Embarrassing question about strings.

cocoshovel

Hey all, this is kind of embarrassing for me to ask because I've been playing for 6 years now and this is something I really should know. Anyway, I'm wondering how to find out what gauge my bass strings are. Over the years I have gone through many sets of strings, some great, some horrible but I used to just go into the shop and ask for any ould pack. I recently bought my third bass (Fender Jazz highway one) and I think I have found the best set of strings I've played yet, they're great so I would like to continue getting this kind maybe but I have no idea what gauge they are . I assume they're made by Fender seeing as its a Fender guitar itself. Any idea how I could go about finding out?

Also while I'm here would you be able to help me out with Flatwound strings, i've been wanting to get a pair for sometime now but I don't know if they will be worth it for they price they cost! The sound is a little bit nicer but how are they to play etc? I play mostly Rock/Alternative stuff.

Any help would be appreciated

Demeyes

Some manufacturers list the strings they come with from the factory on their websites. Other than that you could ask the shop you got it from if they know what was on it.
To find out the gauge you could use a callipers or a micrometer screwgauge if you have one handy.

damonjewel

I put a set of La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass 760 FLatwounds on my Ibanez Roadster. I love how the feel, sound and play. I had to order them through ebay and they cost $50 (incl shipping). They are great for sliding into notes. I play blues rock and find them useful as I like to use a lot of chromatic runs.

Rigsby

First, I dont think it is an embarrassing question at all. As Demeyes says, you can check the Fender web site and see if the strings are listed for your bass. You could also email Fender and ask. Another option would be to sign up to the "Talk Bass" ( if you are not already a member ) forum and ask on the string forum. It is a great bass site anyway. Here is a link : http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16


As for bass flats : It depends on what kind of tone you want. Flats generally have a warm tone similiar to that of a double bass. They feel very smooth, and string noise from the fingers is reduced a lot when using them. The only ones I use and am familiar with are TI Jazz flats ( TI = Thomastik/Infeld). These are expensive initially, but when you consider that they can last for up to ten years, ( like all flats ), still retaining their lovely tone..well.. I'm sure you get the message. Here is a link to to the TI's. http://www.lordofthestrings.com/lots/RALBD/Thomastik/1570.html#1010

It is possible to get flats cheaper than this. You will never know if you like them or not, unless you try a set. I have yet to find a bass in a music shop in Dublin, that is strung with flats, so you probably wont be able to try them out first. If you dont want to spend too much, buy a cheap set and see how it goes.

Hope this helps , and good luck.

Rigsby

Re flats : I should have mentioned in my earlier post not to make a definitive judgement on these until they are properly broken in. This can take up to a month depending on the playing time. Well worth the wait IMO.

Dublin Guitar

Fender's instruments usually ship with 45 to 100 gauge strings, Fender brand as well, Super Bass. Ernie Ball and D'addario do nice sets too.

Re: Flatwounds, we have had a terrific response from players in our store to the flatwound strings we sell. We usually have a fretless instrument strung with them for demo purposes. Great for that Motown sound too. As Rigsby says, they need some playing in, but a great set of strings and certainly worth the money imo.