different bass, different string tension?

[BrandonBass]

When i pick up other people's bass to play it seem slike they almost always feel more bouncy but on my bass it seems to be stiffer...is there a reason for it?

i have tried several basses and all of em are using steel rounds, same as my bass'

[bazzanderson]

several.

Scale length
Set-up.....low action vs. medium or high action
type of string....flat wound, ground wound, round wound. core type....hex or round.
thickness of string
construction of the neck (multi laminated necks, support rods etc)

None of the above (except for scale length) will change the actual tension of the strings but the above will change the perceived tension or how "hard" or "soft" a string feels.

[The Craw]

If you put the same strings on a bass of the same scale length and tune it to the same pitch, the tension will be exactly the same.

Construction and setup don't affect string tension at all. Different setups will make the string feel different, e.g. higher action means you have further to push the string down and fret it, but that doesn't actually change the tension.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by bazzanderson

. . . None of the above (except for scale length) will change the actual tension of the strings but the above will change the perceived tension or how "hard" or "soft" a string feels. . .

That's the real key for a given scale. The extent to which the bass deflects will change the feel of the strings.

[superjesus]

try lighter guage strings if you want a bouncier feel

[bazzanderson]

Originally Posted by The Craw

If you put the same strings on a bass of the same scale length and tune it to the same pitch, the tension will be exactly the same.

Construction and setup don't affect string tension at all. Different setups will make the string feel different, e.g. higher action means you have further to push the string down and fret it, but that doesn't actually change the tension.

right....nothing effects the actual tension except for scale length. As I stated above.

None of the above (except for scale length) will change the actual tension of the strings but the above will change the perceived tension or how "hard" or "soft" a string feels.


But....everything else stated above does most definitely affect percieved tension or how hard or soft a string feels.

[iriegnome]

So, am I to understand that the only thing that actually changes string tension is scale LENGHT Rock On!!! (just a little teasing)
How does then, the perception of "string tension" get confused with feeling (for lack of any better wording) tension on the strings.
I have a couple of different basses and the are all 34" scale, I use the same strings, but yet the strings on my Modulus "Feel" softer than the strings on my MM??
Perception is to say the least, what "feel" is all about

[bazzanderson]

Originally Posted by iriegnome

So, am I to understand that the only thing that actually changes string tension is scale LENGHT Rock On!!! (just a little teasing)
How does then, the perception of "string tension" get confused with feeling (for lack of any better wording) tension on the strings.
I have a couple of different basses and the are all 34" scale, I use the same strings, but yet the strings on my Modulus "Feel" softer than the strings on my MM??
Perception is to say the least, what "feel" is all about

Heh heh....yeah these threads are almost like beating a dead horse. I think the word "perception" is the key. If you feel strings on a bass that are harder or tighter you're going to say it that bass has more string tension (even though it really doesn't). Another factor that adds to the perception of tension is neck flexion (is that a word?....flexion) or how much a neck actually bends while fretted. The less movement would equal a percieved tighter string.

Your MM feels tighter because Ernie Ball actually made a deal with old Scratch. Seriously....I couldn't explain why MM basses feel the way (awesome) they do when it comes to perceived string tension...you'd think your Modulus basses would feel tighter or harder due to there extremely stiff necks.

[LoveThatBass]

I get a more bouncy feel from .045-.100 round wounds

[LifeIsBass]

I have the exact same strings on my Fender Jazz, Warwick Thumb, and Ibanez EDC700. I set the action on all 3 basses approximately the same. The Jazz "feels" more loose than the other two (of course, this is good for me since my Jazz is mainly my slap bass and I like strings a little more loose for slapping).

[SSCBA]

Originally Posted by iriegnome

So, am I to understand that the only thing that actually changes string tension is scale LENGHT Rock On!!! (just a little teasing)
How does then, the perception of "string tension" get confused with feeling (for lack of any better wording) tension on the strings.
I have a couple of different basses and the are all 34" scale, I use the same strings, but yet the strings on my Modulus "Feel" softer than the strings on my MM??
Perception is to say the least, what "feel" is all about

revive this topic....
maybe your MM feels tighter because you place your thumb on the pu that is nearer the bridge than other basses.
Wich type of strings make them feel softer?? does the sound of your bass affects also the feeling?
I have a 35'' spector legend and I feel that feels considerably tight.
your experience with 35'' 's??