I recently touched on this topic with a different post "New Stick observations". But I wanted to pull this specific topic aside and see if anyone out there has any experience with switching from Heavy to Medium gauge strings and/or thoughts on bass harmonics in general.

I've had my new Bamboo Stick for over a month now. As per my order & request, it is configured identical to my older Stick: a 2012 made Padauk 10-string. Both have Stickups. The Padauk is strung with Heavy gauge strings. The Bamboo has Medium gauge.

I've recently noticed how bass side harmonics were more difficult to play on the Bamboo. The harmonics were never a "guarantee", more of a hit or miss. I recently tweaked the Nut Flap on the bass side by raising it an 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This helped achieve the bass harmonics significantly. But the harmonics are still more quiet in volume compared to the Padauk with heavies.

The Padauk's harmonics sing loud and are easy to hit.

I don't believe the issue is instrument setup. The Bamboo (w/ mediums) is brand new and the lowest string in the lowest 2-3 frets has the best bass tone and set up I've ever played. The Padauk (heavies) was last set up at SE in 2019. The harmonics hit perfect, but the lowest bass tones are not 100%

Would bass side harmonics be better achieved with heavy gauge strings? And if so, is this due to the slightly extra tautness of the string gauge compared to heavies?

I'm just curious to the experiences of others. BTW...I love both of these Sticks.

You could always try an experiment and move one string over to the other instrument to hear the results?

It makes sense that the heavier gauge would resonate more, as the mass of the heavier string would provide more "energy" for the pickups.

There are some other factors, like volume, EQ or dynamic effects like compression that might play into it. I'm ready to try heavy strings now as you've got me curious =)

I love your posts Brian, and FB posts, and that really bitchen lap bar you make - all good things coming from you these days - cheers.

I may try that sometime. But I don't want to have to re-set the action on the Bamboo Stick for a string gauge I don't plan to use for the moment.

Agreed...somehow.



If you do that I'd love to hear your take on the switchover



You're too kind! And thanks for the Lap Bar plug. I currently have 6 in inventory, for anyone interested: https://brianbaggettwoodcraft.ca/produc ... y/lap-bar/

https://brianbaggettwoodcraft.ca/chapma ... -lap-bars/