Because its easier to play with light gauge strings. You need less effort to move a lighter string and make it ring. So, the most common thing for bassist with serious chops is using lighter gauges to avoid injuries, hand stress, etc.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
why do so many famous Elect. Bassists use such light gauge strings?
- Thread starter Bob Dullam
- Start date
I find that the problem I have with either too high or too low tension is only really caused by one string in the set. The .065 D string's probably too tight for me if it's a hex-core string and the .095 E string's probably too loose if it's a round-core string. I've started balancing my sets according to core construction and string balance.
I don't need all strings to be balanced tension wise, but going up or down a gauge on the problem strings tends to handle any issues I have for playability of a string.
I don't need all strings to be balanced tension wise, but going up or down a gauge on the problem strings tends to handle any issues I have for playability of a string.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I was prone to heavy strings until I tried a light pair on one of my basses I was surprised it still had some low end thump to it.
Lighter strings often have more "low end thump" (all other things being equal), no surprise.
Imagine two women (or men, depending what you're into) dancing: a flabby woman (low-tension, light gauge string) and a tight-bodied woman (high-tension, heavy gauge string). Which one of them will oscillate at a lower frequency and have more low end thump?
It's all a question of preference. I like bridge cables myself, even though I have small hands, since I really dig in with my right hand. I also prefer my action higher than most. Most rounds feel floppy to me, unless it's a .105+ E, with the emphasis on the +.
I used lighter gauge and lighter action when I was rocking a shortscale though, and if I were to get back into the technical stuff, instead of rock/blues covers, I'd probably drop a gauge or two.
I used lighter gauge and lighter action when I was rocking a shortscale though, and if I were to get back into the technical stuff, instead of rock/blues covers, I'd probably drop a gauge or two.
I may change up my strings on my Fender Jazz ('62 re-issue) this week. I currently have DR Hi-Beams 45-105, but they're killing my fingers and hands after a few songs, and I struggle playing super fast bass parts on some songs.
What strings would you recommend that would give me similar tone, but are smoother in feel and a bit less tension in 40-100 gauges?
I'm not hung up on any one brand, although I've used mostly DR for a few years now.
What strings would you recommend that would give me similar tone, but are smoother in feel and a bit less tension in 40-100 gauges?
I'm not hung up on any one brand, although I've used mostly DR for a few years now.
i'm a fan of the elixer super lights: 40 60 75 95 . . . have some heavier labella's on my jazz now that i can't wait to get rid of . . . not sure if i'm going to go with a set of labella steels or move back to the elixers . . .
i just liked lighter strings with low action, it took a bit of adjustment to get used to, but you can move a lot faster and press more softly . . . just something i got used to i guess
i just liked lighter strings with low action, it took a bit of adjustment to get used to, but you can move a lot faster and press more softly . . . just something i got used to i guess
I would also add that a lot of the names the OP mentioned are players that play more solo parts, chords, upper-register melodies, etc. than the average bassist. In my opinion, and likely that of the OP's examples, it is easier to play those types of parts with lighter strings (chords in particular are much easier). Also, perhaps more importantly, I find that lighter strings have more of a "stringy" sound that I find pleasing for those types of parts, whereas heavier gauge strings tend to make upper-register parts closer in tone to standard bass tones (which some people would understandably find to be a benefit, but not myself).
Can't agree for myself. I use 40-95's, hate stringy plinky sounding high notes, and love when it sounds heavy up top.
I still will offer $50 to anyone who can consistently identify light gauge strings from heavy gauges simply by a recording.
This.
I have always liked lights...40 gauge is golden. Easier on the hands..not my finger tips, which have been calloused forever, but the tendons because I am working less. I also used lower tension strings like Sunbeams. You combine that with low action, and you can vibrato or bend with your pinkie if you want to (and I do a lot).
Now the trick is if you are doing a lot of rock or shows that are more energized..you may break strings faster if you are slapping a lot or using a pick. So in that case you have to go thicker. If the band tunes really low..go thicker.
I did all that stuff as well. At the end of the day, I got kind of sick of those types of bands, so I went back to playing sessions with the setup I like.
Better overall tone, feel, and playability. You get better fundamental tone wth light gauge imo.
It completely depends upon the bass, more than the player, IMO. I've used 45-105 on all my basses pretty much forever, mostly because I'd convinced myself that that was what worked best for me. But I recently has one of my basses, a Tobias, set up with light gauge DR Sunbeams. The bass just came alive, plays beautifully, with articulation I've never heard out of it before.
But as successful as that change was, I'm not quite ready to switch all my basses over to light gauge strings, mostly because I'm pretty happy with how they currently sound. But there are a couple I may toy with just to see what happens. My thinking has definitely changed.
-Alan
But as successful as that change was, I'm not quite ready to switch all my basses over to light gauge strings, mostly because I'm pretty happy with how they currently sound. But there are a couple I may toy with just to see what happens. My thinking has definitely changed.
-Alan
If you're used to .045 .065 .085 .105 try .045 .060 .080 .105 first and you may be pleasantly surprised
in the 70's i used Picato's. On my 4001, they came in a plastic container like a sandwich lunch box.
I remember the G string was a .38! I loved those strings. they even came with an extra G string!
I think they still have them in the UK.
Just asked for a shipping quote from an eBay seller.
I remember the G string was a .38! I loved those strings. they even came with an extra G string!
I think they still have them in the UK.
Just asked for a shipping quote from an eBay seller.
Maybe I'm a weirdo, but .040 - .100 isn't that light at all. Very good choice for EADG tuning
I think some people who do use something lighter than .100 for the E (something like .080) use this to get some brighter high end.. I dunno, maybe it works for them.
I think some people who do use something lighter than .100 for the E (something like .080) use this to get some brighter high end.. I dunno, maybe it works for them.
