We hope this guide will help save you some time and money when trying out bass strings! What strings do you prefer? Let us know in the comments 👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more videos like this one 👍
I have a couple suggestions for the next string video you do. Primarily , maybe do it a bit more scientific and test the sustain with a timer. Have a frequency analyzer show what, if any, frequencies pop out or are more muted. Same with individual strings. As your presenter said, some gauges seem more compressed overall. Instead of just guessing these things which is near impossible to be reliable after switching one gauge to the next several times. You may be able to bust some big myths or confirm them.
Agreed. I don’t have the money and time to try all this myself and this was the next best thing. Sweetwater is great like that. Quality vid and logical testing methods of each string type being described by an experienced bass player. Doesn’t get much better than this for a video.
.040 - .095 for years and years and years on all my basses, good compromise between low tension and sound power. As I play every style, pick, fingers, slap I need something very versatile. Cheers.
This video is just what i was looking for! Being a multi instrumentalist i have to really watch my budget for gear and with the cost of bass strings being near the top of stupidly expensive consumables I am truly grateful you guys did this! I've been playing D'Addario ENR71 XL Half Rounds ( .045,.065,.080,.100 ) on my Thunderbird and love them! The feel is just right and I have enough knobs on my amp to dial in the right tone for any song. The biggest differences I see between these and Round wounds are if you slap bass, its more Marcus Miller than Victor Wooten no matter how you dial your amp; no squeal from finger slides with the Half Rounds and in my case my fingers arent as sore after long periods of playing a gig or recording. Guys who are strictly bass players may have tougher fingers than me because all they play is bass, where as I may go months where i only pick it up to stay in shape and not performance based playing. Drums are my primary instrument so, take it for what its worth!
How is your truss rod? I recently switched to BEAD and I was thinking I'd have to tighten the truss rod but I had to back it off all the way to get it flat. it could do with more relief but the strings aren't under enough tension to pull the neck forward.
@@60degreelobwedge82 from memory my truss rod needs a slight adjustment, but straight swapping the strings after years of not playing the bass and it was fine, Ive recorded demos on it.
I did convert my second bass, an Ampeg Armstrong bass to BEAD and it i's working great and those lower notes are indeed very useful. What I did was very simple: I clipped the end of the new string (would be clipped anyway after installing), wrapped a piece of sandpaper around it just once to have about the same thickness of the string and file the corresponding nut slot using that to get te perfect notch size. Do it for every string. Reconverting the bass to EADG would be just a matter of putting a new nut which is a simple thing to do.
I played on 45-105 forever, that means 18years Recently I thought "hey why not going the opposite way ?" Tried 35-90 and man... I loved it, it needed a little setup cause the tension was too low at first But then it was way more comfortable to play, you're hands will thank you Maybe you lose a bit of low frequency at higher volume so I went back to 40-90 and it's really the perfect option for me
One of the best, if not, the best demo I've seen on bass strings. I really loved that you demo'd a 5-string set on a 4. I think Ross Valory from Journey used to do that in the 80's... Pretty Killer. I play flatwounds on old fenders but sometimes I crave the bite of roundwounds. Someone here posted about loving LeBellas and yes, they have a phenomenal fundamental and thump that you cannot get with any other string IMHO. Recently, I switched to Ernie Ball cobalt flatwounds and I have been blown away. They really give you a round wound bite with the treble up (killer with a pick) and then if you roll back the treble you can get a great motown and even a little thump which is reminiscent of LeBella's. I urge any flatwound string users that are looking to bridge the gap between flatwounds and rounds to check these out.
Great video, I've been playing for over 30 years and I'm still learning which is what I love. Just a thought , I've used LaBella deep talking stainless flats and the feel is amazing and the tone is to my preference, like greased strings. Thanks for the video.
This video deserves kudos for being honest. There are minimal audible differences, at best, between string gauges. None to my ears. The only things that come to mind are: 1. What are you tuning your instrument to and 2. How hard do you prefer to play and also 3. What do you feel comfortable with. Other than that, the gauge doesn't seem to make a significant difference.
Thanks! Very comprehensive 'and' additive to bass pedagogy. This is the only video where the presenter actually has the courage to have an opinion about the general characteristics of bass string gauge, and further more...is able to present those conclusions articulately and relevantly. You are also the only video that correctly accounts many elements of string play that are often...misrepresented in accordance with the myths of the dominant bass performance paradigm and its gear delusions, such as the friction element of flat wound strings (most claim they have less friction, when what they should be saying is that they provide less textural feedback). No one else has mentioned the compression issues with light gauge strings or their tendency to 'poke' (feeling the fret 'through' the string). Well done.
B E A D tuning on a 4-string bass can make a very useful second bass, depending on your gig's set list. I am a 4-string rock guy, but when I did some modern Country covers, BEAD was super useful. Also useful for that low C# in Pour Some Sugar On Me. I'm not currently doing any of those songs, just classic rock, so I can get by with a regular 4-string EADG (my favorite strings are pink Ernie Ball Super Slinkies, .45-.100). I do go to drop D for a handful of songs. C# is too low, the low string gets too floppy on me, so that low or lower and I'll bring a second bass in BEAD. My BEAD bass is an old Mexican Fender Jazz with a replaced nut. Works fine for a few songs.
I agree on the B to D thing,I'll do it on basses that have good pickups,cheaper ones clip out on the lower frequency of the b string,90% of the music your playing using a b string you won't need a g,it sounds really good tuning s b up to D also makes for a heavier chuggy sound
It's still being watched. Thank you for going through so many different strings and gauges for us. I've been thinking about lowering my action and use a set of strings lower than 110. But I was scared to lose my thick, grunty bass tone. Maybe I'll test 105 or even 100 in the future.
