Higest tension nickel roundwounds

[pablomigraine]

So, a little explanation... we play in an altered tuning; drop B. For many years I just used a 5 string tuned to standard and simply transposed the material... while ultimately this was good for my ear, there were a lot of disadvantages, and I've always been more comfortable on a 4 string anyway, so I've switched back to a 4.

The main problem I face now is strings. Owing to the technicality of the style we play in, I put more "miles" on my bass in one 40 minute set than your average R&B player does in a month, and I go thru strings like whoa......

The best solution I've founds so far is to use a medium / heavy 5 string set with a .130 low B and throw the "E" string out. This gives me even tension and feel across each string, but overall, it's just way too floppy.

There are few companies that make custom heavier guage sets, but the heavier I get the more lifeless the strings feel... which sets have you guys used that exhibit greater tension without necessarily being a heavier gauge?

[mmbongo]

You might need a set designed to do what you want to do, like DR DDT's or Circle K.

[TinIndian]

I use DR Nickle Lo-Riders, but I think the DDT's are designed for drop tuning.

[mdogs]

Circle K all the way. Just contact them and give them the particulars of your setup and they will give you the best gauges for you. Plus, they are the most awesome strings!

[pablomigraine]

Originally Posted by mdogs

Circle K all the way. Just contact them and give them the particulars of your setup and they will give you the best gauges for you. Plus, they are the most awesome strings!

Originally Posted by mmbongo

You might need a set designed to do what you want to do, like DR DDT's or Circle K.

I've actually had about a half dozen Circle K sets. While I love the tension, I'm not totally in love with the feel and tone... although they're a great solution for my problem in terms of gauges.... I'm more interested in finding out which "off the shelf" brands offer greater tension.

couple of votes for the fenders... anyone else? Off the shelf brands only guys!

[FunkMetalBass]

The best solution I can give is to pick hex-core strings. They will have higher tension.

Other than that, since there is almost no information from string manufacturers on tension and most people don't understand the fundamental difference between "tension" and "stiffness", that's the best I can do.

[pablomigraine]

Thanks very much for the input guys!!