How to get a bigger sound from a G-string

[jazzyvee]

All my 5 string basses have gauges D'addario Pro steels round wound 45 - 130 and they have been my standard since migrated from guitar to bass. Over the years i've noticed that I tend to avoid the G-string for anything below the 7th fret as I don't feel the weight and warmth in tone as compared to playing those same notes on the D-string.
 The other strings i'm ok with the sound. So on my next string change of my maple 5 string Europa I'm thinking of trying a thicker G- string but I don't really want to open up the nut or bridge slots in case I don't get what I want in terms of tone, and string feel from the change of gauge and have to revert back.
So my question is, how far could I go up in gauge and not need to open the slots?. Would going from 45 to 50 be ok and is that enough to make a difference to the heft in sound? I'm pretty restricted in opening up the nut of some of my other basses as they have plated hardware.

[edwardofhuncote]

I don't think an extra .005 would matter in the bridge or nut slots Jazzy. Remember, the string gauge is a diameter, so only a fraction of that clearance is needed around the string. Going from a .045 to .050 should be fine. Might get some binding if you were to try a .055. By then you're getting into light gauge D strings. It might still work, but feel odd tension-wise with your other strings though.


Give it a try with a 50 G... might be just what you need.

[bigredbass]

I'm with Ed, most smart builders leave a little 'wiggle room' in the nut slots, and barring a BIG change in gage,  you'll probably be alright.

One way to find out . . .

[fivestringdan]

I have found, on some basses, if I raise the action of the G string I'll have a more "pronounced" tone of that string. Or, you may change the G to a flatwound and see how that sounds. Has been a common thing in my experience as well to have G strings not behaving..lol