"Bumped" Sets (Also Norteño/Tololoche Tuning)

What the heck is a "Bumped" set?

A bumped set, simply, is a custom set of strings with SUPER-light tension.

It is traditionally created by substituting a string designed for a higher pitch for each string on your bass; commonly, this means using an A-string for the E, a D-string for the A, a G-string for the D, and a High C-string for the G. Thus, you're "bumping" each string down one position on your bass, but - and this is the key - you're still tuning it E-A-D-G.

Wow - that sounds like the strings would be really light, doesn't it? Why would anyone do this?

When it comes to rockabilly bass playing, sometimes ease of play is paramount. Many players find that standard string sets are just way too stiff to play 3+ hours of non-stop slap bass on. Thus, a bumped set can be a happy medium between the extremes of higher-tension "real" upright bass strings, and the tonal compromise of putting weed-whacker line on your bass (no, seriously).

Important note: Most players will find that playing a bumped set for standard pizzicato (plucking) or arco (bowing), the sound and feel will be rather unsatisfying. They're TOO light - there’s not enough tension to really create a full volume or tone. Normally, a bumped set is "a rockabilly/psychobilly slap thing."

Previously, "bumping" a set might require that you purchase a whole set (plus a high C) -- and you end up paying for an unused E string that gets thrown in a drawer somewhere in the bass den. So we've put together some popular bumped sets to help you out.

Norteño/Tololoche Tuning on your Upright Bass

You can also use these sets to simulate norteño or tololoche style tuning; this is for Latin or Mariachi styles that use the Tololoche bass instrument, which is tuned A-D-G-C. In this case, you're getting the string set pre-configured as you need it, rather than buying single strings to create a custom set.

Note that all of our "bumped" sets are for 3/4 or 4/4 size upright basses, and if you need such a set for a 1/2 or 1/4 sized bass, you'll need to select the A, D, and G strings you need from an appropriate-sized set and then add a high C string to match from a 3/4 sized set (which is an imperfect solution, but it's the best we've got, since there are no high-C strings made for smaller-sized basses that we're aware of.)