Do flatwounds increase tension?

CTC564 · #1 10-03-2011, 04:36 PM

Sorry if this seems ridiculous to some but I've just recently put Chromes flats on my bass and they "seem" harder to play...

**FunkyMcNasty** · #2 10-03-2011, 04:40 PM

Compared to what? What did you have on there?

CTC564 · #3 10-03-2011, 04:41 PM

Sorry...I had DR roundwounds

CapnSev · #4 10-03-2011, 04:42 PM

Chromes are going to be way stiffer than DRs, unless you get the lightest gauge Chromes you can get.

Alex E · #5 10-03-2011, 04:44 PM

some yes, some no

TI 344JFs and GHS Flats are the same tension or less than most rounds

I think D'addario Chromes are the opposite. I only tried them once, but their higher tension was unappealing to me. They were noticeably more rigid than the rounds I bought them to replace on my bass. I didn't like how hard they pulled the neck.

BassBob1 · #6 10-03-2011, 04:49 PM

IME a set of d'addario XL rounds 45-100 are very similar if only slightly "looser" feeling than chromes in the 45-100 gauge. Now if you where using DR highbeams or Sunbeams, they are round core strings that feel even more flexible than say d'addario XLs in the same gauge. If they the chromes feel a little stiffer to you I'd say try and tough it out. I love the sound/feel etc of chromes on my jazz bass. I went up from the 45-100 set to the 50-105 set and like them even better.

CTC564 · #7 10-03-2011, 05:14 PM

Thanks...yes, I was using DR Hi Beams...

I'll try to give them a little more "break in" time to see if I can adjust to them

TI's might be an option or back to rounds...

5StringFool · #8 10-03-2011, 05:24 PM

When I switched to flats I set up my bass to make accommodation for the higher tension. I was actually able to get the action a bit lower than with the rounds I was playing which mitigated the increased tension and effort to fret a bit so that while it was somewhat stiffer, it really wasn't too different.

After a couple of days I realized that not only did I really dig the tone, but I also found the combination of lower action and slightly higher tension more playable than the more flexible rounds that were on my bass before. I don't know that my experience is typical, but it turned out great for me.

BassBob1 · #9 10-03-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5StringFool

When I switched to flats I set up my bass to make accommodation for the higher tension. I was actually able to get the action a bit lower than with the rounds I was playing which mitigated the increased tension and effort to fret a bit so that while it was somewhat stiffer, it really wasn't too different.

After a couple of days I realized that not only did I really dig the tone, but I also found the combination of lower action and slightly higher tension more playable than the more flexible rounds that were on my bass before. I don't know that my experience is typical, but it turned out great for me.

5StringFool makes a good point. If you haven't re-setup your bass you should or have a tech do it. It may be as simple as setting your bridge saddles lower, re-adjust for intonation and see how it plays.

Grateful · #10 10-03-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTC564

Sorry if this seems ridiculous to some but I've just recently put Chromes flats on my bass and they "seem" harder to play...

Chromes are much, much stiffer than Hi-Beams. I have Chromes on a couple of basses, and when I switch them on or off, it requires a turn or 2 on the truss rod. That being said, they are awesome strings that sound good pretty much forever. One of my sets is 4+ years old and sound better everyday...

tekdiver500ft · #11 10-03-2011, 05:44 PM

"Do flatwounds increase tension?"

No, they relax me.

Oh, sorry, that's not what you meant, huh? I didn't notice any difference in tension when switching from Rotosound SwingBass 66s to LaBella Deep Talkin' 760FLs, but did notice a change when switching to LaBella Deep Talkin' 0760Ms.

topo morto · #12 10-03-2011, 05:49 PM

I think flats do generally feel stiffer to play - I'm not sure that increase in sideways tension corresponds exactly with longitundinal tension along the neck though? I always thought it was partly because they are just less bendy, so they have less give in them laterally...

Stanley Pugh · #13 10-03-2011, 05:53 PM

They were good to start but Chromes get sweet after a year or three.

CTC564 · #14 10-03-2011, 06:01 PM

Wow...lots of good info here

I'm going to get my bass set up and hopefully I'll have the same pleasant experience...

I can't imagine keeping a set of strings on for a year, let alone FOUR!!!!

I used to change my rounds every week back when I played regularly :-)

BassBob1 · #15 10-03-2011, 06:06 PM

before I changed to the heavier gauge chromes my other set was on for a year. Its true they do sound better and better as they get older. (I mean as long as you like them of course some people don't)

Gasman · #16 10-03-2011, 06:06 PM

They will loosen up a bit over time, but they won't be as loose as rounds because they have more mass, requiring greater tension to get the same pitch as rounds. Or so I've been told.

Regardless, they are stiff.

mmbongo · #17 10-03-2011, 07:14 PM

Chromes are the stiffest strings I've ever used! I couldn't stand them.

blr2 · #18 10-03-2011, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Chromes are the stiffest strings I've ever used! I couldn't stand them.

That's because you haven't tried Rotosound flats...

looking at D'Addario tension data, it could be seen that Chromes have a bit more tension than their nickel roundwounds. For a 45-100 set:

Chromes XL
G 45.7 42.8
D 52.0 51.3
A 43.7 42.0
E 38.4 36.5

topo morto · #19 10-04-2011, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blr2

looking at D'Addario tension data, it could be seen that Chromes have a bit more tension than their nickel roundwounds. For a 45-100 set:

Chromes XL
G 45.7 42.8
D 52.0 51.3
A 43.7 42.0
E 38.4 36.5

Is the physics as simple as "more tension = stiffer feel', though?

A vertical wooden dowel with a 100g weight hanging on the end is going to feel stiffer than a piece of string with a 1Kg weight hanging on the end - and yet the string is under ten times as much tension.

5StringFool · #20 10-04-2011, 02:14 AM

Construction, core type, action, and relief all factor into how stiff a higher tension string will feel, so imo no... the physics of it aren't as simple as "more tension = stiffer feel". That's the reason I suggest a new setup to anyone looking to make the switch from rounds to flats.

And comparing flats to flats, Chromes are hex core strings, and hex core are stiffer than their round core counterparts by nature. So in the world of flats, Chromes are going to be some of the stiffest, but imo the hex core and round wire wrappings under the stainless steel flat outer winding are what give Chromes the extra brightness they are known for.