What gauge strings do you use?

[Jono Bolton]

And what is a 'standard' gauge while we're at it? I've been using 50-105 on my Jazz and I believe I have 45-100s on my Precision (both Ernie Balls). I prefer the 100s, they're more comfortable IMO. What is a standard gauge for bass strings though? I have no idea what my basses came with and altering your strings without adjusting your bass can be pretty disastrous but so far I seem to be okay.

[thedontcarebear]

40-95 GHS Boomers is my preferred choice for 4 string.

[nig]

40-95 or 40-90 swing bass or ive just gone over to daddarios.

[Thunderthumbs]

45-105 Elites Stadiums on my 4s, and 45-130 on my 5s.

[Lfalex v1.1]

Generally 40,60,80,100 or 45,65,80,100 for me.

I usually opt for 45,65,80,100,125 on 5 strings
and 25,45,65,80,100,125 on 6 strings.

[bass_ferret]

I use Status Hotwire halfs in 45 65 85 105 and TI Jazz Flats in 43 56 70 100. The generally accepted standard guages are 45 65 85 105 (look at some esoteric strings that only come in one guage) but different makers use different mixes like 45 65 80 100.

[Dood]

My post, for comedy value only... I use 175- 30 on ma bass! ;o)

[ahpook]

100-40 elites on all of my 4-stringers

[bnt]

I've settled on 25-45-65-85-105 on my 5-string, tuned High C. On my newish Tune 4-string, it's currently Elites 40-100, which seem OK so far, though I might go for a EB Slinky set at some point.

[crez5150]

30-115 Hotwires

[Pbassred]

I use the entrails of a dead cat soaked in parafin wax.

I can't believe this is ANOTHER "what strings" post. Oh wait. Yes I can.

[s_u_y_*]

[quote name='jono b' post='162287' date='Mar 23 2008, 05:57 PM']I prefer the 100s, they're more comfortable IMO.[/quote]

That's why I always go for 45-100. 105 requires that little bit more effort to fret than I'd prefer. At the mo, I'm loving DR Sunbeams but I am trying to get around to all the string manufacturers I can find.

[Pedro1020]

I use Elites 35 - 95 all the time, or Rotosound 30 - 90

I've Gotta try some optima gold ones, they'd look superb on my Streamer

Edited March 23, 2008 by Pedro1020

[Kev]

iv been sing 40-100 trace elliots on my precision, sound brilliant

[Horizontalste]

Hybrid Slinky's on my BB at the mo 45/105 me think's. Its nice...

[Jase]

Pro Steels 50-105 for fretted, Hartke 45-105 for fretless. Used to be Roto 45-105 but as much as I love them they don't last long at all.

[Flintlock]

I use 45-105 at the moment, but I don't like them that much.

Thing is, the D and G strings are too twangy, and I sometimes pluck them wrong when changing strings, and I think I may have this problem if I change to 45-100s.

I guess the only way is to find out for myself!

[King Tut]

Can we make this thread more usefull by saying what type of music we use the strings for - ie - are light strings better for slap etc??

[dudewheresmybass]

i use 50 - 110 an all of my fours, and 45 - 130 on fives.
mainly rotos, but occasionally daddys if i fancy a change.
I play 95% finger style, a little pick, and i'm a bad slapper!

Edited March 24, 2008 by dudewheresmybass

[Paul_C]

Rotosound 30-90s for me

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

TI Jazz flats only come as one standard set (JF344), so I use:
.043, .056, .070, .0100

* the 32" JF324 set on my mustang is slightly different, but I guess we're talking 34" sets

[ped]

Fretted:


Elixir 40-95's on the fretted (they last about 6 months IME

and on the fretless:


Optima Gold 40-100s
or


Marleaux 40-95s
or


Thomastik light flats


ped

[mr pablo]

wow I never thought so many folks would use light gauge strings

I use 50-110 DR's or 55-110 D'Addario half rounds propper manly strings

Edited March 24, 2008 by mr pablo

[ped]

Yeah pathetic isn't it!! I tune flat normally, too. That makes me even more whimpy. I like low tension and light strings so much that I can almost not play basses with heavy strings and higher action!! I like my strings so light and loose that I can hardly feel them!!

[mr pablo]

[quote name='ped' post='162611' date='Mar 24 2008, 01:06 PM']Yeah pathetic isn't it!! I tune flat normally, too. That makes me even more whimpy. I like low tension and light strings so much that I can almost not play basses with heavy strings and higher action!! I like my strings so light and loose that I can hardly feel them!![/quote]

I used to be the same until I was reading and article somewhere about building up fret hand stamina or something like that and it basicaly said to string up a spare bass with heavier strings so if you practiced using the spare and went back to your main bass you would be able to play it easier. I tried it and after a wee while I decided that the heavier strings felt better and went with that ever since