Looking for a G string with extra weight and stability? Then .049 bass guitar strings are worth considering. This relatively heavy gauge offers a full, warm tone and is ideal for bassists who value pitch stability, sustain, and a tight feel. This article explains the properties of .049 strings, their advantages, and which string sets come with them.
What are .049 bass guitar strings?
A .049 G string has a gauge of 0.049 inches and is one of the heavier string gauges. This string is primarily found in flatwound or custom medium-heavy string sets and is intended for bassists who:
- Want to place a lot of emphasis on pitch stability
- Tune lower or play with more power
- Looking for a warm, less sharp sound in the high end
Due to the larger string gauge, a .049 string delivers a tighter playing feel and a controlled tone, without unwanted noise or beats.
Why choose a .049 G string?
Bass guitar strings .049 are especially interesting for:
- Bassists with a powerful touch or pick playing
- Studio recordings where tone control is crucial
- Players who enjoy a vintage, warm bass sound
- Music styles such as soul, jazz, dub, reggae or alternative rock
The extra thickness provides more mass to the sound and helps maintain a solid tone in the high register, especially when paired with thicker D, A, and E strings.
String sets with a .049 G string
Although .049 is not a standard gauge in most roundwound sets, there are sets and individual strings available that contain this gauge:
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Pyramid Gold Flatwound (49–107) – premium vintage flatwounds with a deep, round tone
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La Bella 760M Original (49–109) – extra heavy flatwound set with lots of warmth and sustain
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Thomastik-Infeld custom sets – with an option for a .049 G string for those who want to customize their own
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Loose .049 strings from brands like GHS, DR, and D'Addario – perfect for custom combinations
These strings are particularly suitable for long scale basses because of their higher tension.
What should you pay attention to when choosing?
When choosing a .049 string or set it is important to consider:
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Scale length : check whether the string is suitable for short, medium or long scale
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String type : flatwound for a soft feel and warm tone, roundwound for brightness and more attack
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Material : Nickel for a classic sound, stainless steel for more definition
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Set Balance : Pair with matching gauges such as .065 (D), .085 (A), and .105 or .110 (E) for a consistent feel
A well-balanced string set will increase your playing pleasure and improve the overall tone of your bass.
Experience the power of bass guitar strings .049
Want more tonal control, a warmer and fuller G string, and a solid feel while playing? Then .049 bass guitar strings are an excellent choice. This gauge offers reliability, expressive tone shaping, and a professional playing experience.
