What's THe Difference between Heavy Bass Strings (.050-.105) and Light Bass Strings (.040-.095)?

Question

What kind of sound will they produce?

Answer 1

Heavy Bass strings are bigger around so they grip your fingers better, and it gives a better tone. Light are thinner, whichever you're most accustom to playing, will feel right. If you get the heavy ones, they'll probably feel better. But the light ones would be probably for a person who plays regular guitar, and wants to change to bass. but It's just my thought.

Answer 2

1. lighter strings are softer to play and allow for lower action. On a great neck you should be able to get a low action with .45 too. but they would be much hared to play.
2. LS are easy to bend and more responsive to whatever you do. Slappers tend to prefer them. If you like a big fat sound instead you'll go for .45
3. Thick strings put a-lot of pressure on the neck.
4. the scale of your bass will also matter: a 32" will sound great with light strings. 35" will allow thicker strings to vibrate more.
5. materials (steel, nickel etc.) and type (roundwound/flatW etc.) will also make a big difference.
It all boils down to how and what you play, as well as the quality of your instrument.

I have never gone thicker then .45/.125 (which I use on a 5 strings). I tend to use .40/.105 on 4 strings fretless and .30/.90 or .35/100 for slap. but that's just me.

have fun

Answer 3

The heavy strings tend to create a warmer sound, although if you go cheap you may end up with a dead sound. The lighter strings are also brighter. Sometimes the light strings have a little more resonace, although the heavier strings have more presence.

Answer 4

The heavier the string, the louder and deeper the sound, but the more difficult to finger. Heavier strings will also put greater tension on the neck. Best way is to experiment and see which u prefer. Hope this helps.