• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What strings and setup for "string bending" style?

Lorenzop

Lorenzop

Oct 23, 2012
258
5
Berlin
#1
Hi

I'd like to get into " string bending" on my 5 string active bass, bartolini mighty mites pickups.
I might even experiment with high C setup.

In any case what are recommended strings for bending? I was thinking DR hi beams. ?

I'm concerned that lighter gauge might thin out too much my sound and worst of all introduce fret buzz, with floppy strings??

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject, how to set up and also what strings I might be looking at. I suppose good sustain is very important also.

Thanks!
 
#2
Lorenzop said:
Hi

I'd like to get into " string bending" on my 5 string active bass, bartolini mighty mites pickups.
I might even experiment with high C setup.

In any case what are recommended strings for bending? I was thinking DR hi beams. ?

I'm concerned that lighter gauge might thin out too much my sound and worst of all introduce fret buzz, with floppy strings??

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the subject, how to set up and also what strings I might be looking at. I suppose good sustain is very important also.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

nickel or stainless steel roundwounds on a round core are more flexible than hex-core strings or flatwounds. Hi-Beams are a good choice. What have you been stringing up with until now?
 
#4
You can experiment with other brands, but your intonation will probably be out with the new strings. If you really want something that feels lighter, you should try a lighter gauge. Play the life out of the D'addarios first and then experiment with your next set. If you want to get an idea of what else is out there more quickly and inexpensively, try out your friends' basses that may have other strings on them.
 
#7
Almost all string sets are top and/or middle heavy, for an equal pitch response to bending you need a 'progressive' tension that falls consistently from low to high, for example gauges .100 .070 .050 .035 .025 which is medium bottom extra light top. I have spent the last few years experimenting with low tension sets with equal pitch bend response, balanced tension sets are an improvement but progressive is the answer. With equal tensions pitch response to bending reduces for higher strings. Use the tension charts to design a progressive set
http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
Link Removed

I suggest a low tension of roughly 30 to 40 pounds, perhaps as low as 25 pounds for a high C. Avoid deliberately rough textured steels like the old D'addario Prosteels as they will grind your frets.
 
#8
Lorenzop said:
I'm concerned that lighter gauge might thin out too much my sound and worst of all introduce fret buzz, with floppy strings??
Click to expand...

Light strings will not buzz any more or less with a good setup. But they will require a setup before they will play as good as your higher gauge strings. These is no way around the physics of string tension, wood stress, and truss rod tension. Less tension from the strings means more relief needed from the truss rod. Your action should not need to change, but the neck relief will.

Lighter strings do not mean thinner tones. But it will require you to change your pluck hand technique some as you will have more dynamic range with the same pull/thunk. Light strings have the tendency to allow so hard of playing that you can sound quite grindy with ease.
 
#9
Thanks xlr ramp thanks joelb good answers. I will experiment with the idea of progressive Tension response. I can't quite understand the daddario chart though! I get the formulae but where do I find my string gauges on the chart??

Also: where can I buy individual DR strings in Europe???

Thanks all!
 
#13
Lorenzop said:
One question: for string tapping, what is best setup and string gauge?
Click to expand...
Personally i find a low and progressive tension is also perfect for tapping :) neck almost completely flat and strings very close to the fretboard. However this setup for tapping means you have to play gently when plucking or using a pick, so string height is a compromise. The advantage is the instrument becomes almost effortless to play and there's little risk of injury. i suggest (.135) .100 .070 .050 .035 (.025) as a good stating point, the tension falls from 36 to 26 pounds low to high, that's light bottom ultra light top.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back