What a difference a gauge makes..

[fender73]

Hi all,

Been largely ignoring general bass stuff apart from the odd gig, but in the last couple of days i've been picking up my Warwick and have a twang. Nothing really inspired me and it was all a bit samey etc.....then...i had a wander to Denmark Street today, and much to my surprise i found some Trace Elliot light gauge strings in a bargain bin for £5.....so...i bought some, strung the bass up with them....and instant inspiration!

They really are too light (unless you are a certain Isle of Wight residen), but it's amazing how the change from the usual 45 to 105's to a lighter gauge seemingly gave me back some sparkle. Didnt even need to tweak the basses neck either

Good times....

G

[gjones]

Very true. Strings with lower tension (but the same gauge) can make a bass feel so much more playable too.

Edited December 15, 2011 by gjones

[dave_bass5]

Funny enough ive just brought a set of medium light gauge strings for the first time in years. Ive nearly always used 45-105 but im looking forward to a slightly light set.

[Lozz196]

Yep, I`ve just bought a Squier CV Precision as a backup bass, and it has lighter gauge strings on it than I`m used to. It`s much easier to run all over the neck with these, but I like the depth of heavies, so I`ve already bought a set.

[BB3000S]

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1323986056' post='1469640']
Very true. Strings with lower tension (but the same gauge) can make a bass feel so much more playable too.
[/quote]
+1
I strongly prefer roundcore strings like DR Fat Beams and Newtone over hex core strings. Better intonation, better feel, better sound - IMHO of course.

[AttitudeCastle]

I'm the same but not with lighter strings!

I felt 45-105s a little too floppy so pumped everything up a little and it felt great as i love the resistance on my right hand! (No drop tuning here by the way!)

Glad you've found some inspiration at a bargin price

[fender73]

[quote name='AttitudeCastle' timestamp='1324026722' post='1469826']
I'm the same but not with lighter strings!

I felt 45-105s a little too floppy
[/quote]

Really? I must be getting old!

Edited December 16, 2011 by fender73

[MusicJunkie]

I really like the Hybrids, myself - won't play without 'em.

[AttitudeCastle]

[quote name='fender73' timestamp='1324053865' post='1470389']
Really? I must be getting old!
[/quote]

Haha don't feel bad, people call me on odd ball with my gear

[chrismuzz]

Different strokes etc etc

I prefer heavier gauges, as I play quite heavy handed usually, and allows me to have lower action without the stupid amounts of fret buzz I use to get

[arabassist]

I've always used light or medium-light because i've been under the impression that light = easier to play. but not necessarily because i have an apt for plucking hard which isn't too great for light strings (lots of twanging and gradient of volume across the different strings)

[Lfalex v1.1]

[quote name='BB3000S' timestamp='1324026028' post='1469817']
+1
I strongly prefer roundcore strings like DR Fat Beams and Newtone over hex core strings. Better intonation, better feel, better sound - IMHO of course.
[/quote]

Yup.
This. I like roundcores, too.