Flatwound Tension Comparisons Thread

[markdavid]

Hi there,

with all the differing tensions with flats , I thought it might be an idea to have a thread to compare the tension of different brands of flatwounds.

For example from 1-10 I would rate the tension of Fender Flats as 10.

I would rate the tension of Chromes as 8

Please add your comments/experiences

[Hawaii Islander]

Is 10 highest tension or lowest?

If Fender stainless steel flats are a 10 (highest tension) then the Rotosound Steve Harris flats are a 12.5.

[Nikoubis]

Originally Posted by Hawaii Islander

Is 10 highest tension or lowest?

If Fender stainless steel flats are a 10 (highest tension) then the Rotosound Steve Harris flats are a 12.5.

I remember putting them on my squier P thinking that since I had 50-105 Slinkies on before, the change in tension could not be that dramatic. The neck looked like it belonged to an archery range until the truss rod was adjusted.

[Nikoubis]

Oh, and TI's are obviously a 1.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Jamersons 10
Pyramid Golds 9
Fender 9050Ms 9
Chromes 8
Labella FLs 7

IMO

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by Nikoubis

The neck looked like it belonged to an archery range until the truss rod was adjusted.

Thats why we need a thread like this , I think we could all do without problems like that

[::::BASSIST::::]

I use a warmoth which has two steel rods plus a truss rod. Its exremely stable with the Jamersons... but yes it is on the heavy side at 1200 grams without tuners.

[king_biscuit]

Fender 9050Ms: 10

Rotosound Steve Harris 8.5

La Bella 760FM 6.5

EB/Chromes 50-105 5.5
(I really believe these are the same string)

GHS Precision 45-105 5

TIs 1

[Kitsapbass]

Originally Posted by Nikoubis

Oh, and TI's are obviously a 1.

Actually, I would have to say a .5 for the TIs...they are LIGHT!

[joelb79]

I think chromes are very light, much like a 5. Jeesh, I dont understand why people are having problems with high tensions strings. The higher the tension the tighter the sound. This thread cannot be that scientific. A true way to do this would be to measure the actual tension. I wish I could measure tension, im looking for an even tension set of hi-beams. Im thinking this will involve a 110 for E, 80 for A, 65 for D, 45 for G.

[pabothecat]

Originally Posted by joelb79

Jeesh, I dont understand why people are having problems with high tensions strings. The higher the tension the tighter the sound.

+1

I prefer higher tension strings. I put a set of LaBella James Jamersons on my p-bass, while I think they are great stings, I don't think the tension is all that high. I was expecting them to have higher tension. The round wound on my Schecter 004 (34" scale) have way higher tension and the the string gauge is 45 65 80 100, much lower than the Labella JJs.

[Eric S]

Guys, since most brands offer several gauge choices, this thread is is only usefull if you list the exact reference or gauges of each set you are comparing.

[walruswaspaul]

Anyone here tried the Fender 9050L Flatwounds , I know the the other Fender flats are like bridge cables but how is the tension of these , how does it compare with other flats

[Sleeq]

It still has high tension but much easier to play due to lighter guage.

I use 9050L myself.

[FenderP]

Rotosounds vary, but the RS77LE set is a 10 (50-110). The other sets are a bit lighter in tension.

[walruswaspaul]

I will soon be the owner of a Fender Urge bass which is a 32" scale , i generally like a slightly lower tension flat , do you think a 95-75-60-40 set of Chromes will be too low tension on a 32" scale bass ?

[relayer66]

The only flats I ever tried were Rotosounds, about 20 years ago. The tension was around 11 or so...they actually hurt to play.
Never tried them again as a result...maybe I should try some TI's for kicks.

[Spinal Tapper]

I just put some Roto 77's (105-45) on my Geddy and the neck bowed like crazy. Can I use the heavier tension flats on this bass if I adjust the truss rod, or do I have to switch to lighter tension ones?

[JohnDavisNYC]

I just ordered some TI jazz flats for my '78 jazz. It will be interesting to see what the tension is like on that bass. Will go back to chromes if the TIs are too slinky.

John

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by Nikoubis

I remember putting them on my squier P thinking that since I had 50-105 Slinkies on before, the change in tension could not be that dramatic. The neck looked like it belonged to an archery range until the truss rod was adjusted.

LOL!