Flatwounds with low tension

[u84six]

I've been experimenting with various flatwounds. It seems most I've tried have really high tension aside from Pyramid Golds. Does anyone know any other strings with low tension? I've tried La Bella Deep Talkin, TIs, and Rotosound 77 (i really HATE those). All of them are way too tight.

[gidbass]

TI jazz flats. Expensive, but awesome. The tension is comparable to rounds in my opinion.

Good Luck!

[pilmat]

The TIs were high tension? Are you sure?

If the TIs are too high, I don't think you have too many options left. Chromes to me feel the highest tension and I was amazed at how low tension the TIs were compared to DR, Labella and Roto77.

[SOB]

GHS Precision Flats

[u84six]

Originally Posted by pilmat

The TIs were high tension? Are you sure?

If the TIs are too high, I don't think you have too many options left. Chromes to me feel the highest tension and I was amazed at how low tension the TIs were compared to DR, Labella and Roto77.

The ones I tried were pretty high tension. Not as high as the La Bella, but still a bit tight. I guess I'm spoiled after using Pyramids.

[TrevorOfDoom]

i dig my tension to be super low.
in rounds i use the Thomastick Super Alloys, which are one of the lowest tensions strings i've played, period.
for flats, i dig the TI Jazz Flats, which are comparable in tension to the Super Alloys.
TI's are the lowest tension flats out there!

[laklandplayer]

Try the Extra Light Labella Flats, with the orange silk.
They are great, low tension and sustain for days.

[Jay2U]

Tension is a product of length, diameter and density. As a flatwound doesn't have the space between the windings, like roundwounds, they are more dense. In other words: They weigh a little more for the same length and diameter. Higher tension compensates for this. The only way to go, would be thinner strings. d'Addario produce the ECB80 set of flatwounds with the specs mentioned below.

Item Note inches mm lbs kg
CB040 G 0.040 1.02 37.6 17.05
CB060 D 0.060 1.52 45.2 20.50
CB075 A 0.075 1.91 36.4 16.51
CB095 E 0.095 2.41 35.2 15.96

I do prefer the ECB81's which range from 0.045 to 0.100 and have slightly more tension. I think it is just a matter of getting used to it.

[fretlessguy]

GHS Precision flats, if you get the .45-.95 set. About the same as a set of TI Jazz Flats .100 set.

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by laklandplayer

Try the Extra Light Labella Flats, with the orange silk.
They are great, low tension and sustain for days.

+1

As close to the TIs as I have found.

The 760FX set is a real sleeper--feel a lot like the TI JF set, yet are more traditional flatwound in sound.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

I have to say, this is the first time I read someone describe T-I Jazz Flats as "High Tension"

Were you using some kind of alternate tuning?

The few basses I have played the T-I flats on, they felt effortless to play.

[bassbully]

TI no other flat is less tension.

[jrfrond]

The lowest tension flats I've ever felt are Fender. I have them on my P-Bass and they are very smooth-feeling and loosey-goosey. By contrast, the Roto flats on my Roadstar feel like bridge cables. Both are 45-100.

[chadhargis]

TI Flats are like BUTTAH!

I recently put a set of the TI Jazz rounds on my jazz bass and they have less tension than the flats. The bass practically plays itself. They are great!

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by chadhargis

TI Flats are like BUTTAH!

I recently put a set of the TI Jazz rounds on my jazz bass and they have less tension than the flats. The bass practically plays itself. They are great!

? Really tried those myself and the JF had much less tension then jazz rounds on my P basses. I have tried Fender,Ernie ball, SIT, Chromes and a few other brands I cant remember now and TI JF had the least amount of tension of any string I have ever played.

[MelodicExp]

hahaha what would victor do lol victor wooten is amazing. sorry just had to say that

[Joebone]

Due respect, and a great photo, but what would JAMERSON do?