String tension/gauge/action

[green3101]

Hey

I recently put a set of 95-40 DR Hi-Beams on my MM Stingray. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the tension (quite stiff) and I think the action is a little high (I like as low action as possible).

Could anyone recommend a set of rounds? (I play rock and metal, so need to sound bright). Play a mix of fingers and pick. If anyone could recommend a set that pairs nicely with a stingray. I tune in standard or drop D, using my HX Stomp pitch shift to tune down 1 or 2 steps if needed.

Am I right in thinking a slightly heavier gauge of string would help with lower action and a more relaxed tension? I don’t have big hands and are on the smaller side.

Thanks,

 

[HaphAsSard]

Am I right in thinking a slightly heavier gauge of string would help with lower action and a more relaxed tension?

Heavier gauge means higher tension. It can be conducive to lower action (since the string moves around less) provided you straighten the neck (through its truss rod) and lower the bridge saddle height.

 

[michael_t]

Could anyone recommend a set of rounds? (I play rock and metal, so need to sound bright). Play a mix of fingers and pick. If anyone could recommend a set that pairs nicely with a stingray. I tune in standard or drop D, using my HX Stomp pitch shift to tune down 1 or 2 steps if needed.

Am I right in thinking a slightly heavier gauge of string would help with lower action and a more relaxed tension?

Hi Beams are one of the more flexible strings due to the round core. If they feel too stiff to you, the chances are you have the action too high. The higher the action, the stiffer they would feel under the fretting fingers.

I personally prefer hex-core strings, which are naturally stiffer than round-core strings, and can be set up with a lower action without causing excessive fret buzz. I would suggest you try DR Lo-Riders, which are hex-core and stiffer than Hi Beams. They get the name "Lo-Rider" because they can "ride low" (as in low action) because they don't flop around when you dig in.

 

[green3101]

So would the general rule be, that if you’re hands are on the smaller side - to stick with the lighter gauge strings.

or do you think the heavier gauge (I wouldn’t go heavier than 45-105) would be fine, and can achieve lower action?

 

[Jon Moody]

I recently put a set of 95-40 DR Hi-Beams on my MM Stingray. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the tension (quite stiff) and I think the action is a little high (I like as low action as possible).

If the action is high, get the bass set up (either by yourself or a tech). It'll probably remove any/all of your issues.

So would the general rule be, that if you’re hands are on the smaller side - to stick with the lighter gauge strings.

Hand size has nothing to do with what strings you're comfortable with. Hand strength, and the set up of the instrument play more into it.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Here to just repeat what the others have said.

Lighter strings are more flexible than heavy strings. Hi Beams are known for being less stiff. It sounds like you need a setup as opposed to different strings.

Its worth taking the time to learn to set up your own bass. It will save you lots of time, money and aggration, plus you'll be able to get your bass playing as sweet as you want it. It's also not terribly difficult. I'd recommend learning how to check the tension (relief) in the neck first, and then going from there. Often times a quarter of a turn to tighten the truss rod will make a significant difference. You might want to give that a try. If it starts buzzing (I doubt it will), just loosen it up a quarter turn again. But you really should check to see how much relief is in the neck first.

 

[taketwo]

At which hand do they feel stiff? If it's at the fretting hand, then your neck relief might be too high. It makes an enormous difference in the fretting effort needed.

 

[green3101]

At which hand do they feel stiff? If it's at the fretting hand, then your neck relief might be too high. It makes an enormous difference in the fretting effort needed.

Yeah it’s the fretting hand. The strings are really nice outside of this, so maybe it’s not the strings at all as people seem to be saying?

 

[taketwo]

Yeah it’s the fretting hand. The strings are really nice outside of this, so maybe it’s not the strings at all as people seem to be saying?

Yep. Seems like the first thing to try is a setup. Take it to a luthier/tech, or learn yourself. The latter may take a couple tries, but it's worth it if you like that kind of thing.

 

[alex1fly]

Sometimes new strings just feel different, too. Lower the action and play the bass for a week, chances are you'll get used to them.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

This HAS to be a setup issue. Hi-Beams 40-95 is a VERY low tension and flexible set of strings.