Tried light gauge on my bass & now thats the only gauge I'll put on all my basses! My style "is digging in" and when playing that way, light gauges gives me "my sound".....
Gah! I’d been thinking of setting up and stringing a Rickenbacker for B-E-A-D, just for giggles, but… that muddy sound! You’ve successfully talked me out of it, and now I can’t believe I even _considered_ doing that to a Rick. Great sound on everything else, and good advice all around - I think a P-bass strung with tape-wounds may be on the horizon for me. Thanks again!
I put tapes on a pj and it was way too mellow, super comfortable to play low tension and smooth but didn’t fit in the mix good and I normally like the might to sound filtered a bit but something about the tapes just made it not sit good in the mix, I put roundwounds and they sounded good, chromes would work good I think, depends on the bass too 👍
I hacked up a Dean Edge to put cheap Strat rail pickups in Rickenbacker's 24th and 36th fret node positions, and put it in B (using Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky). Sounds actually pretty good with a pick, but on a Rick I like the high G.
Thx for putting the time. Setups are time consuming haha. Kudos. *What’s the scale length on that bass?* (For the masses) You usually want to go •Heavier gauge on a shorter scale. •Lighter gauge on a longer scale. All depending on the scale, tuning, and playing style/genre. So many variables if you think too hard. This guy summed it up well for the most part 👏🏽.
@@victorgan4126 I currently use Rotosound Stainless Steel 45-105 on a 30” fender mustang. I’m still experimenting on my Gibson DC bass and might move up to 50-105 or 50-110 next for slight more tension on this one.
All my basses are 5 string, and I use 45-65-80-105-130 on all of them, Rotosound Swing Bass RS665LD on all but the Warwick, and stainless steel Warwick round wound Black Label strings of the same gauge on that. I play mostly hard rock and some metal. I used to use lighter gauge strings, but want a heavier sound now and have alway loved stainless steel round wounds. I've used flat wounds and ground wounds, but now it's round wound all the way. If you want thud sound or don't like to play extremely cleanly (you can hear every slip of the finger and buzz with round wounds, you would probably be best with something else.
Thanks for taking the time to try them all. I need to change my strings (first time) so I’m researching a bit before buying a new set. But now, after watching this, I want another bass tuned B-E-A-D. 🙈
After having my first bass for a year (Fender P Bass from Sweetwater!) I recently figured I should change the strings. I really don't know the first thing about the pros and cons of each but after reading a couple reviews my gut said to go for something a little beefier so I got some 50-105s and I'm glad I did. Really cut down on the clickity clackety fret sounds that kindof drive me crazy and despite my novice level and relatively weaker fretting hand they still feel better than what I had. That slightly extra chonk is just more satisfying to dig in to. I get part of that could just be the benefits of new strings in general but I'm anticipating sticking with this gauge going forward.
I most definitely love videos like this and can't wait for part 2 for the bass and the guitar version with different pickups strings guitar and bass amp configurations
Gotta disagree on the notion that flatwounds are harder to move around on. Maybe I just have dry/non-acid hands, but they feel way smoother. I can slide around and pluck way easier
Flatwounds are easier on your fingers and feel smooth, but they have more surface area which causes more friction when sliding. Roundwounds feel rough on both your picking and fretting fingers, but have less surface area than flatwounds. Therefore, one offsets the other as far as sliding resistance is concerned. I like the nylon strings as they are as smooth as flats but have less sliding resistance and also sound bright like rounds. Plus they don't corrode or rust. They are slightly more expensive however.
What he said is absolutely true, the surface area is greater and if the string surface gets grabby you will certainly notice it. I played flats for almost 20 years before moving to rounds in the mid 80's. After the first set of the night I would have to use a product called finger ease on the strings to make them slick again, never had to do this with rounds... I have flats on two of my fretless basses and just playing around the house I never feel them get grabby but in a live secession it's very different. BTW: I have very dry skin if it matters...
@@robertellison4691 I play with a soft touch, so I'm told, so that could be the difference. I prefer aged rounds (hi-beams) for the tone and feel. I'd be interested in trying some tapewounds though. What kind of music are you playing?
While I've played with medium gauge strings the longest, I prefer light gauge strings when I'm going to do a lot of fast pop & slap playing. The funk is just unbeatable.
I'm considering buying my first bass at age 36 this Summer (hopefully) and this video will help me, problem is: I can't play, at all, I had some guitar lessons 20 years ago and I have to start all over, I might getting some books as well because none of my friends know how to play, I'm looking for a new hobby because Gaming is getting on my nerves and I really need some else to help to relax... and boost my self-esteem.
@Gary Hello Gary, thank you for your reply, I really want ti buy a bass but my parents are against it, I'm 36 years old and I still live with them because apartments are super expensive in my Country if you're single like me. I had an electric guitar between 2007-2010 but I sold it because I needed money, I regret it every day and now I don't want to pay 300€ for a starter bass pack and then leave it in the corner waiting for playing, I don't know how to play and none of my friends know, I can't decide between a new Gaming PC or a bass, sometimes I feel like people look at me as a loser, I wanted to have a new hobby and stop spending time on my PC, I really don't know what to do.
@@miguelsantos84 You said you wanted to get out of games , so do that , go for the bass . You will have fun learning it . A lot of second hand shops will do good deals on one . Find one in decent condition . Try taking someone with you that knows instruments to help you get something good
@@MrTimjm009 Hey Tim, thank you for your reply, yeah, I'm done with Gaming because it's getting on my nerves, at age 36 I need something better to relax. I always loved Fender's Precision basses, I'm thinking about getting one of those starter packs, it comes with a strap, amp and a Fender PJ bass, they cost around 279 Euros, I really want to get one, I need a bass in my life, I don't care how long it takes but I will learn how to play.
