Do Nickels have greater tension than steels?

[Holy War]

Kinda a n00b question I know, but Ive always used steels. Im going to go get some new strings today for my jazz (which still has stock Fenders that I hate) and am looking at either rotosound rs/rn 66LDs. I like high tension strings and a bright sound (playing rock and metal here). Which should I probably go with?

[JustDavid]

Check the string tension charts on the D'Addario website.

[Kenny Allyn]

Nickels ... and I use them


Have less tension and more mid grunt an over all softer feel and sound IMO.

... Might want to try some DRs Hi Beams maybe?

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by Kenny Allyn

Nickels ... and I use them


Have less tension and more mid grunt an over all softer feel and sound IMO.

... Might want to try some DRs Hi Beams maybe?

so stainless usually have greater tension huh?

[SamanthaCay]

there are many factors as to why one has more tension than another. the biggest is the size of the core wire. this will very from maker to maker so the anser is there is no anser

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by buchananbass

there are many factors as to why one has more tension than another. the biggest is the size of the core wire. this will very from maker to maker so the anser is there is no anser

whos got thick cores then?

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Holy War

so stainless usually have greater tension huh?

Are we talkin' tension or flexibility? A set of 45-105 SS's will be close to a like set of nickels in terms of tension. The perceived "stiffness" has more to do with brand, manufacturing technique, outer wrap, core wire (round vs, hex), etc. Take a look at the DR website, for example. They make Hi-Beams, Low-Beams, Sun-Beams, Jack-Beams and despite having similar gauging / tensions, each is touted as having its own individual "feel".

If you really want a higher-tension set, go with a 50-110. I guarantee you'll feel the difference. Also be prepared to do a set-up. You're gonna need it.

Riis

[SamanthaCay]

not sure i have a old issue of bass player that lists most string spec's but right now i have to go to work. i will try to list some later at like 6 or 7 mountian time.

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Are we talkin' tension or flexibility? A set of 45-105 SS's will be close to a like set of nickels in terms of tension. The perceived "stiffness" has more to do with brand, manufacturing technique, outer wrap, core wire (round vs, hex), etc. Take a look at the DR website, for example. They make Hi-Beams, Low-Beams, Sun-Beams, Jack-Beams and despite having similar gauging / tensions, each is touted as having its own individual "feel".

If you really want a higher-tension set, go with a 50-110. I guarantee you'll feel the difference. Also be prepared to do a set-up. You're gonna need it.

Riis

no I dont mean bigger gauge. I want to stick with .105's, but I dont want, are floppy strings.

[Joebone]

IMO/IME, and holding gauge constant, the shape of the core seems to be the biggest factor on tension and flexibility, with round cores, like the DR Sunbeams, being far more flexy than any other roundwound I've played. I find the D'Addario XL's, with hex cores, to be the exact opposite. And I guess flexibility and low tension need not go hand in hand, but I sure find them that way.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Holy War

no I dont mean bigger gauge. I want to stick with .105's, but I dont want, are floppy strings.

Lots of choices out there but this is a good example (lifted from the DR website):


LO-RIDER ™
Tite-Fit Stainless Steel Bass Strings on Hexagonal Core
Lo-Rider stainless steel bass strings are round wound and constructed upon a hexagonal core. They provide more depth of tone,
and are a bit stiffer than Hi-Beams. Bass players who are into slapping, popping, and tapping will love the high end and depth
of Lo-Rider. The slight bit of stiffness makes Lo-Rider bass strings very accurate when playing harmonics. Great consistency,
and great string-to-string balance are DR hallmark.

They come in 45-105 so you'd be good to go. Give up on the SS tension vs. nickel tension quest.....you're barking up the wrong tree.

Riis

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Joebone

IMO/IME, and holding gauge constant, the shape of the core seems to be the biggest factor on tension and flexibility, with round cores, like the DR Sunbeams, being far more flexy than any other roundwound I've played. I find the D'Addario XL's, with hex cores, to be the exact opposite. And I guess flexibility and low tension need not go hand in hand, but I sure find them that way.

Holy War,

I think Alpha has both DR's and DA's in stock. You might try Guitar Center but......sheeesh!

Riis

[m.oreilly]

rotos rs

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by Joebone

IMO/IME, and holding gauge constant, the shape of the core seems to be the biggest factor on tension and flexibility,

Isn't tension a function of mass, length, & tuning?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Isn't tension a function of mass, length, & tuning?

Yes. The core affects the mass.

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Holy War,

I think Alpha has both DR's and DA's in stock. You might try Guitar Center but......sheeesh!

Riis

ya they do...I used to work there. I ended up getting rotosounds. I went for RS 66s and they seem fantastic so far. Pretty much exactly what I wanted. My fingers are starting to get sore so Im going to put the bass down for a bit, but I think I like what I hear

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by Holy War

ya they do...I used to work there. I ended up getting rotosounds. I went for RS 66s and they seem fantastic so far. Pretty much exactly what I wanted. My fingers are starting to get sore so Im going to put the bass down for a bit, but I think I like what I hear

Used to work at Alpha or GC? As far as the strings go....hey, we get it right once in a while!

Riis

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Used to work at Alpha or GC? As far as the strings go....hey, we get it right once in a while!

Riis

Alpha