Will a heavier gauge string permit lower action?

[Jhass]

I use GHS Pressurewound strings on my L2000. Currently, I have the bass strung with medium-light gauge (0.44, 0.58, 0.80, .102). The action is very good, but I'm wondering if i could set it lower if I went up to medium gauge strings (0.44, 0.62, 0.84, .106). This is the heaviest gauge Pressurewound string. I would need to have the nut filed to fit the heavier strings.

 

[Turnaround]

It's a wash. A heavier string will have more tension which can cause you to pluck harder which will cause the string to vibrate more, likely causing more string buzz. But the string has more mass so if you ease up on your plucking, the mass will cause the string to vibrate the same as the lighter set resulting in the same amount of string buzz you started with.

 

[Jhass]

It's a wash. A heavier string will have more tension which can cause you to pluck harder which will cause the string to vibrate more, likely causing more string buzz. But the string has more mass so if you ease up on your plucking, the mass will cause the string to vibrate the same as the lighter set resulting in the same amount of string buzz you started with.

Thanks! I think you just saved me the trouble (and cost) of having the nut filed. My bass only has a very small amount of fret buzz now, so I think I will leave it as is.

 

[Turnaround]

Thanks! I think you just saved me the trouble (and cost) of having the nut filed. My bass only has a very small amount of fret buzz now, so I think I will leave it as is.

How are you at setting up a bass? If you have a small amount of buzz you should be able to eliminate it with an adjustment.

 

[Jhass]

How are you at setting up a bass? If you have a small amount of buzz you should be able to eliminate it with an adjustment.

It's very slight, and only when I dig in a bit. I set up everything to G&L factory specs.

 

[Turnaround]

So, assuming good level frets, I would say G&L specs are not quite right for you.

 

[Jhass]

So, assuming good level frets, I would say G&L specs are not quite right for you.

That's probably true. I may tweak things a little. The frets are excellent. I don't mind a little buzz; it doesn't come through the amp.