JAUQO III-X
Inactive
I use an .080 E string not for a certain brightness but for a particular low end growl that I like.
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why do so many famous Elect. Bassists use such light gauge strings?
- Thread starter Bob Dullam
- Start date
I use an .080 E string not for a certain brightness but for a particular low end growl that I like.
I used 45-105 for years, but as my style grew more diverse and dynamic I found 40-100 to have the perfect ratio of fatness to speed.
That's a option too 
I never went thinner than .090.
As for now, I'm using a .110 E and .140 Low B
I never went thinner than .090.As for now, I'm using a .110 E and .140 Low B
JAUQO III-X
Inactive
As for now, I'm using a .110 E and .140 Low B
On my non sub contra basses my low B is .110.
to those that are using lighter strings because they are easier to play, are you setting up your instruments for different strings or just letting the string dictate how much relief you have?
I set up all my basses for the strings. I love low action but not too buzzy. When I go from the 45-100 sets it seems comes with every bass I buy to the 40-95, I have to re-adjust the truss rod and action to get it where I like it.
I'm the opposite, I like very stiff strings(doesn't matter how thick they are) so I can lower my action as much as possible without it limiting my dynamics.
I have a lighter touch, but Since I Detune down a whole step, I keep up with 45-105s , but with my old '77 Stingray I prefer the . 40's
BTW, Does anyone know the difference between EB regular Slinkys and Super Slinkys?
BTW, Does anyone know the difference between EB regular Slinkys and Super Slinkys?
I let the string do it.It matters though. I am actually thinking about this now.
I want to put 130, 100,80, 60, 40 sunbeams on the fender deluxe when I buy it. It come strung with 130, 110, 85, 65, 45.
I am not sure what to expect when I put the new strings on to be honest.
+1
While this thread had been entertaining it is also full of opinions rather than real information. I use very light strings and my bottom end is brutaly sweet. My E is a 90 gauge.
For me it's all about the feel, the speed, and the sound. Personally I don't like big fatties unless I'm smoking them (OK not anymore but its still funny).
Cheers!
MJW
to me, there's no easy answer when it comes to string gauges... it depends on
a) your fingers - if nature equipped you with fat sausages, heavy gauges will be your thing. thin fingers will call for more light gauged strings
b) the instrument - for example, my precision basses need heavier strings than my jazz basses. you need to find the sweetspot on every single bass.
considering jaco's choice, i once read this fragment of an interview... he did use light gauge, although he doesn't go into detail there. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=168117276660450&set=o.448999181781891&type=1&theater
anyone know, what gauge marcus miller uses?
cheers, peter
a) your fingers - if nature equipped you with fat sausages, heavy gauges will be your thing. thin fingers will call for more light gauged strings
b) the instrument - for example, my precision basses need heavier strings than my jazz basses. you need to find the sweetspot on every single bass.
considering jaco's choice, i once read this fragment of an interview... he did use light gauge, although he doesn't go into detail there. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=168117276660450&set=o.448999181781891&type=1&theater
anyone know, what gauge marcus miller uses?
cheers, peter
I have a question, how does a lighter gauge effect your bass? I mean, would you have to bump up your EQ to make up for the lighter gauge? How does a lighter gauge effect your bass from say standard gauge, the .105 to .45? Im interested in giving the lighter gauge a try and see how they play. I would imagine theyd be more manageable if that makes sense.
i wouldnt say you'd need to adjust the EQ. but you might need to adjust the truss rod. 40-100 strings will put less tension on your neck than a set of 45-105. so the action will be too low. anyway, i've come to learn that people very often tend to prefer bigger numbers - e.g. with megapixel in cameras. it doesn't necessarily tell you much about the quality. with instruments, i encounter that attitude quite often as well. 6 string basses are often considered to be better than 4 strings, extra long scale is very often preferred over shortscale and it's the same with strings. just a thought... try the smaller stuff too 
i like light gauge strings on some of my basses. they ring longer, since there's less tension on them. you'll just have to play light too. if you can get comfortable with that, you have the same low end as with heavy gauge. if you have settled for a gauge, try different brands. you'll see there's even more difference between those than between the gauges...
i like light gauge strings on some of my basses. they ring longer, since there's less tension on them. you'll just have to play light too. if you can get comfortable with that, you have the same low end as with heavy gauge. if you have settled for a gauge, try different brands. you'll see there's even more difference between those than between the gauges...
I'm thinking I would want to try a lighter gauge to get faster. Won't have to press as hard and so forth. That's my thought process anyway.
well, if you scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll find all different kinds of gauges...
Well I was thinking seriously of going with a lighter gauge on one of my basses, instead on the recommendation of BassStringsOnline I bought a set of GHS Pressurewounds (M7200 - Long Scale: Medium: .044 .062 .084 .106). They have a slippery coating on them and the tension is such I can put the strings a tad lower.
After playing on them for a few weeks I'm impressed; my playing is a bit faster than with the 'dryer' roundwounds I had, I can just move quicker and the tone is amazing, and I find my fingers are fresher after playing the same amount of time.
ok wait, i see what you meant now... only one is his signature series. would be interesting to know if he really uses his own signature series.