@Rusty Shackleford Thanks Rusty, I really want to buy a Bass but I don't want to pay 289 Euros and then get bored with it, I don't know anything about Basses.
@Rusty Shackleford.... hehe, may as well keep this going.... I started playing bass when I was 12+, for about 5.5 years, went into the service and haven't played since. I bought a new bass, amp, 5 harmonica's (all Hohner Special 20's), numerous accessories... and now have 2 Basses (short & long scale)... all in less than a year, and I'm 71+ years "young" now. : ) Enjoy and have fun!
I've got 55's on my main bass, but if they made 60's, I'd play those :P I always used 13's when I was a guitar player. Besides the better sound and tuning stability, there's something satisfying about getting that tactile feedback, plus they're awesome for building callouses on both hands. As far as I'm concerned, there's no better way to build hand and finger strength.
I've been playing for a couple years, I started on 45-105s because that's what my mom had on her bass, but I tried some 35-95s and loved it. I wanna try some 40-100 or 105s
I'm just starting and my bass came with .045-.105 and I bought Fender .045-.105 but this string combo is not mentioned here. I was thinking .045-105 was kind of standard but I don't know.
Great video, you left me thinking: There is a difference tone wise, I like the lows and fuller tone with no fret noises in the thicker strings,however is it enough of a difference to switch strings, will anyone else notice these subtle differences? It also seems it’s more uncomfortable to play them, so I think keeping the 40/45-100 is the wisest choice for my personal needs, thank you for the video!
@@cacadordorio im considering getting a 2nd bass, to be tuned dgcf permanently, my music guy said get thicker gauges if im gonna do this. Also get a bass with a thicker or longer neck to cope with the extra tension.
I love flatwounds. They have consistent tone over a longer lifetime and don't eat up your fingers if you take a break from playing. Mostly, they're on my fretless, but I just got a new fretted bass and am considering them for it. The Circle Jerks' bassist also suggested using them for cutting through guitar tone better, not sounding like a duplicate of the guitarist if you use a pick or something.
@@DropAnchor1978 I've never used a pick on bass, but I play rotosound flatwound 100, 80, 60, 40 strings on my fretless. Fretted would be 105, 85, 65 to not be too floppy.
I use 110-80-55-40 to get the best of the piano like sound on the low strings and the lighter strings a tighter sound and easier bending and fast runs. Can we also acknowledge how expensive this video was?
I like similar custom sets, I usually feel on a standard set (125, 105, 85, 65, 45) out of the box the A and D or D and G are stiff while the E and especially B flails around. For example, I'll do 130, 100, 75, 55, 40, or bump those each up by .005 depending on scale length or tuning a half step down etc. .135 does well on 35" basses in both B standard and drop A. If I'm going to be using drop D, a .105, 107 or 110 is preferable.
No brand make bass string sets for different tunings, (Kalium strings the exception) only standard with different tensions. I would love to see sets for drop tunings, like a 55-75-95-130, or a 50-70-90-120 set
i don’t know if you have checked them out but Ernie Ball has the Beefy Slinky which is 65-80-100-130 and they work great for my Aerodyne Jazz bass which is setup in A standard right now. I do agree that companies should make drop tuned bass strings more accessible
@@bashdun3237 This is just a standard 4 string + a .130 gauge practically. Its great for standard or something close. But for example, if i wanted drop G#, i would need a bottom of .140 or .145 and something like a .105 4 string set. For drop B, a .130 bottom string with a .90 4 string set
What is your favorite string gauge? I have 50-105 regular slinky on a Korean copy P Bass. It helps to get the "sub" low sound on a cheaper bass... I figured I'd get more bass frequency from a thicker set of strings. 50-105 do have a lot of tension, but I like the weight and resistance in my playing. And you can eq your amp to shave off some of the low end of you want.
Hello, Christian! It depends a little on what style of music I'm playing, and mostly on what tuning I'm in. For standard tuning I usually use 45 -100, for Eb standard I get 50 - 105, and D standard is 55 - 110. I like higher action and thicker strings for more aggressive heavier playing. And lighter strings make playing fast/funky stuff more fun. Thanks for the interest! Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732, Spunde@Sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater this comment was phenomenally helpful. I'm *gasp* a guitar player looking to record some basslines and have played a half step down for most of my life. I had a feeling a slightly heavier gauge was a good approach and your specificity is much appreciated.
Some advice for all of you: listen to this video with a QUALITY pair of ear buds, headphones, or a speaker. The differences between the gauges really stands out that way.
First of all, I've been doing this since 1973. I've worked for the biggest names in the music industry. I've now retired. I could talk about this kind of thing all day. Lightweight strings are for live work. They cut through the mix. It all depends on the length and height of the room. This is not a guitar lesson, I'm sure you can all do it well. Sound is three dimensional. It boosts exponentially. It is very easy to get bass and low mids live. Treble is difficult. Light gauge strings and (wait for it) 10 inch speakers!!!! Let all the bass (or boom) come from the bass drum. Stay in the higher end. One of the problems created by over coloured tone is a muffled vocal or guitar solo. Turn it up and it just blasts or booms the room! Everyone has their fingers in their ears, saying, yeah, they were good, but don't they know it! Heavy strings Will work anywhere but live!
