String Gauges for Jazz and Precision ?

[skej21]

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1390853941' post='2350493']
Skej, did you have heavier strings and then change down? What differences have you noticed with lighter strings?
[/quote]

All my basses came with heavier strings and I changed down. I just like being able to move the strings (for vibrato etc) but I honestly don't notice much difference when I'm changing between basses with heavier strings and my basses. I suppose it's like being a mechanic... They don't notice different clutch heights and steering etc, they just adapt quickly to different cars and I seem to do the same thing with basses/strings.

I just like light gauge because I prefer the feel. There's not a huge difference in tone between light and heavy strings IMO, just gives a different feel and opens up different styles of playing (digging in with heavier strings, using more vibrato with flats etc)

Edited January 27, 2014 by skej21

[Skol303]

A quick aside: I'm thinking of stringing an old 70s P-bass (work in progress) with the heavy 'Jamerson' La Bella flats, gauge 52/73/95/110.

I've since read that this gauge can cause problems with older necks due to the high tension (ie. causing warping).

Is this just scaremongering? Or can heavy gauge strings be a concern?

I normally play 5-strings and this has never crossed my mind before... but then I guess 5's are set up for higher tension by default.

[gsgbass]

Don't forget to check the string gauge size going through the nut. To small of a string diameter through a nut can case problems also.

Edited January 29, 2014 by gsgbass

[gjones]

I've actually just put a set of light DR Hi-Beams on my Precision and they sound great. It gives the sound a little bit more definition than the mediums do.

[RYAN]

Plss kindly help... Wht best string for this plss asap squire infinity jazz bass V 5string

 

 

[itu]

https://www.thomann.de/gb/strings_for_electric_bass.html 

- 045 is the most common gauge

- the number 045 equals 0.045 inch, or 1.143 mm and it is the thickness of the G-string (funny?)

- if you want lighter, try 030 - 040; need for heavier set, start from 050

- there are basically three types of strings: roundwound (most common, brightest), halfround, and flatwound (really dark)

- there are two materials: nickel (a more even sound, really good for fretless, too), and stainless steel (brighter, resembles a bit of that smile-shaped eq curve)

- acoustic bass likes bronze strings but their output is really low compared to Ni and SS

- coated strings have a polymer on top and they are claimed to last longer; if you sweat a lot and like bright sound, try a set of Elixirs or similar

- there are strings for short scale instruments, too, so do not opt for 32" or similar, sets that fit 34" or longer is your choice

- a special tuning (lower or higher than the basic (C)GDAE(B) ) needs special strings - this would be a start of a long discussion that I won't get into

- there are few manufacturers (D'Addario, GHS, Rotosound...) and several companies that sell their strings (Fender, Lakland, Fodera etc.)

Some suggestions:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/daddario_eps1655.htm

https://www.thomann.de/gb/daddario_exl1705sl_5stringsaiten.htm

https://www.thomann.de/gb/elixir_14782_stainless_steel_5_l_m.htm

[chris_b]

6 hours ago, RYAN said:

Plss kindly help... Wht best string for this plss asap squire infinity jazz bass V 5string

I currently have a set of D'Addario NYXL (45 - 130) on my Jazz and another set waiting to go on.

I'd recommend them for a fat and full sound, with a nice defined top end. They'll take as much EQ as you want to throw at them, at either end of the scale.