High Tension String Recommendation

LeonD · #1 03-09-2011, 01:28 PM

I have a four string fretless bass who's neck has developed a backbow. Normally, I use very low tension strings. I'd like to try and straighten it by using some high tension strings.

What round wound strings tend to have very high tension?

Thanks.

boynamedsuse · #2 03-09-2011, 02:11 PM

Can you adjust the truss rod?

For higher tension strings, I think you are looking for something with a hex core such as DR Low-Riders or D'Addario ProSteels.

randall p · #3 03-09-2011, 02:19 PM

+1 on adjusting your truss rod. I don't know about their roundwounds, but LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats will put some serious pull on your neck.

BobaFret · #4 03-09-2011, 02:26 PM

+1 on the +1

get it setup right with whatever strings you want. I happen to like hex-core ( DR Low Rider ) but that isn't going to fix the issue.

Clammy · #5 03-09-2011, 03:06 PM

Dean Markley Super Rounds are pretty high tension, and they sound great too.

Cheers!

LeonD · #6 03-09-2011, 03:56 PM

The truss rod is completely loose.

What's happening is that it was a fretted bass. I had the luthier who made the bass, make it into a fretless and epoxy coat the fretboard. So, one side of the neck is open to the air and the other side is sealed and we've had a winter of uber dry weather and my neck is back bowed.

It's really close. If I tune up a whole step is pretty good. Or if it rains out, I'm good. I think when summer comes, the neck will be fine. And then hopefully get used to it's new life as a fretless and settle in.

I usually use very low tension strings so I'm looking for the high tension to be a temporary fix.

Thanks again and any other suggestions are more than welcome.

Jensby design · #7 03-10-2011, 12:24 AM

Circle K Strings - Circle K Strings
just find the tension you want here http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/...nsionChart.pdf
I would suggest
4 String Set - Balanced Standard 118 @206.3 lbs of tension or
4 String Set - Balanced Standard 124 @229.2 lbs

Chrisk-K · #8 03-10-2011, 12:52 AM

DR SS Lo-Riders.

steelhead2 · #9 03-10-2011, 10:57 AM

i feel they're a high tension set@ standard tuning,every time i shift to my fretless with Chromes i'm stunned how floppy they feel(comparativley),of course i havent tried EVERY string out there but i have used Fender,Roto, and Chromes in flats and Fender Supers in rounds,,,couple basses i bought nobody new what was on em(rounds)

the Sliencers are not THAT quiet but they do have a brightness to them that i've grown to love(on my P Bass),i'm certain they're not for everybody and in fact i purchased flats from an ebay seller and then was told he only had the silencers

they're `halfrounds' at 60% flat,i keep looking at the frets and they do seem to wear like a flat?,no i have no deal with them but (i think) they are `high(er) tension' than all the strings save possibly the Fender Flats,,50-105 for both brands,ny chromes are 45-100,,if you buy a set, hate em,i'll buy em from you for spares

LeonD · #10 03-10-2011, 11:20 AM

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Regarding DR strings, I understand that their round core string have less tension than their hex core strings but I thought overall, DR strings felt looser than other brands. No?

One thing I hadn't thought of till this morning. In addition to going from a round core to a hex core, I can also go up a few gauges. Talk about a duh moment! I ordered a set of hex core .50 - .110 up from a round core .40 - .100. I think that should help straighten the neck a bit.

Thanks again.

steelhead2 · #11 03-10-2011, 12:19 PM

you must be living right if you have a backbowed neck(well, in a sense),,if Labellas Jamersons are high tension i'd load a set of those on her

jus' sayin

here in Orygone i never see recomended humidty levels of 40-50%,it's always a battle with a sweet setup changing as the rains come in,i(now) have relativly stable necks but yesterday i detuned my P set it on the roof of my GTO in the sun for a few hours because i don't want to do(another) set up,this morning it's rain city

ah yes July is the perfect time

,,,have fun and keep us posted on results this is an interesting thread

knuckle_head · #12 03-10-2011, 12:50 PM

Two things - first, flavors won't make the difference. Gauging does. To increase tension you need thicker strings. Period. Flats have more inherent tension due to construction, but similarly sized round wound strings have VERY comparable tension. Be certain that you don't mistake inflexibility/rigidity for higher tension.

Second, while I appreciate the props on my strings I would strongly discourage using a .124 set for E tuning - mine or anyone's. Yes it will certainly up tension (significantly), but at the risk of pushing the strings to their tensile limit. They WILL break if played aggressively with 60 pounds on them and I'd bet the back bow can be eliminated with something a bit less high-tension.