Switching gages ... going Lighter ...

[GPW]

  Figured if Keith Richards is still going , I’ve still got a shot ... 

[Meeeoww]

  Figured if Keith Richards is still going , I’ve still got a shot ... 

I dunno...not enough cocaine in your system to keep you "up."

[thebird55]

The more magnetically 'attractive' mass you have moving within the magnetic field, the more signal you have. Nickel doesn't count. That's the difference between pure nickel wrap and nickel plated wrap.

Also, the extra tension in heavier strings can change the guitar's natural resonance.

[GPW]

   Just guessing , the scientific method would be to  vibrate various gauge strings  (and metal compositions) over a “standard/control  “ pickup .... measure the peak voltages on a scope ... That would provide data on the output issue ...  but addresses none of the tension/resonance changes , mentioned by the Bird ...

  Thinking of just putting on a set of EB slinky 9s and see how it “feels and sounds “ ... That’s easy ... 

[Vintage MR]

I don't know if you've tried this, but top-wrapping for TOMs lowers the tension of the strings noticeably - you can use a higher gauge but without the extra effort. Palm muting is also more comfortable, I find.

Though I think I remember reading that you do this anyway

[GPW]

  Wondering why that lessens the tension    

[Vintage MR]

It reduces the angle between bridge and tailpiece without affecting the action, so the string isn't pulled as far essentially.