If you get someone to set up the bass properly and you STILL find the tension of 40-95 Hi-Beams too stiff I think you might want to consider learning a different instrument... Or maybe try the TI Jazz Rounds as a last resort but they probably don't have the brightness you want.

 

[Grinderman]

Heavier gauge means higher tension. It can be conducive to lower action (since the string moves around less) provided you straighten the neck (through its truss rod) and lower the bridge saddle height.

If the action is high, get the bass set up (either by yourself or a tech). It'll probably remove any/all of your issues.




Hand size has nothing to do with what strings you're comfortable with. Hand strength, and the set up of the instrument play more into it.

These are the essential answers as I see it. I have small hands but I also have strong hands.

Strong hands + high tension strings + dialed in reasonably low action is what allows me to play my P with C width neck with thick soft V profile (.88 @ 1st fret) about as comfortably as I play my Jazz Bass with it's A width neck with it's thin C profile (.79 @ 1st fret). They're not the same; they don't feel the same, but they're both comfortable for me to play.

Don't use loose/flexi strings to compensate for a lousy setup. It doesn't really work and those loose strings can be an obstacle to achieving a good low setup that can also be played clean without a lot of chatter.

My signature below applies here.

 

[Element Zero]

Just sayin… based off of your profile pic, your hands are huge compared to mine. No way my ring and middle fingers completely coveres all four strings with that much extra finger length. Who told you you have smaller sized hands?

 

[iiipopes]

A set of rubber bands on a neck that has enough ski slope to serve at the Olympics will feel worse than a set of bridge cables on a properly set up instrument.

As above: have a complete setup done on the bass so you will really know how any particular set of strings feels on the bass.

Also, tension, as in the force required to bring a string up to pitch, and flexibility, are two completely different items, also as set forth above.

 

[swagbotbilly]

I recently tried the D'Addario BT set, the 45-107s and I am in LOVE with them for finger plucking. I usually play with a pick, but they're *just right* for finger plucking for me. I never really gelled with any other rounds that I tried.

 

[bdplaid]

Hey

I recently put a set of 95-40 DR Hi-Beams on my MM Stingray. I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the tension (quite stiff) and I think the action is a little high (I like as low action as possible).

Could anyone recommend a set of rounds? (I play rock and metal, so need to sound bright). Play a mix of fingers and pick. If anyone could recommend a set that pairs nicely with a stingray. I tune in standard or drop D, using my HX Stomp pitch shift to tune down 1 or 2 steps if needed.

Am I right in thinking a slightly heavier gauge of string would help with lower action and a more relaxed tension? I don’t have big hands and are on the smaller side.

Thanks,

Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats are seriously bright.

 

[Vinny_G]

As others have said, if you find 40-95 Hi-Beams too stiff in drop D, then yes it's a setup issue, and I think either your action is too high or your neck has too much relief, or both

 

[iiipopes]

I recently tried the D'Addario BT set, the 45-107s and I am in LOVE with them for finger plucking. I usually play with a pick, but they're *just right* for finger plucking for me. I never really gelled with any other rounds that I tried.

Yes. This is the set, plus a 130 B string tuned up to C, that I have used on my 5-er gig bass since they were a new string. I don't have to order custom gauge sets anymore. And I concur: they are just right for finger styles because they feel the same string-to-string as well as having tonal consistency.

 

[swagbotbilly]

Yes. This is the set, plus a 130 B string tuned up to C, that I have used on my 5-er gig bass since they were a new string. I don't have to order custom gauge sets anymore. And I concur: they are just right for finger styles because they feel the same string-to-string as well as having tonal consistency.

Yeah I have a sneaking suspicion that they're going to be my go-to's for everything. They even feel good with a pick.

 

[green3101]

i'm wondering if Super Slinkys might be a better bet for me, i plan on taking the bass for a set up on saturday. The slightly higher gauge could mean the action is lowered easier. I forgot to mention when these strings were put on, it was during a set up.