What bass strings are good for Drop C?
A balanced set of strings for bass guitars tuned to drop C is . 120-. 090-. 070-.
What do Tapewound bass strings sound like?
Tape Wound bass guitar strings are manufactured with nylon tape wrapped around the outer wire wrap. The tone produced by tape wound strings is mellow and warm. Tape wound strings are often used on fretless basses since they cause less wear and tear to the fingerboard than a traditional round wound string.
How high should bass strings be?
Generally, the lowest string (E string in standard tuning) should be at 6⁄64 inch (2.4 mm) and the highest string (G string in standard tuning) should be at 5⁄64 inch (2.0 mm). If you play very technically and have a relatively light touch, you might prefer the strings to be closer to the frets.
What is the highest string on a bass guitar?
G
The standard design for the electric bass guitar has four strings, tuned E, A, D and G, in fourths such that the open highest string, G, is an eleventh (an octave and a fourth) below middle C, making the tuning of all four strings the same as that of the double bass (E1–A1–D2–G2).
Are 11s good for drop C?
If you’re playing in drop C, something like our drop 11s can be a really, really great option.
Does drop C need different strings?
Your strings for Drop C are going to be much different than the ones that you use for standard. They definitely need to be a heavier gauge to compensate since you’re going down. Lighter gauges used for standard tuning will probably be pretty floppy.
What is the difference between flatwound and Tapewound bass strings?
The differences are the tape of the tapewounds they are usually quite thicker in gauge than the flatwounds (with the exception of the new GHS tapes). Tapes, at least the ones I have used, are not quite as punchy in their attack as flats are. They are a little more soft.
What are flatwound bass strings good for?
Flatwound strings have reduced high end, giving them more emphasis on mids and lows. Bassists playing rock, punk, and pop styles often choose roundwounds for their enhanced presence in a busy mix. For reggae, R&B, and jazz, the smoother, warmer sound of flatwounds is often more appropriate.
How do I know if my bass action is too high?
The only thing that will really tell you if the action is too high is how comfortable it is to play. If it feels like it’s hard to move around because of the effort of fretting then it is probably too high for you. That being said, if you are fairly new to bass that might not be a good way to judge.
Should bass strings all be the same height?
Yes, the strings follow the radius of the fret board, BUT they need not all necessarily be at the same height above the fret board (as measured from the bottom of each string).
What bass strings are best for rock?
Best Bass Strings for Hard Rock
Recommended bass strings for metal bass players and drop tuning, in no particular order, are: DR Hi-Beams 45-105, DR Fat Beams 45-105, LaBella Hard Rockin’ Steel 30-85, Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 50-105.
Which bass strings are easiest on the fingers?
Another, albeit seldom seen, option are tapewound bass strings, which are made with a layer of nylon wrapped around the metal winding wire (which can be either round or flat). They’re easy on the fingers and they produce a softer, darker sound usually considered the closest thing to upright bass sound and feel.
Do I need thicker strings for drop C?
Can you use 10s for drop C?
You can use 10s for drop C, but 11s or 12s would be tighter.
Do you need thicker strings for drop C?
Which bass players use flatwound strings?
Off the top of my head, some flat users are Steve Harris, Joe Osborn, Steve Lawson, John Paul Jones, James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Paul McCartney and pretty much every bass player until at least the mid 60s.
What strings did paul McCartney use?
Paul McCartney uses Ernie ball 2223 Nickel Super Slinky Electric Guitar strings Gauge 09 -042 for guitar. On Bass he uses Hofner H1133 B Bass nickel flat-wound strings in gauge 045, 055, 075, 095. as well as Roto-sound strings including RS88 Black Nylon bass strings gauge of 065, 075, 100, 115.
Why do bass players boil their strings?
Over time, bass strings get grime pushed into them. And no matter how often you clean your strings, once grime gets in there, it’s very difficult to get out. What boiling the strings does is simply loosen and release the grime you can’t get to.
Does tightening truss rod lower action?
Tightening the truss rod straightens the neck and consequently lowers the strings, which can create string buzz. However, string height is controlled at the nut and saddle, not in the neck.
Is low action better on bass?
If you’re trying to develop your speed chops, you’ll find it easier to play faster on a bass with lower action as well, due to the lesser amount of force needed to hold down the string.
What is a dead bass string?
When they get old, you’ll also notice a pronounced lack of sustain and they will sound extremely dull. Many bass players describe the sound of dead bass strings as muffled or muddy. They look funky. Another telltale sign of strings gone bad is rust, dark spots, or other discolorations along the length of them.
Do old bass strings sound better?
All else being equal, new guitar and bass strings sound brighter that their older counterparts. That is to say, restringing a guitar with a new pack of the same strings (same brand, type, gauge, etc.) will provide a brighter tone than the old strings that are being replaced.
What strings do most bass players use?
Like most of the bass-playing world, you probably use roundwound bass strings, but you might find it interesting and useful to experiment with other types, such as flatwound, groundwound (or half-round) or tapewound strings, as a possible addition to your sonic palette.
How often should you change bass strings?
Some people never change strings. James Jamerson never changed his strings and once said, “The funk is in the funk.” Other people who like a bright sound or play a lot may change strings once every week or two. For my average student I suggest they change or clean them every 3-4 months.
Can you play slap bass with flatwound strings?
Anyone who believes this to be exclusively the sound you’ll get is enormously underestimating the flatwound string! Their development and application has evolved tremendously, flats are available today in many flavours and can be used in virtually every genre of music. Some of them are even suitable for slap bass!