Bass String Gauge question

1236 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Leona, Aug 11, 2015

Soxfan121292

Discussion Starter · Aug 11, 2015

What size should I be using on an Ibby SR706 in drop Ab(parallel interval drop to a dropped Ab guitar) for simeone who picks like a man? Right now whatever we have in there is okay in terms of tension, but the notes are choking, and won't hold correct pitch. It needs a bigger string for sure, we've had it set up multiple times by different people, it's the string. I may try a new nut, and raising the saddle in addition to a larger string just for more appropriate action with larger strings. Thanks in advance.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

ChainOfThought

· #2 · Aug 11, 2015

Probably somewhere between 140 and 165 would be my guess. I don't think I ever got higher than 135 or so on my 505, it held A standard like dog shit but did OK in B. If I ever get the bridge fixed I will probably start with a 140 or 150, see how it goes.

This based on what I remember reading from a good while back when I was asking the same questions.

Save

105

· #3 · Aug 11, 2015

That's just a 1/2 step down from standard tuning for that. I have a 5 string Spector that I tune down 1/2 step and use a 135 for the low string.

Save

Soxfan121292

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 11, 2015

Matt C said:
That's just a 1/2 step down from standard tuning for that. I have a 5 string Spector that I tune down 1/2 step and use a 135 for the low string.

135 is on there now. I have a very heavy right hand and my bassist uses those 1/2" thick Hufschmid picks, and it doesn't do well at all for that. Is the scale in the Spector the same as an SR?(34", I think)

Chain, I'll give somewhere middle 140's a shot, thanks.

Save

shannon

· #5 · Aug 11, 2015

Soxfan121292 said:
135 is on there now. Is the scale in the Spector the same as an SR?(34", I think)

Chain, I'll give somewhere middle 140's a shot, thanks.

An SR is 34" & the Spector 5 is 35". For Ab, bump up to a 142-145 and see how you like it. I know Kalium has tons of options.

Save

105

· #6 · Aug 11, 2015

Yeah, I'm playing a 35".

I think going to a 140-145 might help, but altering (improving?) the picking technique may be necessary as well.

Save

shannon

· #7 · Aug 11, 2015

Matt C said:
Yeah, I'm playing a 35".

I think going to a 140-145 might help, but altering (improving?) the picking technique may be necessary as well.

:agreed:

Save

Joey

· #8 · Aug 11, 2015

Soxfan121292 said:
135 is on there now. I have a very heavy right hand and my bassist uses those 1/2" thick Hufschmid picks, and it doesn't do well at all for that. Is the scale in the Spector the same as an SR?(34", I think)

Chain, I'll give somewhere middle 140's a shot, thanks.

Tell him to get a different pick and pick like a musician and not John Henry.

Save

Josh

· #9 · Aug 11, 2015

Hammering the low B like that doesn't work unless you're playing a Dingwall :lol:

Save

Soxfan121292

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 11, 2015

Hahaha okay. I'm totally an alien to anything bass so I'll come down a little dynamically. I'll be sure to let him know too :lol:

Side note: SR706's(bartolini equipped) sound fucking awesome. I did a very basic bass patch and it sounded great. Just can't use the low string, which isn't a problem for now.

Save

Leona

· #11 · Aug 11, 2015

My 6er is in A-D-G-C-F-Bb with a .143 on the bottom and that provides enough consistency for fingerstyle. If you're using a pick, it should be more than enough.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month