Say on a 34 inch scale, Fender Jazz. What is the thickest gauge you can have for an E? with it still being practical. I mean, a .130 might go to an e, but would probably rip the neck off, haha.
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What gauge is too thick for an E string?
- Thread starter santucci218
- Start date
Why are you looking for the thickest E string, or why do you ask?
Find something that allows for playability and consistent feel across all the strings. Don't forget the amp's/cab's ability to boost and amplify/project signal. Oh, and PA/sound reinforcement as well...
Find something that allows for playability and consistent feel across all the strings. Don't forget the amp's/cab's ability to boost and amplify/project signal. Oh, and PA/sound reinforcement as well...
I like really thick strings. I used to use D'addario 50-105's but they still arent giving the tension and feel that i want exactly.
- Aug 14, 2008
- 698
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- Owner and Operator, Xylem Handmade Basses and Guitars
This is probably pretty close to being correct.
I'd bet a .130 would break before you could tune it all the way up to an E, not to mention that it could potentially cause some serious twist in the bass' neck.
Just remember, the thicker the string, the more tension it takes to get it up to a given pitch. If you go with some really heavy string that isn't traditionally used for an E, you'd better make sure that your other strings are thicker as well to avoid neck twists.
Also, you'd almost definitely need a setup if you're going into the 130-ish range.
I'd try some 115s first, then go up to 120s and see what happens.
My bass will just implode. Anyways, i do setups at a music store, so no problem there.
My main bass uses a .115 gauge E string.
Where do you get them? and what gauge are the other strings?
065-.075-.100-.115
Theyre Rotosound Trubass 88s.
My main problem with strings is the the lower you go, the worse the sound gets. I find most E strings unplayable since their tension is too low. This because someone, somewhere along the line, decided that thicker strings should have lower tension than higher ones.
My only option, usually, is to buy strings with a high enough tension where it doesn't matter.
The Trubass strings aren't particularly taught, but they sound and feel nice enough where I don't care.
I'm pretty sure SIT strings makes custom gauges, but don't quote me on that.
Theyre Rotosound Trubass 88s.
My main problem with strings is the the lower you go, the worse the sound gets. I find most E strings unplayable since their tension is too low. This because someone, somewhere along the line, decided that thicker strings should have lower tension than higher ones.
My only option, usually, is to buy strings with a high enough tension where it doesn't matter.
The Trubass strings aren't particularly taught, but they sound and feel nice enough where I don't care.
I'm pretty sure SIT strings makes custom gauges, but don't quote me on that.
I used a custom guage set of 130's for a long time. String never broke and never harmed the neck.
You do setups for a music store, it should be easy to order them through work.
Tapewound strings have very heavy gauges, but very low tension.
The wrap takes up much of that diameter; there's probably a .095 or .100 string under that E string's wrap.
I put these LaBella strings on my Modulus VJ 54-111 and its tuned to C#, sounds & feels terrific. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H2MJG04/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I had a set of Boomers with a 110 E and it was like plucking a radio antenna, so I'd imagine that would be the ceiling at least for me in terms of thickness.
110 is definitely not too thick for an E string. I've had an 110 E for Daddario Pro Steel, Daddario XL Nickels, Rotosound Swing Bass and Rotosound Roto Bass nickel-plated round sets, and in all cases the E sounds fantastic, and was no bother tension-wise, still just a heavier version of a nicely playable medium.
43-65-80-110 This is what my Billy Sheenah sets are. Sound is balanced. I like 110 E better than 105, and this is the thickest E I'd use.
I've tuned a Chrome 132 to E. Lot of tension for sure (69lbf) but nothing broke or anything. The standard E 105 is starting out a fair bit less tension than the typical 85 and 65 A and D strings. Chrome 065 tuned D has 55lbf. Steve Harris uses an 075 tuned D with more tension than 69lbf (70.92lbf) A bass with a sturdy neck is advisable I guess
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