got my 6 string bass over the weekend and the strings that are on it are alright but not the best. I've played a 5 string for about 8 years now and I wanted to upgrade to a 6. My band plays in Drop-G and I want a low B gauge that won't be "floppy." A 0.135 is on it right now but it sure doesn't feel like one. The bass is a 35" scale and my 5's were always a 34" and I'm pretty sure that a 0.130 was always the B on the 5's and I never really had an issue with tension. I'm thinking about just getting some D'Addarios with the 0.135 to see if that works but I'm having trouble finding anything above a .135 except for Circle K Strings...but my bass is a string thru. :mad:
Click to expand...

Circle K's are quite floppy too. I tried a .142 and it was more floppy than the Nickel LoRider .130 I normally use!

Jason sells LaBellas up to .150 though:
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#9
Thanks guys. I have a pack of DR low riders in a 5 set and an extra Ernie Ball .032, which I will put on over the stock strings for the time being. My lowest string is tuned to G. So, GDGCFA is my tuning. I'm going to try the LaBellas in a .150 to see if I like that. I'm going to try a custom set of .150, .115, .090, .070, .050, .034, does that sound like a pretty good set for drop G? Keep in mind I'm looking for more tension through out and since its a string thru bridge. I might order two sets and do a set at .110, .080, .060, .045, .034 to keep those strings all right around 36 lbs tension. And then just order a CircleK at .166 so everything is right around 36 lbs tension. 35-37 lbs is the ideal tension for your strings so I might as well do the 2nd option to keep it completely custom.
 

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