The thicker the strings the higher tension and the longer the scale length the higher the tension. So yes, you can play thinner string gauges on longer scales and still have the same tension compared to a shorter scale langth and thicker strings with the same tuning.
you should use regular Daddario strings or the NYXL ones not a mix of different types. then it makes it more even. Just think it will make a better video overall. This is still very helpful. also 5 string basses are longer than 4 strings. it would be good to mention how the tension on a 4 string compares to a 5 string at BEAD tuning.
What about Rotosound Funk Master strings, 90 gauge. I think they’re .30, .40, .55 and .90. My idol Cliff Burton played those and sometimes a slightly heavier set. From what I’ve been reading at least. I use D’Adarrio 100s but I’m thinking about going back to the .95s I used to use. Great video!! :)
Best overview on gauges I've seen so far, but it's funny that you tried coated strings and only talked about gauges in general and not you experience with the nylon wrap.
Maybe it's the bass model and/or those flats are on the "bright" side, but they sound just a bit duller than rounds to my ears. There's more dramatic difference between rounds and tapes.
Okay Kevin, your next video needs to be a bass lesson on how to master that cool technique you are doing from 5:32 to 5:39. Bitchin! (Seriously...instructional video next, please.) ☺♫♪♪♫
Hello, Levi! You need to adjust your neck relief (truss rod), or the string height for that string. I’d recommend taking the bass to your preferred local luthier and having it properly setup. Thanks for the interest! Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732, Spunde@Sweetwater.com
The guy from Jimmy Eat World plays .65-.125 on his P Bass for mainly Drop D. Wonder how many P Basses he wrecked for using those heavy-ass strings for that tuning.
We hope this guide will help save you some time and money when trying out bass strings! What strings do you prefer? Let us know in the comments 👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more videos like this one 👍
Hiya what actual strings would you say is best for a complete bass novice but has played guitar for a fairly long time ?
ie a bass novice
I have a couple suggestions for the next string video you do. Primarily , maybe do it a bit more scientific and test the sustain with a timer. Have a frequency analyzer show what, if any, frequencies pop out or are more muted. Same with individual strings. As your presenter said, some gauges seem more compressed overall. Instead of just guessing these things which is near impossible to be reliable after switching one gauge to the next several times. You may be able to bust some big myths or confirm them.
Idea: Best gauges for different scale lengths, and best gagues for different tunings.
This will be watched 10 years from now, and still be as helpful as today. Thank you Sweetwater for this quality video.
🙌🙌
I'm from the future and can confirm.
This is the best bass string video hands down.
Time stamps, quality intro and host, and more than one playing example.
Love your work, Sweetwater 👍
^^ This!!
Agreed. I don’t have the money and time to try all this myself and this was the next best thing. Sweetwater is great like that. Quality vid and logical testing methods of each string type being described by an experienced bass player. Doesn’t get much better than this for a video.
I like how he gave us a good gauge on different string gauges with his beautifully gauged lobes.
Horrendous
@@CC-hg9un you dont like gauges?
@@lezbones I think people who deform their ears like that have a mental illness and should seek psychiatric care.
He looks ridiculous...
@@SpeedyPalomino L gauge hater
.040 - .095 for years and years and years on all my basses, good compromise between low tension and sound power. As I play every style, pick, fingers, slap I need something very versatile. Cheers.
Flats sounded beautiful on the Fodera. So stoked to see the Spector for the 5 string set. That classic Spector growl can't be beat.
im just gonna get some flatwound elevator cables and use an octave pedal.
Underrated comment of the century
@@samsschool3639 Underrated reply of the century
Kinda boring don’tcha think 🤔
But which octave pedal 🤔
Love your imagination! ♥️
This video is just what i was looking for! Being a multi instrumentalist i have to really watch my budget for gear and with the cost of bass strings being near the top of stupidly expensive consumables I am truly grateful you guys did this!
I've been playing D'Addario ENR71 XL Half Rounds ( .045,.065,.080,.100 ) on my Thunderbird and love them!
The feel is just right and I have enough knobs on my amp to dial in the right tone for any song.
The biggest differences I see between these and Round wounds are if you slap bass, its more Marcus Miller than Victor Wooten no matter how you dial your amp; no squeal from finger slides with the Half Rounds and in my case my fingers arent as sore after long periods of playing a gig or recording.
Guys who are strictly bass players may have tougher fingers than me because all they play is bass, where as I may go months where i only pick it up to stay in shape and not performance based playing. Drums are my primary instrument so, take it for what its worth!
I recently tuned my bass to BEAD using the 5 string gauge, its a 4 string 35" scale LTD F 104 and it feels so powerful! Especially great for metal.
Did you have to adjust the nut to make room for the thicker strings?
@@mattn99 Nah I didn't have to, the thicker string went on no problem.
@@mr_satay thanks!
How is your truss rod? I recently switched to BEAD and I was thinking I'd have to tighten the truss rod but I had to back it off all the way to get it flat. it could do with more relief but the strings aren't under enough tension to pull the neck forward.
@@60degreelobwedge82 from memory my truss rod needs a slight adjustment, but straight swapping the strings after years of not playing the bass and it was fine, Ive recorded demos on it.
I did convert my second bass, an Ampeg Armstrong bass to BEAD and it i's working great and those lower notes are indeed very useful. What I did was very simple: I clipped the end of the new string (would be clipped anyway after installing), wrapped a piece of sandpaper around it just once to have about the same thickness of the string and file the corresponding nut slot using that to get te perfect notch size. Do it for every string. Reconverting the bass to EADG would be just a matter of putting a new nut which is a simple thing to do.
