Flatwound/Roundwound Tension Comparison

[markdavid]

Out of curiousity I decided to use Daddario's tension chart to compare the tension of flatwounds vs roundwound at the same gauges I have put comparison below, I was amazed to find very little difference between Daddario's flatwound and roundwound strings in terms of tension with both sets being between 4.7 Ibs of each other.

Chromes Flatwound

Tension/Ibs
105 41.5
85 50.2
70 60.2
50 55.00
Total 206.9

XL Nickel Plated Steel Roundwounds

Tension/Ibs
105 40.3
85 48.4
70 60.1
50 53.4
Total 202.2

[One Drop]

I think flatwounds can seem higher tension than similarly tensioned rounds because they are stiffer due to the lack of space between windings of the outer layer; TIs are so flexible because of the tiny space between windings and the silk layer between core and outer layer.

[Mastermold]

I wish every string manufacturer gave tension info like D'Addario does.

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by Mastermold

I wish every string manufacturer gave tension info like D'Addario does.

+1

[P-BASSLOVER]

Chromes are relatively low tension flats much like TI's.
Medium tension would be GHS, LaBella, and Dean Markley
High Tension would be Rotosound, Fender, and Ernie Ball.

[jackson_bass]

I tried my first set of Chromes last night. I have been wanting to try these and I finally saw them yesterday and bought the set. I strung them up right before a church gig, and I love these things! the tension is just what I like, and they feel and sound great. I wanted to give them a try because of all the things I read on this forum, and they really are nice strings. I guess I may get another set for the other bass now.

[7flat5]

Originally Posted by One Drop

TIs are so flexible because of the tiny space between windings and the silk layer between core and outer layer.

I believe they are also more elastic due to a thinner core wire. Tension, flexibility, and elasticity all contribute to that "tension" feel.

[FenderP]

Originally Posted by P-BASSLOVER

Chromes are relatively low tension flats much like TI's.
Medium tension would be GHS, LaBella, and Dean Markley
High Tension would be Rotosound, Fender, and Ernie Ball.

Depends on the set. The short scale RS77 isn't nearly as high tension as the RS77LE set.

[JustDavid]

Ditto for Chromes. I've the same set on a 34" as on a new2me 30.5". Couldn't figure out why they felt so much looser on the short scale. Checked D'Addario's website & learned they are the same string just shorter. So it's like detuning them a whole step.