I need more tension on jazz with flats

RicPlaya · #1 03-10-2009, 09:10 AM

Treid Webstrings..too floppy

The GHS lites are breaking in, again too floppy for me.

I heard that tighter tension actually makes it easier to play for some people, and I do believe I am in that relm. I find myself craving more tension from my flats the faster I play. My hands seem to get tired for overcompensation of the loose string and wobble. Then again I do not want to play steel cables for strings, so I think I can stay lower in the guage and get a stiffer string and be OK.

Researching this section I think maybe the the Labella FL's being a little stiffer then TI and GHS strings may not work eithier. The 9050L's could be an option, but I heard since the guage is so lite they are on the loose side with the Labella FL's. Then there are the DR's which are somewhere in the middle too.

I have been thinking about 9050 ML's or Labella FS, but not sure and don't want to spend a bunch of dough on strings. I also have to consider the skinny jazz neck, it seems to be a little touchy in this weird cold, rainy weather too of the north. I'm thinking something medium to medium high would work.

It's hard to say without spending the money and trying them out. But if the Labella FL's, DR's, and 9050L's are anything the GHS lites for tension, it's not going to work for me, then I have the skinny jazz neck and potential carpel tunnel to contend with.

So basically it's the 9050L vs the 9050ML

and the Labella FL's vs the FS

Then I have to consider the Labella vs the Fenders.

Any help would be appreicated.

jasper383 · #2 03-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Of those, I would suggest the 9050ML set. Tighter than the GHS and Webstrings, not bridge cables. Give them time to break in.

Higher tension, in my experience, does mean lower action without buzzing.

Mr. Ray · #3 03-10-2009, 09:28 AM

Labella Flats lighter gauge or Pyramid Gold (super buttery fat tone)

Groover · #4 03-10-2009, 11:08 AM

I've recently switch from Labella FM to Fender 9050M set, and I'm liking the change. However, both are great but I find the Fenders a little less bridge-cable like, although I still like the feel of the Labellas.

Anyone know the cheapest place to find the Pyramid Golds? I'd like to try those on a different bass.

sevenyearsdown · #5 03-10-2009, 11:15 AM

DR HiBeam Flats are another option - not the easiest to find though.

Mastermold · #6 03-10-2009, 11:47 AM

I've got Fender 9050ML flats on my 51 reissue Precision and they do the thump thing very well. But if you're worried about neck tension, be careful because they're stiff. I had to adjust my truss rod twice before the neck would accept them.

JohNLA · #7 03-10-2009, 11:54 AM

I put fender flats on my SX Jazz and they have a ton of tension. I have only had them on a month and I am hoping they ease up over time. Otherwise I will try different flats next time. I do love the tone but they are my first set of flats so that could be my lack of experience.

RicPlaya · #8 03-10-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

I've got Fender 9050ML flats on my 51 reissue Precision and they do the thump thing very well. But if you're worried about neck tension, be careful because they're stiff. I had to adjust my truss rod twice before the neck would accept them.

Yeah that's what scares me, I wonder if the 9050L's would be better on the neck and still provide enough tension to play the faster passages and give me the thump?

RicPlaya · #9 03-10-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevenyearsdown

DR HiBeam Flats are another option - not the easiest to find though.

Heard they are a little on the floppy side? How do they compare to other brands?

Mastermold · #10 03-10-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

Heard they are a little on the floppy side? How do they compare to other brands?

Well "floppy" isn't the word I'd use. They're lower tension than the Fenders, higher tension than the TIs. I've got them on a P-bass and like them quite well, and have said before they're my second favorite flats behind TIs.

If I were you I might try the La Bella 760FL set. You'll get enough tension without overkill I bet.

RicPlaya · #11 03-10-2009, 03:21 PM

Labella FL's ..those are the deep talkin flats right 104 e string? You know it's so hard to tell what to do from just reading and searching. You think they will have the tension I need without messing with the neck of the jazz?

JustRob · #12 03-10-2009, 03:28 PM

I have the 9050MLs on a P-Bass and a Yamaha BB fretless, which has a very thin Jazz-like neck. Love 'em on both, they have great thump and tone, silky feel, as well as very stable tuning. Yes, a truss rod adjustment will be in order. With the higher tension,lower action is usually possible, reducing fatigue and CTS concerns.
The Fender strings are a bargain as far as bass strings go, so why not give them a try?

Mastermold · #13 03-10-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicPlaya

Labella FL's ..those are the deep talkin flats right 104 e string? You know it's so hard to tell what to do from just reading and searching. You think they will have the tension I need without messing with the neck of the jazz?

Yep, those are them.. Can't say if they're going to be too much tension for your bass, each one is different. I've put heavier tension strings on thinner necks that haven't moved them at all, and yet on other basses with thicker necks they've maxed out the truss rod trying to take out the bow. So you'll probably just have to try and see what happens.

RicPlaya · #14 03-10-2009, 03:42 PM

Thanks guys, your both right..this is not an exact science dealing with wooden instruments.

ibnzneksrul · #15 03-10-2009, 04:57 PM

I much prefer the LaBella FS over the FL set - tension is medium to medium high. They seem stiff at first but once they break in they become more flexible IME. Perfect (IMO) for playing fast on the lower frets on the E and A strings.

RicPlaya · #16 03-11-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibnzneksrul

I much prefer the LaBella FS over the FL set - tension is medium to medium high. They seem stiff at first but once they break in they become more flexible IME. Perfect (IMO) for playing fast on the lower frets on the E and A strings.

That's kind of what I'm seeing. I find myself creeping closer and closer to the bridge trying to get a good spot in the strings where the tension is good in order to play the faster passages. In fact I am playing so close to the bridge I am not even playing over the bridge pup anymore, but between the pup and bridge. I think if I find a good tension string, one that is med to med high that won't be like playing bridge cables but have enough tension to play faster, without really putting too much on the skinny Jazz neck that's what I am looking for.

I swear my hands hurt more then they ever have, and I think it's from trying to play fast with floppy flats.

Have you compared the FS Labellas to the 9050ML Fenders?

GM60466 · #17 03-11-2009, 09:04 AM

Fender Flats

rumblethump · #18 03-11-2009, 09:22 AM

I'm using Fender 9050s on a jazz neck and they have plenty of tension. One thing you might concern yourself with is proper technique. Be sure you are NOT bending your wrists. Sure fire way to Carpal Tunnel.

RicPlaya · #19 03-11-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumblethump

One thing you might concern yourself with is proper technique. Be sure you are NOT bending your wrists. Sure fire way to Carpal Tunnel.

I think I am digging in too much because of the floppiness of the strings. But also I do like my bass a little high now that you mention wrist position. So both my wrists are bending maybe a little too much.

RicPlaya · #20 03-11-2009, 12:18 PM

Two more for Fender Flats, which 9050s do you play on the jazz's..ML?