OK I'm pretty familiar with string gauges on acoustic guitars etc - but when it comes to Bass, I haven't a clue - my bass is still wearing the "factory" strings and I don't know what gauge they are......
Anyway, I'm going to change the strings in the AM - the replacements are Rotosound strings, gauges are 045, 065, 080 and 105 - are these heavy, light, medium or what?
The sound I'm looking to get is a kind of low, growly rumble - Brit readers, think Jean-Jacques Burnel of the Stranglers.....or think of the bassline on "Cold Turkey".....or the Jack Bruce basslines on "Sunshine of your Love" or "Badge"......
Should I get lighter or heavier strings next time? I still like very light strings on my electric and my main acoustic - I use D'Addario 9's - and I use 11's on my other acoustic, set up for slide.......but when it comes to bass, I think I'd rather have thick strings - the thicker the string, the deeper the tone, right?
:D :D :D
Vic
"Sometimes the beauty of music can help us all find strength to deal with all the curves life can throw us." (D. Hodge.)
Hey Vic!
The sets starting with .045 are pretty much the 'standard' gauge set. I think most basses come with .045s from the factory. Some companies call that 'light gauge', some 'medium.'
For me, I like the Roto sets starting with .040; 'light' gauge I would think. Or maybe that would be extra light. Sir Paul uses .040s (I think), on his Hofner so I sorta agree with that. .050s are a little on the heavy side for me but I think they're thought of as medium or medium-heavy. I mean, you can still get away with playing heavier strings if your setup is done right.
As far as the growly rumble, that might be a combination of things, maybe lower (BEAD) tuning, and/or flatwound strings. I've read somewhere that Bruce had that rumbly sound partly due to his having a short-scale EB-0 Gibson, and flatwounds. But then he also had his tech install that little doo-hickey fuzz circuit in his bass as well.
Then there's the issue of amps and stuff, but bascially, .045s is a perfect place to start experimenting with. I sometimes get a pretty growly tone, almost fretless at times, from a combination of the lighter (.040) string sets - which are also flatwound - and then having them on a short-scale bass. If I want a little more twang I pick up my 34" scale 5 string which is strung with roundwound .045s, and for something in between, it's a 34" scale with the Roto flat .040s. Get kind of an array of things that can be used.
Hope this helps.