Yeah, those lows with the 130 set were amazing. I would have loved to have heard that in tapewound as well.
I played on 45-105 forever, that means 18years
Recently I thought "hey why not going the opposite way ?"
Tried 35-90 and man... I loved it, it needed a little setup cause the tension was too low at first
But then it was way more comfortable to play, you're hands will thank you
Maybe you lose a bit of low frequency at higher volume so I went back to 40-90 and it's really the perfect option for me
got it, thanks a lot for your comment i go for 40-90. It help me to decide what gauge should pick
If I use 100 and then I change to 105 this last can bend the neck of the bass?
@@perogrullo1008 no,it won't do anything
@@xMTLKx Thanks man
Really well done. I like the repetition of each demonstration so the listener can compare sounds effortlessly. Good job. I needed that information
One of the best, if not, the best demo I've seen on bass strings. I really loved that you demo'd a 5-string set on a 4. I think Ross Valory from Journey used to do that in the 80's... Pretty Killer. I play flatwounds on old fenders but sometimes I crave the bite of roundwounds. Someone here posted about loving LeBellas and yes, they have a phenomenal fundamental and thump that you cannot get with any other string IMHO. Recently, I switched to Ernie Ball cobalt flatwounds and I have been blown away. They really give you a round wound bite with the treble up (killer with a pick) and then if you roll back the treble you can get a great motown and even a little thump which is reminiscent of LeBella's. I urge any flatwound string users that are looking to bridge the gap between flatwounds and rounds to check these out.
Would these strings sound good on a Jazz Bass? I'm a new Bass player 🎸👍
Great video, I've been playing for over 30 years and I'm still learning which is what I love. Just a thought , I've used LaBella deep talking stainless flats and the feel is amazing and the tone is to my preference, like greased strings. Thanks for the video.
This video deserves kudos for being honest. There are minimal audible differences, at best, between string gauges. None to my ears. The only things that come to mind are: 1. What are you tuning your instrument to and 2. How hard do you prefer to play and also 3. What do you feel comfortable with. Other than that, the gauge doesn't seem to make a significant difference.
This is the best video Sweetwater has ever posted.
Thanks! Very comprehensive 'and' additive to bass pedagogy. This is the only video where the presenter actually has the courage to have an opinion about the general characteristics of bass string gauge, and further more...is able to present those conclusions articulately and relevantly. You are also the only video that correctly accounts many elements of string play that are often...misrepresented in accordance with the myths of the dominant bass performance paradigm and its gear delusions, such as the friction element of flat wound strings (most claim they have less friction, when what they should be saying is that they provide less textural feedback). No one else has mentioned the compression issues with light gauge strings or their tendency to 'poke' (feeling the fret 'through' the string). Well done.
B E A D tuning on a 4-string bass can make a very useful second bass, depending on your gig's set list. I am a 4-string rock guy, but when I did some modern Country covers, BEAD was super useful. Also useful for that low C# in Pour Some Sugar On Me. I'm not currently doing any of those songs, just classic rock, so I can get by with a regular 4-string EADG (my favorite strings are pink Ernie Ball Super Slinkies, .45-.100). I do go to drop D for a handful of songs. C# is too low, the low string gets too floppy on me, so that low or lower and I'll bring a second bass in BEAD. My BEAD bass is an old Mexican Fender Jazz with a replaced nut. Works fine for a few songs.
A D G C can be also useful for jazz bassists often playing solo
I agree on the B to D thing,I'll do it on basses that have good pickups,cheaper ones clip out on the lower frequency of the b string,90% of the music your playing using a b string you won't need a g,it sounds really good tuning s b up to D also makes for a heavier chuggy sound
It's still being watched. Thank you for going through so many different strings and gauges for us.
I've been thinking about lowering my action and use a set of strings lower than 110. But I was scared to lose my thick, grunty bass tone. Maybe I'll test 105 or even 100 in the future.
dont matter. you will not hear the difference between the 110 and 100. I use 45-100 sets, no matter brand or type.
Tried light gauge on my bass & now thats the only gauge I'll put on all my basses! My style "is digging in" and when playing that way, light gauges gives me "my sound".....
Gah! I’d been thinking of setting up and stringing a Rickenbacker for B-E-A-D, just for giggles, but… that muddy sound! You’ve successfully talked me out of it, and now I can’t believe I even _considered_ doing that to a Rick. Great sound on everything else, and good advice all around - I think a P-bass strung with tape-wounds may be on the horizon for me. Thanks again!
I put tapes on a pj and it was way too mellow, super comfortable to play low tension and smooth but didn’t fit in the mix good and I normally like the might to sound filtered a bit but something about the tapes just made it not sit good in the mix, I put roundwounds and they sounded good, chromes would work good I think, depends on the bass too 👍
I hacked up a Dean Edge to put cheap Strat rail pickups in Rickenbacker's 24th and 36th fret node positions, and put it in B (using Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky). Sounds actually pretty good with a pick, but on a Rick I like the high G.
.55-.110 all day. Been using that gauge in both round and flatwound for years and I love it.
Where in the world do you find .055 - .110 in flats? I've only found .050 - .105 and I tune down to drop C...
@TheProgGuy I know this is an old comment , but Rotosound do a 50-75-95-110 set of flats (the RS77LE).
I liked the sound of the thinner strings on the d and g strings, but I like the piano like sound of heavier e and a strings
Thx for putting the time. Setups are time consuming haha. Kudos. *What’s the scale length on that bass?*
(For the masses) You usually want to go
•Heavier gauge on a shorter scale.
•Lighter gauge on a longer scale.
