ABG - low tension string replacement?

Mr. Pickles · #1 02-12-2011, 12:52 PM

I've recently become reaquianted with a Tacoma Thunderchief CB10C (Baggs pre/pup). I'd like to replace the bronze ABG strings with something that sounds mellower and perhaps deeper and is lower tension.

I'm using Martin ABG Phosphor Bronze .045-.105 at the moment, and they're nice, but I always worry about the bridge popping and the top bulging (I've had both happen to previous 'Chiefs that I've owned. I don't want to downtune a half or whole step (although I like the sound) because I'm using this bass to learn all the songs for my cover band and they're in standard EADG tuning.

Are there any flatwound, tapewound, or nylon core options for a 34" scale that would be suitable.

Thanks in advance

jallenbass · #2 02-12-2011, 02:49 PM

I have Rotosound tapewounds on my Breedlove and that's working well for me.

Darkstrike · #3 02-12-2011, 02:51 PM

Thomastic Acousticore bronze roundwounds have nylon cores and are very low tension, Roto tapes, TI electric rounds, or Jazz Flats, all good options.

CapnSev · #4 02-12-2011, 02:58 PM

There are people on here that say the Status tapes are on par with TI flats in the tension/flexibility department.

mdogs · #5 02-12-2011, 03:27 PM

The TI Acousticore's are great strings that play like rubber bands...only wish they worked with magnetic pickups!

Mr. Pickles · #6 02-13-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

The TI Acousticore's are great strings that play like rubber bands...only wish they worked with magnetic pickups!

But they will work with Piezo, correct?

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I'll need to find an online supplier as none of the local stores carry these.

Darkstrike · #7 02-13-2011, 10:06 AM

Yeah, they'll work perfectly with any piezo.

EDIT: There's a vid review Ed Friedland done of a Turner Reniassance bass, that he has strung with them, fwiw.

fretlessguy · #8 02-15-2011, 11:50 AM

Tapewounds by Fender have the lowest tension of any tapewound I have used. TI Jazz Flats the least tensioneed Flats.
Also, I currently use GHS Precision Flats (.45-.95) on my ABG and they are working out fine.

Mike Dimin · #9 02-15-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdogs

The TI Acousticore's are great strings that play like rubber bands...only wish they worked with magnetic pickups!

+1. I also use TI Jazz Rounds on by ABG

**Ukiah Bass** · #10 02-24-2011, 07:09 AM

I use Status black nylon tapewounds on my fretless Thunderchief. Sounds like an upright. Lots of gig samples here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStormyWeathermen

Mr. Pickles · #11 02-24-2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ukiah Bass

I use Status black nylon tapewounds on my fretless Thunderchief. Sounds like an upright. Lots of gig samples here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStormyWeathermen

I'll check these clips out when I get home.

For now, I've tuned down a whole step (DGCF) and the 'Chief sounds lovely, FWIW.