String Gauges... do they really matter?

[Jon Moody]

What many don't realize, is that strings with the same tension and of the same thickness, if that was possible, will feel considerably stiffer the shorter the scale, as in being less flexible, which leads to the common misconception that short string basses needs higher gauge strings than you would use on a regular 34" scale bass.

This issue comes from the way short scale strings were initially designed; take the long scale spec and make it shorter. They took no consideration given to what the strings would do. As we know now, a .095 short scale string with the same core diameter will feel much looser than its long scale brother.

It needs a slightly larger core to feel more like a long scale string, regardless of tension. Interestingly enough, the tension (pulling force of a string to pitch) might be less, given that there isn't as much mass wrapping around the larger core.

 

[NoiseNinja]

This issue comes from the way short scale strings were initially designed; take the long scale spec and make it shorter. They took no consideration given to what the strings would do. As we know now, a .095 short scale string with the same core diameter will feel much looser than its long scale brother.

It needs a slightly larger core to feel more like a long scale string, regardless of tension. Interestingly enough, the tension (pulling force of a string to pitch) might be less, given that there isn't as much mass wrapping around the larger core.

So a thicker core will increase the tension but also increase the flexibility of the string relatively speaking?

I assume you would know, if this is how strings made specifically for short scale instruments are typically made now, or if it is only certain strings/companies that compensate this way, and in which case which would do that?

Without knowing this, because of the unusual tuning I use for my Ibanez Mikro bass, F# standard tuning, as in the four lowest strings of an 8 string guitar, with it's unusual and short scale, 28,6", I actually use thick D'Addario guitar strings for the two middle strings (which on a 4 string bass would normally be tuned to respective D and G, but which I tune E and A, 2 half steps higher) threaded through the cut off ball ends of old bass strings, which I noticed, according to the D'Addario String Tension Pro string tension calculator, actually has slightly higher tension than bass strings of an identical gauge, which I would assume means slightly thicker cores.

Then this set: https://www.thomann.de/dk/la_bella_hrs_90.htm , which I have pondered on buying, might be a good set (the 4 thickest strings) for my Mikro Bass, also almost identical to the guages I use currently, which is D'Addario XL - .090 bass string F# - .072 guitar string B - .054 guitar string E - .040 bass string -, just with a gauge .074 for the B instead in this set?

 

[Jon Moody]

So a thicker core will increase the tension but increase the flexibility of the string?

No, all things being equal, a .095 string with a .020 core will be more flexible than a .095 string with a .022 core.

...according to the D'Addario String Tension Pro string tension calculator, actually has slightly higher tension than bass strings of an identical gauge, which I would assume means slightly thicker cores.

Without knowing the construction of the strings, you can't assume that higher tension automatically means a thicker core diameter. But perhaps?

 

[Jack Deth]

No time to read the whole thread right now, but I buy singles to get exactly what I want which provide as equal tension as possible. My personal target tension is 36lbs. Thus, I no longer buy sets unless I’m in a pinch. Each major, and many smaller, string providers have a tension chart in the internet, or you can call/email them. I don’t really understand why folks buy sets and then complain about a string or two being too “flabby” or too tight. Strings are fundamental to getting the sound you truly want, and can make playing much more refined. Imagine a pro racer in Indy 500 not hand selecting the tires they use and simply buying a generic set of “racing” tires to use all the time. Let’s say the front tires are made from too hard of a rubber compound, and the rear tires are 2 inches too narrow. Indy pro’s would never settle for that situation.

 

[pdbass]

I’m in love with the idea of lighter gauge strings: a looser feel, ease of fretting, chords, etc. but for me it comes down to plugging the bass into a recording console or interface. 40s have never had the same balls as 45s straight into the board, no EQ, IMHO. For playing bass, the “standard” gauge tends to speak well for me.

Now, as far as feel goes, I like a more supple string in that gauge and one man’s D’Addario does not feel like another man’s DR given the same measurement. I’ve been happy with Dunlop SS Super Brights, but in my perfect world Dean Markley would still be making Super Rounds…

 

[Root 5]

For fun I have a bass strung .028-.045-.060-.080 and it has a full deep sound, completely legit & acceptable. With gauges like above one must raise their action a bit. But fun to play.

 

[Root 5]

I agree 100%. On my electric guitar, I play 9s. 10s are way too thick and I don’t like how they feel. 8s feel like they’re gonna snap at any moment.

So I guess my original argument is more for bass strings. On guitar, I’m extremely picky.

I blame Rick Beato for making me switch to 8-38 on my electric rock guitars. Used to play 10-46 and 11-50

 

[Jefenator]

IME minor differences in gauge do have a correspondingly subtle difference in feel.
I have one 5-string with D'Addario's "light" gauge and another with their "medium". The "medium" may seem slightly stiffer but the bass they're on - 10 1/2 pound Warwick w/ insane 20mm spacing - may also be shaping my perception.
After using LaBella 1954 "Jamerson" flats, everything else goes in the comparatively manageable category.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

I blame Rick Beato for making me switch to 8-38 on my electric rock guitars. Used to play 10-46 and 11-50

When I was a teenage guitarist I played 008-038, and couldn't work out why anyone would play anything heavier - why make life hard for yourself, etc.

Then, years later, I read or heard an explanation of Malcolm Young's playing and equipment, and the penny dropped.

(Also I felt pretty embarrassed when I realised that my favourite thing about ACDC's music wasn't coming from the guy at the front after all. Dumb me.)

 

[dreamadream99]

String gauges….do they really matter?.

Smaller gauge strings are flabbier, and larger gauge strings are tighter. To illustrate this, down tune your G string to a D, and play it. Flabby. Now tune up your D string to a G. If it didn’t break, it will be much tighter.

when you make drastic changes to string gauges, you will likely have to adjust the neck relief.

If you like really high action, tighter strings will be more difficult to fret.

If you do lots of string bends, you may prefer looser strings.

 

[ThomasTronics]

I have to come to this conclusion.
That different basses play better with different gauges.
Some basses like light. Some wood like heavy. It's the way a string interacts with the frets and wood. And some woods respond differently to different strings and gauges.
I play around till I find exactly what I'm looking for out of that string. If it's no good then usually I play through the strings for 4 months then try something else.
Not picky at all with gauges but I do feel some basses will always play differently with different gauges, there fore they do matter.
TLR - They matter but they shouldn't be a hard focus. Play what feels right.

 

[BassBeginer64]