All depending on the scale, tuning, and playing style/genre. So many variables if you think too hard. This guy summed it up well for the most part 👏🏽.
Yes, I’m looking for the ideal string gauge for a 30” scale bass (short scale). Do you know which gauge is like “standard” for short scale basses?
@@victorgan4126
I currently use Rotosound Stainless Steel 45-105 on a 30” fender mustang. I’m still experimenting on my Gibson DC bass and might move up to 50-105 or 50-110 next for slight more tension on this one.
All my basses are 5 string, and I use 45-65-80-105-130 on all of them, Rotosound Swing Bass RS665LD on all but the Warwick, and stainless steel Warwick round wound Black Label strings of the same gauge on that. I play mostly hard rock and some metal. I used to use lighter gauge strings, but want a heavier sound now and have alway loved stainless steel round wounds. I've used flat wounds and ground wounds, but now it's round wound all the way. If you want thud sound or don't like to play extremely cleanly (you can hear every slip of the finger and buzz with round wounds, you would probably be best with something else.
Thanks for taking the time to try them all. I need to change my strings (first time) so I’m researching a bit before buying a new set. But now, after watching this, I want another bass tuned B-E-A-D. 🙈
tapewound are great! sound like upright bass!
you could use a fretless bass with flatwound...
I'm not a flatwounds type of guy ... But these sound AMAZING on that Fodera.
Yofran Tovar flatwounds typically sound better recorded
Im with ya. Flats sound dead. Depends on what you're going for.
@@MikeTaffet I like both of them
Depends on how ya play em too. Flats still have plenty of bite if you play Steve Harris style. He uses flats
I like to play flats heavier and more towards the bridge. They have a better attack that way imo.
Flat wound strings for me. Great Demo, thanks soo much for sharing.
I've been wondering if it would work tuning a 4 string bass B E A D, and now I know. Thanks Sweetwater ❤️
Alan from Two and a Half Men?
After having my first bass for a year (Fender P Bass from Sweetwater!) I recently figured I should change the strings. I really don't know the first thing about the pros and cons of each but after reading a couple reviews my gut said to go for something a little beefier so I got some 50-105s and I'm glad I did. Really cut down on the clickity clackety fret sounds that kindof drive me crazy and despite my novice level and relatively weaker fretting hand they still feel better than what I had. That slightly extra chonk is just more satisfying to dig in to. I get part of that could just be the benefits of new strings in general but I'm anticipating sticking with this gauge going forward.
I most definitely love videos like this and can't wait for part 2 for the bass and the guitar version with different pickups strings guitar and bass amp configurations
Phenomenal video, this! I'd been looking for this kind of comparison piece forever!
Gotta disagree on the notion that flatwounds are harder to move around on. Maybe I just have dry/non-acid hands, but they feel way smoother. I can slide around and pluck way easier
He prob meant due to the tension
Agreed. Roundwounds are like driving on a dirt road and flats are like pavement. At least sliding around.
Flatwounds are easier on your fingers and feel smooth, but they have more surface area which causes more friction when sliding. Roundwounds feel rough on both your picking and fretting fingers, but have less surface area than flatwounds. Therefore, one offsets the other as far as sliding resistance is concerned. I like the nylon strings as they are as smooth as flats but have less sliding resistance and also sound bright like rounds. Plus they don't corrode or rust. They are slightly more expensive however.
What he said is absolutely true, the surface area is greater and if the string surface gets grabby you will certainly notice it. I played flats for almost 20 years before moving to rounds in the mid 80's. After the first set of the night I would have to use a product called finger ease on the strings to make them slick again, never had to do this with rounds... I have flats on two of my fretless basses and just playing around the house I never feel them get grabby but in a live secession it's very different. BTW: I have very dry skin if it matters...
@@robertellison4691 I play with a soft touch, so I'm told, so that could be the difference. I prefer aged rounds (hi-beams) for the tone and feel. I'd be interested in trying some tapewounds though. What kind of music are you playing?
While I've played with medium gauge strings the longest, I prefer light gauge strings when I'm going to do a lot of fast pop & slap playing. The funk is just unbeatable.
Hi, do you have any suggestions what strings to buy for a 4 string bass, medium scale? I also want to use it for funk and maybe soul too
Pick 6:54 and 9:08 / 7:21 and 9:49
With pick it feels like more scooped mids and brightly highs on higher gauge.
Honestly, Sweetwater is such a great company and I live my David Ellefson signature bass strap!
Nice video Kevin . A lot of interesting info . Been considering trying the BEAD thing, this will certainly help thanks . 🎸
45 - 105 works best for me, DR and Rotosound above all!
I use RotoSound Black Nylon Wound RS88LS, Works great for me. I also have them on a Short Scale Bass!!
DR sunbeams or EB hybrid slinky 45 - 105 for me
I'm considering buying my first bass at age 36 this Summer (hopefully) and this video will help me, problem is: I can't play, at all, I had some guitar lessons 20 years ago and I have to start all over, I might getting some books as well because none of my friends know how to play, I'm looking for a new hobby because Gaming is getting on my nerves and I really need some else to help to relax... and boost my self-esteem.
@Gary Hello Gary, thank you for your reply, I really want ti buy a bass but my parents are against it, I'm 36 years old and I still live with them because apartments are super expensive in my Country if you're single like me. I had an electric guitar between 2007-2010 but I sold it because I needed money, I regret it every day and now I don't want to pay 300€ for a starter bass pack and then leave it in the corner waiting for playing, I don't know how to play and none of my friends know, I can't decide between a new Gaming PC or a bass, sometimes I feel like people look at me as a loser, I wanted to have a new hobby and stop spending time on my PC, I really don't know what to do.
