After trawling the net like a novice I have settled on some Ernie Ball Custom 45-105.

As much as it is suggested the gauge is purely preferential there is some truth in the fact that the sound you obtain alters slightly depending on the gauge. The clarity of this difference also depends on your bass and amp setup but the basics are as follows:

Thicker strings: These are good for aggressive players who need more durability and strength. They offer greater punch and depth to the tone whilst at the same time providing a solid base for the sound.

Thinner Strings: These offer more clarity and snap to your playing. Although less durable and certainly more fragile, thinner strings offer that the best crisp pop in my opinion.

Of course, all of this can vary drastically based on your setup but I have gone for thicker low end, offering greater punch and depth to the low end funk sections and allowing bursts of power through the rockier stages. The higher end I have kitted out with thinner strings, offering greater clarity, crispness and contrast to the low end. This allows me to keep the low end groove rolling smoothly whilst breaking it up with the high pop inserts and licks.

These will be added to my Ibanez Ergodyne EDA 900 but when I finally get my hands on my Ernie Ball Music Man I’ll let you know if all that changes.

Till next time, Slappers.

Michael Peter Balzary (AKA Flea)
James Ambrose Johnson Jr (AKA Rick James)
William Earl Collins (AKA Bootsy Collins)
Victor Lemonte Wooten
Leslie Edward Claypool (AKA Les Claypool)
Timothy Robert Commerford (AKA Tim Commerford)
Vivi Rama
Mark King

Enjoy, Slappers!