Softest/lightest bass strings

Oct 6, 2019
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What would be the the softest or lightest bass strings?
The great Johny Lee long on his youtube channels suggested the "Victor Wooten strings" - DR Pure Blues, for example. Any other suggestions please?
Thank you all.
 
What would be the the softest or lightest bass strings?
The great Johny Lee long on his youtube channels suggested the "Victor Wooten strings" - DR Pure Blues, for example. Any other suggestions please?
Thank you all.

Wooten uses a .095-.040 set. Any manufacturer's set of rounds that gauge will be about the same tension.
But that isn't the lightest string set available. You can get thinner ones.
 
How do you define soft? Flexible? Warm sounding? Round core strings are generally more flexible than hex core strings and nickel is regarded as being "warmer" or less harsh/bright sounding than steel. The lightest gauge for a four string bass tuned E - G that I've come across is .030 - .090. I'm not sure how many companies make strings that light but DR is one that does.
 
How do you define soft? Flexible? Warm sounding? Round core strings are generally more flexible than hex core strings and nickel is regarded as being "warmer" or less harsh/bright sounding than steel. The lightest gauge for a four string bass tuned E - G that I've come across is .030 - .090. I'm not sure how many companies make strings that light but DR is one that does.

Thank you. I meant soft and easier on your fingers. Thanks again.
 
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If you go to Kalium's web site, they have a tension calculator, so you can pick strings that make up a reasonably balanced, or even a progressive tension set - and you can get strings in a myriad of diameters. I myself play a 37/51/70/95/130 set (without the 130 for a 4 string), which I find to be suitably soft and twangy - I've had wrist issues, which drives me to that neighborhood, and I also like the growl and clank you can get from a very light set. You can go much lower than that with their strings, should you desire, but at some point, you'll get to where it's far too easy to clink and clank - only you will know when you're at that point.
 
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ha! slow typing the same thought, fermata !

What would be the the softest or lightest bass strings?
not sure how these stack up against other suggestions, but: i have found the TI jazz rounds to be what i would call "soft" and they are already a lighter gauge, overall. might be worth a try. they're pricey but they last a long time. good luck! :thumbsup:
 
Thank you. I meant soft and easier on your fingers. Thanks again.
For low tension, I would say TI Flats are the easiest on my fingers, but for smoothness on steel strings, D'Addario XL Chrome Flats are the easiest on my fingers. Tape-wounds might be even easier on your fingers.
 
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TI Jazz Flats or TI Jazz Rounds. The flats are low tension. Not sure if it is measurably different, but the TI jazz rounds feel even lower tension to me. I use the TI jazz flats or rounds on almost every bass I have. As others have pointed out, if you are more after easy on your fingers, tapes have a softer feel while not necessarily having a lower tension. Currently running LaBalla Copper Tapewounds on my Balor Bass. I have been happy with them, but IMO tapes do not really feel like a 'traditional' electric bass string thanks to the nylon wrap (meaning while softer feeling to me, you might not like them and might prefer a low tension non-tape).
 
I play both TI Jazz Flats and TI Jazz Rounds, both of which are expensive though. The rounds are lower in tension and only slightly rougher than the flats. I can't imagine you having problems with either string, even if you are just starting out and haven't developed any calluses yet. The flats are being offered at a considerable discount here: https://www.amazon.com/Thomastik-Infeld-JF344-Accordion-Accessory/dp/B00162ZSW6.
 
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