String Gauge and My MusicMan

[Mr Light]

So,

On both of my Rays, I have what are considered light gauge strings (.45-.100 on the SR4, and .45-.130 on the SR5). I was thinking about going a little heavier on the SR4, but not quite sure and wanted you all's opinion.

A guitar tech that set up one of my Fender four-strings I used to own use to say that light gauge is the way to go, since heavier gauges put unecessary pressure on the neck. However, a guitar tech I recently went to believes in heavy gauges. He's of the belief that one gets more volume and tone the heavier one goes. One just has to get used to the feel under the hands. When asked about the neck, he said that that shouldn't be an issue as the neck is adjustable...

What do you guys think?

I am always wanting to make sure that my instrument is being used to and at its fullest potential. MarkBass took care of my amp doubts, now what about this?

 

[bovinehost]

A guitar tech that set up one of my Fender four-strings I used to own use to say that light gauge is the way to go, since heavier gauges put unecessary pressure on the neck. However, a guitar tech I recently went to believes in heavy gauges. He's of the belief that one gets more volume and tone the heavier one goes. One just has to get used to the feel under the hands. When asked about the neck, he said that that shouldn't be an issue as the neck is adjustable...

Sounds to me like the first tech is a "guitar" tech. I've used all kinds of gauges on my Music Man basses and have only had issues with strings being too low tension - never too high. The instruments are designed for the tension that comes with bass strings. I'd say use what you like - and do your own setups.

 

[Kirby]

No worries about neck tension and the gauge of string. The only consideration I would have is the grooves in the nut if you go to a much higher gauge. The grooves will need to be re-cut then or a new nut used.

I had a teacher who preached the same about heavier gauge strings. I used to believe it, but now I use lighter and am happy. There may be some truth to it with older electronics, but now, no worries in my opinion.

 

[KennethB]

Well, I use .045-.100 gauge strings and I think they're are the best compromise between speedy fingers and tone. But then again I like my action a little bit higher than most and I like to bend strings and stuff like that. But I've also played with .050-.105 gauge strings and that was also good. Slightly thicker tone. More robust but less singing if you know what I mean. Had no problems having them on the bass. I think EBMMs are pretty stable. I set them up the way I like 'em and they stay that way. Extra light gauge string (.040-.095) also has their charm. I'm sure as time goes by and my bass collection grows I'll get into stringing them up with different gauges, tunings and so on. But .045-.100 strings in standard tuning is what I consider to be my "base".

 

[Randracula]

I think between the EQ on your basses and amp you'll have plenty of juice to make up for any tone/volume you'll lose by going to lighter gauge strings. For my 4 string basses I really like the Hybrid Slinkys.Very good compromise between Regular and Super Slinkys IMO. On the other hand if you do decide to go heavier a small truss rod adjustment should bring the strings back down to where you like them....

 

[Mr Light]

Well, I use .045-.100 gauge strings and I think they're are the best compromise between speedy fingers and tone. But then again I like my action a little bit higher than most and I like to bend strings and stuff like that. But I've also played with .050-.105 gauge strings and that was also good. Slightly thicker tone. More robust but less singing if you know what I mean. Had no problems having them on the bass. I think EBMMs are pretty stable. I set them up the way I like 'em and they stay that way. Extra light gauge string (.040-.095) also has their charm. I'm sure as time goes by and my bass collection grows I'll get into stringing them up with different gauges, tunings and so on. But .045-.100 strings in standard tuning is what I consider to be my "base".

You know, the compromise between speedy fingers and tone is a good point. I do like the singing you mention also.

By the looks of it, I probably would have to get the nut cut deeper, screw around with the bridge (which I never like to do), and risk dealing with the fact that it may not have been worth it. So, I guess I'll stick with the light gauge. It's not broken, so why fix it?

Thanks for your opinions, guys!

 

[mike not fat]

I use very heavy gauge strings (.65 - .130) on a 4 HH Bongo. But I'm tuning it DGCF and would not try a standard tuning. Before i was using .55 - .110 strings, tuned EADG. I never had any problems with the neck, even with the extra tension they bring. I think that .55 - .110 are the best strings to get the best low action I could ever get on a bass.
Bigger strings have something deeper in the sound that i love ; and the low D with the Bongo HH is an absolut killer !

MNF

 

[shastaband]

String preference is SUCH a personal choice. I started out playing when all you could get were flatwound bass strings. My first sets were monster LaBella flatwounds: .55—.110 or so. I've since used just about everything: flats, tape-wounds, half-rounds, ground-rounds, compressed-rounds, and roundwounds, in every gauge from .40 up. I've finally settled on Ernie Ball Roundwounds, .50-.70-.85.-105 for my four bangers, with a .135 for the B string on my SR5s. For myself, I find the added mass and tension of this slightly heavier gauge string set feels the best under my fingers (the regular slinkys were just a bit too flexible for me—I like the bass to fight back a little against my playing). I also feel the added mass gives a thicker, richer tone in the low end. But that's MY preference. I strongly suggest experimenting until you find what works best for you.

PS: NO modifications were necessary to the nut of any of my Music Man basses to accommodate these heavier gauge strings. I did have to make a slight adjustment to the truss rod, but that's so easy on MM basses

 

[brewer]

i've played a couple of dif gauges and in my opinion, i like 45-130's(5 string)
the heavier gauge will play w/ your neck a little, but you really need to play w/ different gauges to find out what you like the best. Remember, you're the one playing the thing, so your taste and preferences are the only ones that matter.