String tryout.

[Floorbassist]

Hello Bassists! Florens here. I have a question i want to ask.

ive been using 45-105 strings since the first day of playing bass (2 years ago). I want to try out some different string gauges. So the question is: is there a chance that for example a lighter set of bass strings make me play more comfortable?

and what are some things that can happen with my playing with different string gauges?

thanks,
Cheers!

 

[GTHintz]

Very well could be the case. I'm assuming you have your bass set up and know how to get your string height where you need it. So what the smaller gauges do is basically make them more flexible and give you more of a snap and grab feel if you finger pluck. Some strings are just built with more flex in mind like Labella Rx strings or DR High Beams or Didarrio flex steels. Generally if you get a round core string it will be more flexy than a hex core which is going to provide a stiffer response. If you like your strings you play now I'd say try them in the next size down and see. Otherwise something like high beams or labellas would be a good try. Gotta ask, what bass are you playing and what string are you using?

 

[Floorbassist]

Thanks. Im playing a Rockson Jazz bass. Cheap... but i like how it sounds. I am using the ernie ball slinky cobalt 45-105 gauges

I also play a Ibanez TMB30 bass with the same stings.

 

[GTHintz]

Cheap means nothing to me when it sounds good. Take my blue bass in my profile. Paid 50$ for it and have played it for a long time. The cobalt strings are supposed to be really good sounding. So do you think that they are too rough on your fingers or are they too stiff when you fret your notes?

 

[Killing Floor]

Absolutely, different gauges and tensions are part of the experience. I'd encourage anyone to try different string sets. The set that comes on your bass is the best negotiated cost for the bass manufacturer. It has nothing to do with feel or sound. Might be great for you, might not. But that is not why they were selected.

Lighter tension strings can cause you to adjust your technique. That is a good thing. Try flats, rounds, higher and lower tension, wider and narrower gauge.

I know what I like. But it took me a long time to figure out what works best for me. If we all liked the same strings there would not be so many options in the market.

Good luck. It's an adventure.
And remember that changing strings is the least cost way to change your bass. Keep notes of the ones you like.

 

[Floorbassist]

Good question. Some times They feel hard to press down when i want to fret a note.

 

[Floorbassist]

Thanks @Killing Floor

 

[GTHintz]

Good question. Some times They feel hard to press down when i want to fret a note.

So how much gap in between the fretboard and the strings are there without you hitting any notes? You probably have a big high string action. That can be a big problem for making your fingers work hard.

 

[JRA]

Some times They feel hard to press down when i want to fret a note.

right --- and most lighter-gauge sets will be easier to "press" --- and because of that = don't have to play as hard. i'm with @Killing Floor: try some different sets and see what you think!

good luck with your string quest!

 

[Floorbassist]

E= 3,8mm A=3mm D=3mm G=3mm (at 12th fret)

 

[Floorbassist]

Thanks @JRA

 

[GTHintz]

That's actually lower than what I play at. Lol but anyway we definitely ruled it out. So I did a little research and I hear that Ernie ball strings tend to be stiffer tension strings compared to other brands. I haven't tried them in a long time but I remember they didn't sound good or play well for me at all. I think it's probably down to a string change. If you like a good stainless steel tone you'll probably really like Rotosound swing bass strings. They will probably be a bit softer tension compared to where you're at now. Sadowski blue label strings are really cool and would work for you. Even softer tension than Rotosound. After that if you want to go lower tension then labella Rx or Dr high beams might be where you end up. I'd probably start on Blue labels or Rotosound. Both are excellent.

 

[GTHintz]

the blue labels are really nice texture as well as the blue silk ends are cool.

 

[Floorbassist]

I have played on rotosounds actually. Great strings indeed. I'll tryout more of them thanks!

 

[Floorbassist]

Looks great @GTHintz I'll check them out. Thanks!

 

[GTHintz]

Looks great @GTHintz I'll check them out. Thanks!

If you're going for Rotosound and you think the normal swing bass strings are too stiff I'd try the pressure wound strings. They might work for you. But before I forget I want to tell you about Ken Smith strings. They have purple silks and are actually my favorite strings I've ever tried. They aren't too stiff and they seriously sound awesome! Lots of expression and clarity. I would seriously recommend them first if possible. Lol sorry I was thinking more about jazz bass specific because it's what you play on but these strings will make anything sound good. And the blue labels are great too but I think they have a better character for a jazz bass or a Rickenbacker than my Warwick.

 

[Floorbassist]

Thanks. Lot of strings to tryout! Haha

 

[matante]

Since you play a short scale bass you should try Rotosound short scale strings. They're lighter gauges too.

 

[GTHintz]

There's a lot of options. I've tried tons. The next set I'm going to try will be Lakland custom wound strings. And if you look up all the string threads on here it's endless. I'll be posting about it later on and maybe they have what you're looking for. But you won't go wrong with Rockmasters, blue labels, Rotos. They all are awesome strings.

 

[Floorbassist]

Thanks guys! It helps me!