Looking for .043 gauge bass guitar strings? This gauge offers just that little bit of extra tension and tuning stability compared to lighter gauge G strings, without drastically affecting playing comfort. This guide explains what makes .043 gauge bass guitar strings so special, what their advantages are, and what to consider when buying one.
What are .043 bass guitar strings?
The .043 designation refers to the diameter of the G string on a bass guitar, expressed in inches. This string gauge is most commonly found in medium or custom string sets . With a .043 G string, you're choosing a thicker string that provides more tension, which provides more control, more sustain, and a slightly warmer tone.
While not a standard gauge like .040 or .045, .043 is becoming a popular choice for bassists seeking a personalized, tailored string feel and tonal character.
Benefits of a .043 G-string
A .043 bass guitar string offers several interesting advantages:
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Greater pitch stability when playing hard or in lower tunings
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Warmer, fuller sound than lighter strings
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More resistance for bassists who like tight fingerstyle or strong attack with a pick
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Ideal for custom string sets where you want to find the perfect balance between tension and tone.
The extra thickness of the G string gives you a firmer feel without having to immediately switch to a heavy string set.
Popular sets with .043 strings
While .043 isn't the most common G string gauge, several brands offer this option, especially in custom or medium sets:
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GHS Pressurewound Custom Sets – a combination of punch and smoothness with a .043 G string
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La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass – warm flatwounds with gauge variations including .043
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DR Strings Custom Light – stainless steel strings with a powerful response
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Loose strings from brands like D'Addario, GHS and Ernie Ball make it easy to build your own set around a .043 string
Things to consider when choosing .043 strings
When selecting your .043 bass guitar strings, consider the following:
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Scale length of your bass guitar: short, medium or long scale determines which strings fit
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Material choice : steel provides brightness, nickel provides warmth
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Playing style : Heavy player? Then .043 offers extra control without feeling too heavy.
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Set balance : make sure the tension of your other strings is properly aligned with the G string
A well-balanced set prevents the G string from standing out too much in tone or feel.
Discover your sound with bass guitar strings .043
Whether you're looking for more control, a fuller tone, or better balance in your string set, a .043 G string offers a versatile option that perfectly suits a variety of playing styles. Ideal for bassists who want that extra something in their sound.
