Lower Action - Heavier Or Lighter Strings?

[Permanent Waves]

So, I'm using EB Hybrids on my Sterling right now, and I'm not satisfied with the action on the E string. It's a bit too high.

Could I acheive a lower action with a lighter guage E string? Or would a heavier guage work better?

Graeme

 

[Astrofreq]

So, I'm using EB Hybrids on my Sterling right now, and I'm not satisfied with the action on the E string. It's a bit too high.

Could I acheive a lower action with a lighter guage E string? Or would a heavier guage work better?

Graeme

I would say go with a heavier gauge. I think that heavier strings have less buzz with low action, thereby allowing you to have lower action. Just having heavier strings WILL give you slightly lower action, simply because the string itself is fatter and taking up more room bringing it closer to the neck.

 

[daysofshred]

imo,it is just the other way round...:there'll be more tension on the neck so you'll probably have to adjust(turn clockwise) the truss rod when applying heavier strings ...

 

[5150812]

I prefer the heavier ones as well.

 

[kakobass]

Theorically, heavier string move less, and therefore need less room, so you could place them closer to the frets without buzzing.

But the setup is by far more important than the gauge of the strings (leveled frets, etc.) As mentioned, with heavier strings, you will need to adjust the truss rod to compensate for the added tension.

I use 30-90 strings on my Steriling, and because my tecnique, I have low action and get no buzzes.

 

[Newf]

I agree with kakobass, setup is vital to getting good low action. I too get buzzless low action, and I use Power Slinky's (55-75-90-110).

 

[ibanez2005]

I was given a set of Rotosound's when i bought my bass, they were way too light and it buzzed like nothin' ive ever heard. Changed em for some EB's (i cant remember which ones), thicker gauge, re-set the neck and set-up and all was fine.
I swear by EB's on my guitars too, anything else just doesnt cut it.

 

[hurricane]

I use rotosounds on my sterling{.45-110} buzzless, with low action,but I'm going to give eb's a try.