How do you calculate string tension?

kovachian · #1 11-13-2005, 11:40 PM

Pretty simple question eh? Just out of curiosity really. Reason I ask is b/c I scored a 5 string fretless SX recently (1st 5 string for me) and I'm not digging the tension on the B string (original strings so far, not sure what gauge they are). It hardly even resembles a musical note, it just sounds like

PpPpPpPpPpPpPpP

I definitely won't be keeping this bass for long, I think a 35" might be more up my alley but there's none around for me to try out.

Are all 34" 5 stringers like this or is it just my $170 chinese cheapo?

**Francois Blais** · #2 11-14-2005, 06:01 AM

Topic moved to the BG side.

Kilian. · #3 11-14-2005, 06:43 AM

Try to raise your action, this could help a bit. I don't know about the string tension, sorry mate.

kovachian · #4 11-14-2005, 10:19 AM

Oops, I knew this was in the wrong forum soon as I posted it. Anyways I guess there's no real way to figure out tension.

bgavin · #5 11-16-2005, 06:56 PM

Sure there is.

You hook an accurate pull scale to the bridge end of the string, then tune the string to its note, and read the scale.

BurningSkies · #6 11-16-2005, 07:36 PM

What the heck are you going to do with your measurements?

I mean you'll have these figures that translate into....nothing.

If you've got floppy B syndrome, you need to get heavier strings...which you can do by guage.

Or you can find a 35 inch scale bass.

Or you can buy a Dingwall.