Light Gauge with High Tension?

Duuuuuuuuuude · #1 11-06-2011, 10:29 PM

Hi. Does anyone know a 34" scale string that's light gauge for the left hand but isn't all floppy when you play with a pick? I hear Hex-cores have higher tension

jmercer91 · #2 11-06-2011, 10:34 PM

varunkapahi · #3 11-06-2011, 11:42 PM

yeah you can check out DR lo riders

mmbongo · #4 11-07-2011, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by varunkapahi

yeah you can check out DR lo riders

This!

AmadeusXeno · #5 11-07-2011, 06:43 AM

The lo-riders as already mentioned is probably the highest tension you can get for a round wound string. Or you could go with flats to get even more tension.

tstone · #6 11-07-2011, 09:41 AM

What you really want is strings made of a material with a higher density than high-strength carbon steel. Unfortunately, the heavier metals (copper, lead, gold, etc.) usually don't have the tensile strength that is required. Your best bet with conventional strings is stainless steel flatwounds.

FunkMetalBass · #7 11-07-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstone

What you really want is strings made of a material with a higher density than high-strength carbon steel. Unfortunately, the heavier metals (copper, lead, gold, etc.) usually don't have the tensile strength that is required. Your best bet with conventional strings is stainless steel flatwounds.

This.

If you're looking for rounds, inflexible hex-core steel strings are the way to go.

**251** · #8 11-07-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuuuude

Hi. Does anyone know a 34" scale string that's light gauge for the left hand but isn't all floppy when you play with a pick? I hear Hex-cores have higher tension

Talk to these people; Circle K Strings

FunkMetalBass · #9 11-07-2011, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 251

Talk to these people; Circle K Strings

Circle K strings are very flexible. They're really for players who want more tension, but still want all of the flexibility they know any love. OP sounds like he wants something just the opposite - smaller gauge (less tension), but stiff strings.

Duuuuuuuuuude · #10 11-07-2011, 04:04 PM

Wow, I didn't realize this would cause so much debate. But thanks for all the info, everybody. Lot's of stuff for me to check out.

Reading my original post, I probably should have been more clear. I like the feel of heavy gauge stings under my pick because they're less floppy. That's what I mean when I say higher tension. But the heavy gauge strings are pretty hard on the left hand. So I'd like to find strings that are Medium or Medium Light gauge (.40-.50) that feel stiff. I should have said Medium or Medium Light in my OP

Again, I appreciate all the posts

SLaPiNFuNK · #11 11-07-2011, 04:17 PM

You may also want to look into strings other than round wounds... Pressure Wound for example are not as flexible as standard rounds since the outer windings are a little wider. Pressure Wounds of similar gauges to Round Wounds will be stiffer feeling...

mmbongo · #12 11-07-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 251

Talk to these people; Circle K Strings

Not a good choice in this case. He'd have to get a HUGE gauge to have enough tension.

dmusic148 · #13 11-07-2011, 07:21 PM

Sounds to me like to OP wants to have his cake and eat it too. I suggest either: run light gauge strings but raise the action, or, run heavier/stiffer strings, drop the action and lighten up your pick attack. You really can't have heavy at one end and light at the other.

mordechai · #14 11-07-2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Sounds to me like to OP wants to have his cake and eat it too. I suggest either: run light gauge strings but raise the action, or, run heavier/stiffer strings, drop the action and lighten up your pick attack. You really can't have heavy at one end and light at the other.

Agreed. Also the setup on your bass could be a big reason why you find it hard to fret, and not a result of the string. Also maybe just looking a heavier gauge round wound that is smoother than what you're using.

Good luck with it, string searching is an expensive (but fun) hobby!

**251** · #15 11-08-2011, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

Circle K strings are very flexible. They're really for players who want more tension, but still want all of the flexibility they know any love. OP sounds like he wants something just the opposite - smaller gauge (less tension), but stiff strings.

A short phone conversation with Circle K should make what is wanted & how to get there really clear.