Higher tension nickel roundwounds?

ElectraPhoenix · #1 04-25-2011, 07:12 PM

Hey guys. So, I really dig the tone of nickel roundwounds (I don't care for steels). Right now I have a set of the standard D'Addario Xls; a .105 set. I'm planning on going back to .100s soon, and I have concern. The .105 XLs are too low tension. I have a really good setup for them, pretty much perfect height and intonation and everything, but they flop around too much. I would like something stiffer (I'm always in the mood to try new strings anyways). Do you think the .100 set of the XLs will be any stiffer? Or should I try a different brand? Again, only nickel roundwounds please. Steels and half-rounds aren't my thing.

AmadeusXeno · #2 04-26-2011, 06:51 AM

Going from a .105 to a .100 is the opposite of going stiffer. A higher gauge string is going to give you more tension and less flop. As far as which nickle string has higher tension I'm not sure. I'm a stainless steel kinda guy. If you want to stick with the same gauge you are currently using but want a higher tension then I'd suggest trying a different brand. There are many to choose from and everyone has their preferance. Hope you find yours.

knuckle_head · #3 04-26-2011, 08:28 AM

I'm curious why you would want to go to a thinner gauge to accomplish this - can you explain?

Grateful · #4 04-26-2011, 08:53 AM

Try:
DR Lo-Rider Nickels
Fodera Diamond Series Nickels
MTD Nickels

I've tried and like all of the above.

Circle K also makes some higher gauge strings that might be even stiffer.

MarTONEbass · #5 04-26-2011, 08:55 AM

+1 on the DR Lo-Rider Nickels. They have a hex core= stiffer.

ElectraPhoenix · #6 04-26-2011, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the suggestion on the Lo-Riders. I don't really like playing the thicker gauge, so I'm going back to the .100s. I realize I'm probably being pretty picky here, but I'll definitely try the Lo-Riders when I get the chance. How are the Sunbeams? I've heard good things about those strings.

DTF · #7 04-26-2011, 07:52 PM

R cocco nickel rounds

AmadeusXeno · #8 04-26-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectraPhoenix

Thanks for the suggestion on the Lo-Riders. I don't really like playing the thicker gauge, so I'm going back to the .100s. I realize I'm probably being pretty picky here, but I'll definitely try the Lo-Riders when I get the chance. How are the Sunbeams? I've heard good things about those strings.

Sunbeams have a round core which will give you a mellower tone then a hex core, will make bends easier, and have lower tension then Low-Riders. What exactly is it that you don't like about the thicker gauge?

ElectraPhoenix · #9 04-26-2011, 08:56 PM

The Lo-Riders, then. Thanks for the info. I wish string manufacturers (and I know this has been said before) published their tension information like D'Addario does.

**trkelley** · #10 04-26-2011, 09:06 PM

i played Sunbeams for quite awhile on my Zon fretless, very soft and slinky, marvelous tone, but i wanted something with more tautness to the finger, stiffer. I've settled on D'Addario EXLs for now .40-.125

tylerwylie · #11 04-26-2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectraPhoenix

The Lo-Riders, then. Thanks for the info. I wish string manufacturers (and I know this has been said before) published their tension information like D'Addario does.

Circle K does

Sleeq · #12 04-27-2011, 01:53 AM

I prefer higher tension strings since I can dig in more without all the clack.

Derek DiFilippo · #13 04-27-2011, 03:49 AM

I've played the Fender Nickels (105-45) and just put on some DR LowRiders (45-105).

The Fenders have noticeably higher tension than the LowRiders. Maybe you would like them if you can stay at 105? They are not expensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElectraPhoenix

Hey guys. So, I really dig the tone of nickel roundwounds (I don't care for steels). Right now I have a set of the standard D'Addario Xls; a .105 set. I'm planning on going back to .100s soon, and I have concern. The .105 XLs are too low tension. I have a really good setup for them, pretty much perfect height and intonation and everything, but they flop around too much. I would like something stiffer (I'm always in the mood to try new strings anyways). Do you think the .100 set of the XLs will be any stiffer? Or should I try a different brand? Again, only nickel roundwounds please. Steels and half-rounds aren't my thing.

knuckle_head · #14 04-27-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek DiFilippo

The Fenders have noticeably higher tension than the LowRiders.

Is there a tonal difference?