Punkviking Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share Posted July 8, 2019 4 hours ago, hooky_lowdown said: I'm guessing the OP uses a pick, coming from a guitar background. Simple solution is to use a heavier pick. I use standard gauge 45-105 strings, with 1.14 gauge pick (purple Dunlop) and like a heavy sound. The short scale will give a deeper tone than full scale, so really heavy gauge strings makes things more flabby. I use both fingers and picks but prefer to use my fingers as I like to play octaves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 Lower gauges are often better for heavier music, your can coax a bit more growl out of the strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 18 minutes ago, Punkviking said: I use both fingers and picks but prefer to use my fingers as I like to play octaves Cool. In that case have you tried playing with your thumb instead of your fingers? Will give a much heavier and meaty tone! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punkviking Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share Posted July 8, 2019 25 minutes ago, hooky_lowdown said: Cool. In that case have you tried playing with your thumb instead of your fingers? Will give a much heavier and meaty tone! I have indeed, I like to use my thumb on the lowE and a finger or two on the others (like a dordey pinch if you know what that is) it helps maintain a heavy tone but gives the higher notes a pop 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted July 8, 2019 Share Posted July 8, 2019 I’ve mostly been 40-100 gauge over past 40yrs with variations tried just out of curiosity. When I bought my Thumb bass new in 89 it came with Elites 35-95 and I stuck with them for many yes until in a heavy rock band I went back to 40-100 again to get that heavier sound. I find the 35’s easier to play but prefer overall tone and balance across the strings with 40-100’s. heavier strings feel too tight for me and I always go back to light or extra light strings depending on company you buy from Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punkviking Posted July 18, 2019 Author Share Posted July 18, 2019 (edited) If anybody's still watching this post I changed the strings to some Ernie Ball 2852 Short Scale Nickel Wound Regular Slinky Bass Strings - 45-105 and it's done the trick, great tone and a good range, thanks everyone! I also changed to using a thumb pic so I have a better range of picing styles and that's also helped! Edited July 18, 2019 by Punkviking 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reggaebass Posted July 18, 2019 Share Posted July 18, 2019 Keep your eye on the strings for sale here ,you get some good bargains sometimes, I enjoy trying different strings 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EliasMooseblaster Posted July 19, 2019 Share Posted July 19, 2019 Glad to hear the Ernies have done the trick! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBass Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 Interesting reading back through this thread. I’ve always used 100s, going back to when I started playing, and have been happy with them. I recently bought a new bass that came factory strung with 105s and is set up accordingly. My intention was to get it set up for 100s, but I’m going to stick with 105s as I’m enjoying the higher tension, especially on the Drop D songs my band plays. Nice to discover something new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 Am I the only one who plays 45, 65, 80, 100 (125 on a fiver) ? (Standard tuning, btw) I personally favour a heavier G&D string as I find 40 and 60 a bit "twangy", but that's personal preference for you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Lfalex v1.1 said: Am I the only one who plays 45, 65, 80, 100 (125 on a fiver) ? (Standard tuning, btw) I personally favour a heavier G&D string as I find 40 and 60 a bit "twangy", but that's personal preference for you... You clearly haven't read the early posts in this thread. 🤔 Edited September 5, 2019 by hooky_lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 (edited) 52 minutes ago, hooky_lowdown said: You clearly haven't read the early posts in this thread. 🤔 I did. I saw a lot of 50-110 and 45-105. Don't recall any hybrids being mentioned. Either way, whatever. Edited September 5, 2019 by Lfalex v1.1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Lfalex v1.1 said: Don't recall any hybrids being mentioned. What are you talking about, hybrids? Others have mentioned 45-100. You're not alone bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleat Posted September 5, 2019 Share Posted September 5, 2019 I currently have 40 60 75 95 gauge strings on my Tokai LP bass and setup with a pretty low string action. I like to play classic and heavy rock stuff. The gauge and setup allows for a lighter touch to be used, therefore allows for more speed when needed.... and it sounds huge! 🤪 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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