Should I switch to light strings?

[kevvo66]

Hiya people ,due too medical problems with my fingers .that is hand held vibration white finger syndrome caused from years of using big machines . I have always used medium too heavy gauge strings in standard tuning most of the time I am mainly a finger player but my digits cannot hack it anymore ,especially when rehearsing and playing live ,so is light gauge string the answer and if so will they still cut through the mix ?. We play cover from the 50,s upto modern stuff ,ps any ideas strings choice that is cheers

[gjones]

I have light gauge DR Hi Beams on my Precision, because it has a baseball sized neck and it makes it much easier to play. Certainly don't have any issues with my sound. Thought they'd be incredibly twangy but not at all.

[HowieBass]

I wouldn't worry about losing a little of the bottom end by going for lighter strings; I'm sure you'll still sit well in a mix and your fingers will thank you for it.

[kevvo66]

Cheers people

[TheSiberian]

Except of using lighter strings like 100, 80, 60, 40 you have also another additional option to use with the lighter strings.
You should have the action of your bass set low as possible. (maybe with the help of a luthier).
Best

[Lozz196]

I recorded with a bass strung with Rotosound Steels, think the E was either a 90 or 95. They had a great sound, and were really easy under the fingers. I wouldn`t say specifically get Rotos, but you can still get a great sound with lighter gauge, after all you can add more lows with eq. It`s something I`ve been thinking of recently, due to playing rather more frantic-type music. Certainly quicker to play - or at least I found them to be.

[kevvo66]

Just put set lights on my aria m series ,sounds great ,and a lot easier on my fingers and ultra fast ,I'm sold on lights now ,to bad the aria going up for sale now but I need something else ,serious gas for a p, bass .cheers people as always your advice much appreciated ,all the best ,kev

[Dad3353]

Can you not turn your amp up and play with a lighter touch..? With a suitable rig you should be able to caress the strings for sound. If you really need to 'dig in' (horrid expression, imo..!), any chance of adopting a pick, to ease the finger work..?

[kevvo66]

Hey dad ,how,s life treating you good I hope ,I use a pick on a few songs in my band ,but as a rule I play with my fingers . I tend too di when playing live I play quit a light touch I agree dig in awfull !!! Thanks dad for the advice