Most common roundwound gauge

[Guest MoJo]

I've just switched back to using 40-100's after moving to 45-105's for a few years. Before that I always used 40-100's. I've no idea why I switched, unless I was after a heavier tone. Just out of curiosity, I thought it would be interesting to see what is the most commonly used roundwound gauge.

[BigRedX]

I tend to use the 5-string equivalent of 40-100, but IMO the E and Low B strings in these sets nearly always feel to flexible and are definitely much lower tension than the other strings. My ideal set would be something like: 40, 60, 80, 105, 135. That for me would deliver a much more consistent feel between the strings.

[gary mac]

45-105 for me. Always has been and probably not going to change now

[Thunderbird]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]45-105 for me but I have just started trying out 45-100 flats[/font][/color]

[jazzyvee]

Generally I use 45 - 105 on my basses. But a short scale bass I bought a couple of years ago came with 40 -100 so for that bass anyway I will stick with that gauge.

[radiophonic]

45 - 100 ideally. I have 45 - 105 at the moment but I find the 105 a bit heavy. 40 is too light on the top for me.

[Trueno]

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1499855707' post='3334047']
45 - 100 ideally. I have 45 - 105 at the moment but I find the 105 a bit heavy. 40 is too light on the top for me.
[/quote]

Me too. Just gravitated over the years to the point where 45-100 is my go to.

[EliasMooseblaster]

When I first started buying bass strings, the Rotosound 45-105 sets were labelled "standard gauge," so I assumed that was indeed the normal way! I have tried a hybrid set after I got it by accident (45-100, I think) but I couldn't really feel much difference. Even when I ventured into different string brands, 45-105 seems to have been the most common set to come by, so I've just stuck with what's familiar and easy to get hold of, I guess.

[LiamPodmore]

45-105 for me. I sometimes go for a slightly heavier set if i know i'll be tuning down but for the most part that works nicely for me. I can't remember whether i have 45-130 or 135 on the 5 string.

Edited July 12, 2017 by LiamPodmore

[BrunoBass]

40-100 always.

[pbasspecial]

I used to use 40-100 elites for years but have recently gone heavier. Now use the Rotosound round wound Billy Sheehan's 43-110 (given to me by the man himself - clang) on one bass and LaBella Jameson heavy flats 52-110 on the other P Bass. Now find the heavier E string helps with drop tuning (Hipshot) and gives a heavier tone IMHO.

[stingrayPete1977]

Ernie ball super slinkys are a popular string, or regular slinky in the five strings 45-65-80-100-130.

Those are my favourites.

[Danuman]

Ooh, timely question!

I've played 45-100 pretty much exclusively. Nice and snappy, and they suit my Jazz perfectly. However on my recently acquired Precision the E string is too floppy. 105's are nice and taut, but they go dull a bit too quickly in my experience, so I'm looking for something with the best of both.

I tried some 45-100 flats which were nice and and firm, but I found I prefer rounds on my P (heathen!).

[Hobbayne]

I use Ernie Ball Reg Slinkies. I like the heavier G string. (.50 I believe it is)

[bazzbass]

45-105 but I find it hard to play bends on these.

Need to instal a set of 40-100 to see if they're easier to bend. Learnin Black Sabbaf's Bassically/N.I.B and can't do those bends.

[Norris]

45-105
We usually play a semitone down to reduce strain on the vocals. Add in the drop D (flat) tuner and lighter strings would be impractical. Plus I like a bit of punch and to be able to dig in a bit

[D'AddarioUK]

This is really interesting! The results so far tally up with our experience.

[Adrenochrome]

40-100 for standard tuning, 45-105 half step down, 50-110 full step down (which also covered drop-C okay). All 34" scale. My short scale has 50-110 in standard for playability.

To be honest I've used 45-100 in standard tuning with no problem at all.

[Adrenochrome]

A couple of people have posted about heavier tone. I though a heavier guage string (all else being equal) generally gave a brighter tone?

[bassbiscuits]

I used 40-100 for many years, but then one of my depping jobs involves tuning down to Eb, so i found 45-105 to be more versatile to cover both Eb and concert pitch tunings.

Edited July 13, 2017 by bassbiscuits

[Bolo]

55, 75, 95, 115, 135
G, D, A, E, A

[dmccombe7]

was always 40-100 until bought my Warwick Thumb in 89 which came with 35-95 Elites. Tried them for few years but went back to 40-100.
Don't recall ever trying anything heavier on my 4 stringers.

I always thought Rotosound 40-100 was the standard gauge. ?? Been a long time since buying them and this poll shows 45-105 is most common. ?

Dave

[Guest MoJo]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1499932144' post='3334537']
45-105
We usually play a semitone down to reduce strain on the vocals. Add in the drop D (flat) tuner and lighter strings would be impractical. Plus I like a bit of punch and to be able to dig in a bit
[/quote]
[quote name='Adrenochrome' timestamp='1499936489' post='3334585']
40-100 for standard tuning, 45-105 half step down, 50-110 full step down (which also covered drop-C okay). All 34" scale. My short scale has 50-110 in standard for playability.

To be honest I've used 45-100 in standard tuning with no problem at all.
[/quote]
[quote name='bassbiscuits' timestamp='1499938929' post='3334618']
I used 40-100 for many years, but then one of my depping jobs involves tuning down to Eb, so i found 45-105 to be more versatile to cover both Eb and concert pitch tunings.
[/quote]

I've just remembered that tuning down to Eb was the reason I moved to 45-105. I even tried 55-110 at one point, had to modify the nut to suit (after I broke the original nut whilst tuning up), but 55's were way too high a tension for me

[Guest MoJo]

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1499943125' post='3334675']
55, 75, 95, 115, 135
G, D, A, E, A
[/quote]

You must have fingers of iron, my friend

[TheGreek]

I'm surprised with the results so far - most of my friends play 40-100 - I prefer something lighter. I didn't realise that 105s were as popular as they are.