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Want heavier strings

S

steve9000gi

Oct 27, 2005
182
1
North Carolina USA
#1
I've got 45-130 SS Sadowskys on my Sadowsky 5-24 and I'd like heavier strings. The high G still just seems too light and, as nice as it is, it seems to me the low B could give a solider, better-centered tone if it were a little (or even a lot) thicker. I don't mind heavy: I'm 6'8" and 250 lb. I've done some googling and it appears that the only heavier mainstream 5-string sets available are 50-135, one from D'Addario and one from Fodera. Anyone tried these, and , if so, whaddya think? I've liked DR High Beams in the past but they don't go up that thick. To tell the truth, I wouldn't mind trying something like 55-140. Drawbacks? Benefits? Your thoughts, please. Thanks, all.

-Steve
 
#2
Only drawback is that when you hit the .135/.140/.145 mark you start to notice the dampening that too many winds cause. Most of this gauge have 4 wraps.

FWIW Dean Markley has a 3 wrap .135 in their SR2000 series. It isn't a part of a set, but if you get a heavy 4 set and get the .135 as a single I bet you'd like it.
 
#6
steve9000gi said:
Thanks for your replies. Google didn't turn up any Rotosound or Dean Markley string references for > .130. Can you give me specific links? Also still interested in hearing about experiences with the heavy Fodera strings. Thanks again.

-Steve
Click to expand...

The rotos only go up to 130, but they are high tension strings.

A lot of people look for 'heavier' strings because they feel that normal bass strings have to much give when they pluck them. I suggest you at least give'em a try. La Bellas are also high tension and might be what you're looking for but theyre a hassle to get.
 
#7
I had a Fodera .145 Nickel round wound on my bass before I got the SIT/Conklin .165... It was part of a custom set I ordered directly from Fodera.

The Foderas are definitely nice strings, obviously well made. They had a nice warm, full sound, yet still bright but not clangy. Plus the people at Fodera were very accommodating and a pleasure to deal with, and the prices were extremely reasonable, which doesn't hurt.
 
#8
Rotos and LaBellas are arguably the highest tension strings out there. I've used the RS77 .130 flatwound and it's a nice string, but I won't say it's for everyone. The RS88 set I think is even thicker ...
 

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