@@miguelsantos84 You said you wanted to get out of games , so do that , go for the bass . You will have fun learning it . A lot of second hand shops will do good deals on one . Find one in decent condition . Try taking someone with you that knows instruments to help you get something good
@@MrTimjm009 Hey Tim, thank you for your reply, yeah, I'm done with Gaming because it's getting on my nerves, at age 36 I need something better to relax. I always loved Fender's Precision basses, I'm thinking about getting one of those starter packs, it comes with a strap, amp and a Fender PJ bass, they cost around 279 Euros, I really want to get one, I need a bass in my life, I don't care how long it takes but I will learn how to play.
@Rusty Shackleford Thanks Rusty, I really want to buy a Bass but I don't want to pay 289 Euros and then get bored with it, I don't know anything about Basses.
@Rusty Shackleford.... hehe, may as well keep this going.... I started playing bass when I was 12+, for about 5.5 years, went into the service and haven't played since. I bought a new bass, amp, 5 harmonica's (all Hohner Special 20's), numerous accessories... and now have 2 Basses (short & long scale)... all in less than a year, and I'm 71+ years "young" now. : ) Enjoy and have fun!
Great demo. Very informative review on each string gauge. Thanks a lot 👍
I've got 55's on my main bass, but if they made 60's, I'd play those :P I always used 13's when I was a guitar player. Besides the better sound and tuning stability, there's something satisfying about getting that tactile feedback, plus they're awesome for building callouses on both hands. As far as I'm concerned, there's no better way to build hand and finger strength.
45-105 has been my string gauge for years
110 on the bottom if I drop tune
I've been playing for a couple years, I started on 45-105s because that's what my mom had on her bass, but I tried some 35-95s and loved it. I wanna try some 40-100 or 105s
@@kennethcoval4970 40 60 80 100 👍
Daddario Prosteels: on my P Bass, 45,65,85,105. On my Warwick Corvette 45,65,80,100,125T (T for Tappered, i buy them separately).
Honestly, I wish I could get a set that was like 35-130, because 125s feel too loose on the low B, but 45s aren't loose enough on the G
I love the pick gets slapped down in disgust a few times.
I'm just starting and my bass came with .045-.105 and I bought Fender .045-.105 but this string combo is not mentioned here. I was thinking .045-105 was kind of standard but I don't know.
The flats sounded killer on the fedora
Sold on the tapewounds
This made me really really happy that I just ordered a Spector
Great video, you left me thinking: There is a difference tone wise, I like the lows and fuller tone with no fret noises in the thicker strings,however is it enough of a difference to switch strings, will anyone else notice these subtle differences? It also seems it’s more uncomfortable to play them, so I think keeping the 40/45-100 is the wisest choice for my personal needs, thank you for the video!
I tried 55-110 on one of my basses. It's interesting. Really good for fast pick playing, especially tremolo picking, because of the high tension.
Its better for low tunning
@@cacadordorio im considering getting a 2nd bass, to be tuned dgcf permanently, my music guy said get thicker gauges if im gonna do this.
Also get a bass with a thicker or longer neck to cope with the extra tension.
I love flatwounds. They have consistent tone over a longer lifetime and don't eat up your fingers if you take a break from playing. Mostly, they're on my fretless, but I just got a new fretted bass and am considering them for it. The Circle Jerks' bassist also suggested using them for cutting through guitar tone better, not sounding like a duplicate of the guitarist if you use a pick or something.
Can you tell me what your favorite gauge is? I am just starting and would love to know your preference. Also what pick do you like?
@@DropAnchor1978 I've never used a pick on bass, but I play rotosound flatwound 100, 80, 60, 40 strings on my fretless. Fretted would be 105, 85, 65 to not be too floppy.
Great video! Thanks for posting.
I use 110-80-55-40 to get the best of the piano like sound on the low strings and the lighter strings a tighter sound and easier bending and fast runs. Can we also acknowledge how expensive this video was?
Where do you get them from?
I like similar custom sets, I usually feel on a standard set (125, 105, 85, 65, 45) out of the box the A and D or D and G are stiff while the E and especially B flails around. For example, I'll do 130, 100, 75, 55, 40, or bump those each up by .005 depending on scale length or tuning a half step down etc. .135 does well on 35" basses in both B standard and drop A. If I'm going to be using drop D, a .105, 107 or 110 is preferable.
@@joshstarkey8883 thanks ill check that out
Thank you for playing the same riffs on every gauge, instead of playing completely different things so it can't be compared!
No brand make bass string sets for different tunings, (Kalium strings the exception) only standard with different tensions. I would love to see sets for drop tunings, like a 55-75-95-130, or a 50-70-90-120 set
i don’t know if you have checked them out but Ernie Ball has the Beefy Slinky which is 65-80-100-130 and they work great for my Aerodyne Jazz bass which is setup in A standard right now. I do agree that companies should make drop tuned bass strings more accessible
@@bashdun3237 This is just a standard 4 string + a .130 gauge practically. Its great for standard or something close. But for example, if i wanted drop G#, i would need a bottom of .140 or .145 and something like a .105 4 string set. For drop B, a .130 bottom string with a .90 4 string set
Love that blue makes your Bass playing Pop !
Great video, Kevin!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
What is your favorite string gauge? I have 50-105 regular slinky on a Korean copy P Bass. It helps to get the "sub" low sound on a cheaper bass... I figured I'd get more bass frequency from a thicker set of strings. 50-105 do have a lot of tension, but I like the weight and resistance in my playing. And you can eq your amp to shave off some of the low end of you want.
