String Guidance

[Nuisance]

Bass string afficiondos..... I could use some string advice.

I've been using Labella 45-105 760FS Deep Talkin Flats for as long as I can remember. I temporarily used a Stingray that had 52 -110's on it (sitting in on one song) and just loved the way they felt. After the set I spoke to the owner, who stated he was able to get the action much lower with stiffer strings because the radius of the vibration is smaller on them (i.e. less floppy).

While I see light and extra light strings get a lot of love around here, I'm seriously thinking about getting a set of 52-110's now that I played them. I would start with my Stingray, as that's what his bass was. Sure I could just purchase them and find out myself, but would rather ask (before I throw $50 at them) if there is a difference in sound at all on the thicker gauges? If so, is it noticeable? Since I couldn't go out into FOH while playing I have no idea what they sounded, but I just loved the stiffness and lower action. Also, does what he said ring true about being able to get a lower action with a stiffer string (all other things being equal)?

One more point. I'm in a variety cover band who plays everything a half step down. Does the thicker gauge make more sense in this scenario.......or is low tension generally better because they simply play easier?

What say you?

 

[WestyBassBob]

I hate to tell you this but no one will be able to answer your questions to any real degree. Will you hear a difference? Maybe. Some people on hear claim they can hear the difference between all sorts of things here that all sound the same to me.

Personally I think no one beyond the bassist cares what string or bass you choose so long as you play the song right. So if you like them for whatever reason that’s all that matters.

I’d say treat yourself and buy them. My only real issue is that I prefer rounds. But it’s a free country!

 

[Nuisance]

Yeah, I kind of thought this would be the general response. I just hate buying them and resetting up the bass for the added tension if the heavier gauges are known for being super muddy, or have other issues. Hardly anyone seems to like the heavier gauges.....I figured there must be a reason.

 

[michael_t]

Hardly anyone seems to like the heavier gauges.....I figured there must be a reason.

Gauge selection is more about the playing feel than the tone. What you gain in tone by going from 45-105 to 52-110 may not be significant enough to make it worthwhile, unless of course you're specifically looking for the stiffer feel.

 

[BGroovy]

Since you’re tuning down the the thicker strings are probably a good way to go. Dunlop sells strings specifically for drop tunings that are higher gauge to balance the tension.

Keep in mind you’ll likely need to do some work on your nut slots and adjust the tension on your truss rod to compensate. Plan for a full setup when you change the string gauges.

DTF are high tension strings so in your playing you may not even notice going to a higher gauge after the bass is set up.

 

[Nuisance]

Gauge selection is more about the playing feel than the tone. What you gain in tone by going from 45-105 to 52-110 may not be significant enough to make it worthwhile, unless of course you're specifically looking for the stiffer feel.

Thank you, This is exactly the info I was looking for.

 

[WestyBassBob]

Yeah, I kind of thought this would be the general response. I just hate buying them and resetting up the bass for the added tension if the heavier gauges are known for being super muddy, or have other issues. Hardly anyone seems to like the heavier gauges.....I figured there must be a reason.

My guess is that many people just prefer the lighter feel of thinner strings because it’s more like guitar strings? I don’t think there’s any real reason for it. But like the other guy said count on doing a full set up. But that’s not a big deal if you know how to do it. My only question if you’ve considered the fate of your immortal soul. As some believe the gods are angered by flats on a stingray.

 

[LowendG]

I used the 52-110s for a while (albeit not downtuning like you describe). I like a firm, thumpy feel, but ultimately I found them a little fatiguing and a bit of a one-trick pony, as great as they sounded. I feel like I'm getting "the Labella sound" with the 45-105, not as much of a workout, and a little more versatile. All that said, I'm not a low action guy--I like my basses to play super clean, no fret noise, so that's certainly part of the equation--YMMV.

 

[CryingBass]

If everyone started on Double Bass before electric, the "gauge matters" thing would be less prevalent, IMHO

But I know squat. Happy New Year!

 

[LowendG]

Gauge selection is more about the playing feel than the tone. What you gain in tone by going from 45-105 to 52-110 may not be significant enough to make it worthwhile, unless of course you're specifically looking for the stiffer feel.

In this case, for me, while the tone of the 52-110 and the 45-105 is very close, you do end up with a quicker decay with the heavy set - you're in vintage thump land for sure. As I say above I went back to the 45-105 'cause I think they have the classic tone, and if I want a more exaggerated fast decay I palm mute or use a foam mute.

 

[JeffCullen]

This stuff is so personal and so variable -- particularly if you're one of these nut bars (/me raises hand) obsessed with the "last 20%" or "last 5%"... or worse.

I find the same set of strings doesn't necessarily "feel" the same on two different basses. Heck -- the same strings feel different on my L-2500 depending on whether they're run through the body or not (yes, saddle height adjusted to compensate). So it's not one-size-fits all...

I think gauge affects tone as well. Part of that is the mass of the string and how it interacts with the pickups (pickup height is a whole other Ted Talk), but an even bigger part is how my attack is affected by the tension of the string -- and THAT affects the sound.

I'm all over the map (yes -- I suck at everything as a result), and one of the things I like to be able to get going is that Mike Poracro-esque SUPER light touch thing. For me, that only works on the light side of medium gauge... but at the same time, when playing harder whether with fingers or a pick, I like that bouncy thing lighter strings have going on... how they go a bit sharp up front when you really dig in... how easy they are to bend...

Another player will hate playing my bass.

The combo of lighter gauge and low action is no picnic if you like to play with tuning, either -- you're already on the knife edge.

TL;DR -- ya gotta try 'em all out for yourself.

 

[ZachM]

My guess is that many people just prefer the lighter feel of thinner strings because it’s more like guitar strings? I don’t think there’s any real reason for it.

