Why 5-string sets often have thinner A-and E strings?

[Johannes]

I wonder why so many string manufacturers offer 45-65-85-105 sets for 4-stringers but only 45-65-80-100-130(or 125) for fivers?
To my taste .80 A and .100 E feel little wimpy and sound too soft. In many cases I need to buy a 5-string set plus a 4-string set to get optimal set since single strings are not available. For example my favourite EB cobalt flats I must purchase like this. What do You think is the manufacturers idea, do they believe that bass necks will bow or is the reason to sell more strings?

[Stub Mandrel]

Sandberg and Warwick do 45-135 with the heavier A and E.

 

You can buy a single 135 and add it to a stock set (e.g. Roto 66)

[paul_5]

I reckon it’s to make the B string seem bassier than it is - take some of the ‘boom’ out of the next lowest strings so that the B sounds half decent by comparison… 😄

[Johannes]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Sandberg and Warwick do 45-135 with the heavier A and E.

 

You can buy a single 135 and add it to a stock set (e.g. Roto 66)

Thanks for Your response! Ok, but I have noticed that it is problematic to mix different brands. Like the EB cobalt flats I mentioned have much higher volume output than for example rotosound monel jazz flats.

[Johannes]

54 minutes ago, paul_5 said:

I reckon it’s to make the B string seem bassier than it is - take some of the ‘boom’ out of the next lowest strings so that the B sounds half decent by comparison… 😄

Yes! Very sharp observation, Paul👍 Really, I didn’t think about it, they can take a bit more money by thinning 3 strings one nod!

[TeresaFR]

Rotosound Jazz 77 flats are 45/65/85/105/130 for the five string set - I understand you find the Ernie Ball cobalt flats to have greater output, but it sounds like the gauge variation would be a plus point for the Rotos.

[chris_b]

3 hours ago, Johannes said:

I wonder why so many string manufacturers offer 45-65-85-105 sets for 4-stringers but only 45-65-80-100-130(or 125) for fivers?

 

Too vague. What string sets. What manufacturers.

 

My Dunlop's are 045, 065, 085, 105, 130 and GHS are 045, 065, 085, 106, 126.

[itu]

Do manufacturers think that a 4 is 34", and a 5 is 35"?

[tauzero]

I use 40-60-80-100-125 or -130. I don't have any issues with them feeling wimpy and sounding soft. Still, if you want 45-65-85-105-130, buy some Elites.

[Stub Mandrel]

14 hours ago, Johannes said:

Thanks for Your response! Ok, but I have noticed that it is problematic to mix different brands. Like the EB cobalt flats I mentioned have much higher volume output than for example rotosound monel jazz flats.

 

You can by a single 135 Roto 66 to go with a normal 66 swing bass set. I couldn't find a single set.