Hello, Christian! It depends a little on what style of music I'm playing, and mostly on what tuning I'm in. For standard tuning I usually use 45 -100, for Eb standard I get 50 - 105, and D standard is 55 - 110. I like higher action and thicker strings for more aggressive heavier playing. And lighter strings make playing fast/funky stuff more fun.
Thanks for the interest!
Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732, Spunde@Sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater this comment was phenomenally helpful. I'm *gasp* a guitar player looking to record some basslines and have played a half step down for most of my life. I had a feeling a slightly heavier gauge was a good approach and your specificity is much appreciated.
I use 45-100 or 45-105
I tried 35-95 by rotosound. They sound very good and playing is smooth but you get many setup issues.
Great vid!! Love the shirt🤘🤘
Some advice for all of you: listen to this video with a QUALITY pair of ear buds, headphones, or a speaker. The differences between the gauges really stands out that way.
You just not made a video, you made THE VIDEO!
That Fodera sounds like dream
45-105 are my favorites. 45-135 for a 5 string. For flats, whatever size TI Jazz Flats come in. I think its 43-100 or something.
First of all, I've been doing this since 1973. I've worked for the biggest names in the music industry. I've now retired.
I could talk about this kind of thing all day.
Lightweight strings are for live work. They cut through the mix. It all depends on the length and height of the room.
This is not a guitar lesson, I'm sure you can all do it well.
Sound is three dimensional. It boosts exponentially. It is very easy to get bass and low mids live. Treble is difficult. Light gauge strings and (wait for it) 10 inch speakers!!!! Let all the bass (or boom) come from the bass drum. Stay in the higher end. One of the problems created by over coloured tone is a muffled vocal or guitar solo. Turn it up and it just blasts or booms the room! Everyone has their fingers in their ears, saying, yeah, they were good, but don't they know it! Heavy strings Will work anywhere but live!
Thanks for sharing the knowledge man 🤘🏿🔥🤘🏿
Just started learning bass after having it in my closet for 5+ years... who ever put .110 on here before me must not have any fingers anymore jfc
I miss the 35-85 that Rotosound used to make. My 4 string loved those. I need to find good set for my Kiesel multi scale 6 string.
This very helpful and well done. Other video reviewing gauge only focusing on sound.
What an useful video!!
I've alway used the standard nickel Ernie Ball SuperSlinkys, alway get such a crisp sound off my pbass....never been a fan flatwounds though
What gauge do you use?
Awesome video
Well done. Kudos
Thanks for the muy helpful video, I will be going with the 110's :) :)
Your bass sounds exactly like my Epiphone vintage pro Thunderbird.
Awesome video, thank you! Are the tapewounds the D'Addario ETB92 medium strings?
I'd like to take a second to say the audio on this video sounds fantastic through these Sennheiser HD599 headphones.
I always liked the sound of tapewounds, but they gave me fairly painful friction burns every time I did a slide.
Can someone tell me what bass line is @2:00? It sounds so familiar, yet I can't name it
It seems to me that higher string gauge has a similar effect to higher scale length. What do you think?
The thicker the strings the higher tension and the longer the scale length the higher the tension. So yes, you can play thinner string gauges on longer scales and still have the same tension compared to a shorter scale langth and thicker strings with the same tuning.
Thanks
you should use regular Daddario strings or the NYXL ones not a mix of different types. then it makes it more even.
Just think it will make a better video overall. This is still very helpful.
also 5 string basses are longer than 4 strings. it would be good to mention how the tension on a 4 string compares to a 5 string at BEAD tuning.
Thanks! Very useful.
Very Good unboxing
I like 45-105
Great video!
Hey thanks for this!
best video about strings. thanks!
Great video - really helpful. Every time this guy starts on the harmonics I think he is starting on Wooten’s version of ‘Amazing Grace’ he he.....
FINALLY!!! SOMEONE WHO’s on B*E*A*D!!!! EADG is just so 😑
!!!!🖤💯✊🏼🤘🏻😝🤘🏻✊🏼💯🖤!!!!
What about Rotosound Funk Master strings, 90 gauge. I think they’re .30, .40, .55 and .90. My idol Cliff Burton played those and sometimes a slightly heavier set. From what I’ve been reading at least.
I use D’Adarrio 100s but I’m thinking about going back to the .95s I used to use. Great video!! :)
Best overview on gauges I've seen so far, but it's funny that you tried coated strings and only talked about gauges in general and not you experience with the nylon wrap.
Maybe it's the bass model and/or those flats are on the "bright" side, but they sound just a bit duller than rounds to my ears. There's more dramatic difference between rounds and tapes.
Okay Kevin, your next video needs to be a bass lesson on how to master that cool technique you are doing from 5:32 to 5:39. Bitchin! (Seriously...instructional video next, please.) ☺♫♪♪♫
ruclips.net/video/qqHAxd7BwVA/видео.html
its called open-hammer-pop. he does open string, hammer on, muted slap, pop like in this video ruclips.net/video/St9O3c2tLIY/видео.html
Hey question: why is my 130 string loose when I have it tuned to a B, I have to tune it to a d flat or E for it to not be so loose
Hello, Levi! You need to adjust your neck relief (truss rod), or the string height for that string. I’d recommend taking the bass to your preferred local luthier and having it properly setup.
Thanks for the interest!
Spunde, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1732, Spunde@Sweetwater.com
What about Rotosound funkmaster 30-50-70-90, which I love?
The guy from Jimmy Eat World plays .65-.125 on his P Bass for mainly Drop D. Wonder how many P Basses he wrecked for using those heavy-ass strings for that tuning.