One concrete reason why heavier gauges aren’t that popular could be inharmonicity - basically, with higher tension comes an increasing degree to which your harmonics will be out of tune. Maybe not a huge deal if your style doesn’t utilize harmonics, but something to think about.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Bass string afficiondos..... I could use some string advice.

I've been using Labella 45-105 760FS Deep Talkin Flats for as long as I can remember. I temporarily used a Stingray that had 52 -110's on it (sitting in on one song) and just loved the way they felt. After the set I spoke to the owner, who stated he was able to get the action much lower with stiffer strings because the radius of the vibration is smaller on them (i.e. less floppy).

While I see light and extra light strings get a lot of love around here, I'm seriously thinking about getting a set of 52-110's now that I played them. I would start with my Stingray, as that's what his bass was. Sure I could just purchase them and find out myself, but would rather ask (before I throw $50 at them) if there is a difference in sound at all on the thicker gauges? If so, is it noticeable? Since I couldn't go out into FOH while playing I have no idea what they sounded, but I just loved the stiffness and lower action. Also, does what he said ring true about being able to get a lower action with a stiffer string (all other things being equal)?

One more point. I'm in a variety cover band who plays everything a half step down. Does the thicker gauge make more sense in this scenario.......or is low tension generally better because they simply play easier?

What say you?

I used .40-.95 Swing Bass 66 Rotosounds on my last gig, on the main bass. It was a Precision Special (P/J) tuned down to E Flat. Low action. Hard Rock/Stadium Rock. Zero Issues. Zero complaints from anyone. Zero playability or tone issues. I don't subscribe to the "thicker string thing". Then again, I'm not a "fight the instrument" guy, either. I'm a guy who wants to play another 30-40 years if I live that long, so the SUSTAINABILITY of what I do, musically is always a critical, guiding factor, for instrument choices, amp choices, and yes, string choices too.

Two questions: Is whatever string comfortable?

and...

Could the string and playing experience be EVEN MORE comfortable and sustainable than that?

Only questions you can answer.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

Thank you, This is exactly the info I was looking for.

I use Magma 50-110 and SIT powersteels 50-110. Definately takes some getting used to, but I won't go back now. I love the low action w/ the tension. Magma makes a DDT 110 and 115. For the low price, just get them. Magma SS are a sleeper. I love them. SIT are cheap as chips too. You really cannot lose.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Yes, stiffer strings will vibrate with a smaller amplitude so you will definitely be able to adjust the action slightly lower.

Yes, as a result of this they WILL also sound different. The envelope of your notes will be different, particularly the attack. This will obviously affect the dynamics/feel of the strings. Whether you will like this difference is a matter of taste, so only YOU can answer that question.

 

[FullumMusic]

You'll almost definitely need a truss-rod adjustment. No big deal.

There's also the possibility that the nut might need to be adjusted to accommodate the thicker strings, but you won't really know until you put them in and there's an issue with them seating right or buzzing or something. So, possibly medium deal? Not a huge deal, but it involves a professional and more money. Also not sure if once the nut slots are larger if you can go back to the smaller gauge.

Thicker strings of the same type/brand/etc theoretically have thicker low end. To the extent that you hear it, and it's enough to make a difference out in the "real world" is another story. Victor Wooten uses thick strings in the studio for the tone. But he uses thinner gauges live/everywhere else because live sound environments don't capture the nuance and it's much easier on his hands to play light strings night after night for hours at a time.

If you always play half-step down, then the thicker gauge will absolutely help keep things from getting too floppy or "loose" or muddy sounding.

They also say stiffer strings are harder to play because they take more strength to press down, but i don't find that at all. My Olinto P with La Bella DTFs is effortless to play. With a proper setup and very low action, it feels like i barely have to press down to get a clean note. I have the strength to press down lightly and relaxed. If we've been playing long enough, we all do.

But like others have said, and like you already kinda know, you won't know until you try them.

---

FWIW i'm not a believer in high-tension allows for lower action. I'm of the opinion that low action is all in technique, and more specifically, lighter touch.

I have insanely low action on all my basses. I have La Bella DTFs on one, La Bella Olinto Flats on another, La Bella Superpolished Rounds on another, and then different La Bella Tape-wound Nylon strings on the rest. The Tapes are INSANELY low-tension, and those basses have as low an action as the ones with Flats. And i usually play at the floppiest part of the string by the neck. Never had a problem with the tapes being that low.

If you have a heavy handed playing style, high tension thick strings might help get the action a little lower, but really it's the technique that allows low action.

 

[bherman]

I'll throw another idea out there for you, I have been using and am a big fan of the LaBella Olinto Flats, .047-.107. Very clear and deep with a bit more treble when you want it.

​

 

[fretlessman71]

Gauge selection is more about the playing feel than the tone. What you gain in tone by going from 45-105 to 52-110 may not be significant enough to make it worthwhile, unless of course you're specifically looking for the stiffer feel.

Agreed, and to this point, you already really liked the feel and the way your compatriot's bass was set up, so mimicking it is not a terrible idea.

 

[FullumMusic]

I'll throw another idea out there for you, I have been using and am a big fan of the LaBella Olinto Flats, .047-.107. Very clear and deep with a bit more treble when you want it.

​

The Olinto flats are a bit more bendy/less stiff/lower tension than the standard La Bella DTFs. Not nearly as much as the Low Tension flats, but i notice it. That said, six of one, half dozen of the other, i love them both.

Just figured i'd mention the tension of them to give the OP a fuller picture because the feel is a huge part of thicker gauges, and in the case of Olinto Flats vs DTFs, thicker doesn't necessarily mean "higher tension"/stiffer.

 

[c-ba55]

Yes, thicker strings are good with downtuned bass. Returns the feel to what you may be used to.