Flats = More Tension/Less Tension?

[SurferJoe46]

Do flat wounds require more or less tension to get to standard E A D G tune that wire wounds?

[mikezimmerman]

It depends on the string. Some flats have fairly high tension, and some (like the TI Jazz Flats) have relatively low tension.

Mike

[GregC]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Do flat wounds require more or less tension to get to standard E A D G tune that wire wounds?

Yes. Seriously, it's hard to generalize. TI Flats are loose as hell, while LaBellas are pretty high-tension.

[mikezimmerman]

Also, this probably goes under "Strings"

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by mikezimmerman

Also, this probably goes under "Strings"

Fair dinkum, but I was thinking about the effect on the neck and intonation that flats might cause to the bass, not just a string evaluation.

[Tim Skaggs]

In general, flats are higher tension than rounds. There are exception, but not many. Flats are more dense / have more mass for the same diameter as rounds, so it requires more tension to bring them up to pitch.

[seanm]

Assuming the same gauge, flats will be higher tension than rounds. TIs are the exception.

[JTE]

It depends entirely on the construction of the strings- not just whether the final wrap is a flat ribbon or a round wire. The size of the core, the size, number, and composition of the inner wraps, and the alloys used all affect tension. Yes, many flats are more taut than similar round sizes. But it's certainly not universal. There are high tension rounds (DR Lowbeams come to mind) just as there are low tension flats (e.g. the oft-mentioned TI Jazz Flats).

One of the reasons I like the Lakland Joe Osborn flats is because they feel very similar in tension to me as the DR Hi-Beams and Sunbeams I use on other basses.

IOW, it's NOT a blanket case about tension.

John

[Lichtaffen]

I went through this recently. I tried the TI's and the Labellas, but I felt D'Addario Chromes are a happy medium... for me at least.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Fair dinkum, but I was thinking about the effect on the neck and intonation that flats might cause to the bass, not just a string evaluation.

I'd check & perhaps adjust neck relief following any tension change. Between any strings of unknown tensions. Or after changing your standard tuning.