Lowest Tension String?

[sal4bass]

Hi all. Some of you may have read in the technique forum I have been struggling with wrist/tendinitis issues. I am trying to identify low tension string options to make it easiest on my wrists.

So far, DR HiBeams seem to be the lowest tension string I know of. GHS Boomers appear to be pretty low tension as well, but don't last very long and sound poor IMO compared to DRs.

What other low tension strings can you recommend?

[ProgRapture]

I always loved the Dean Markley Blue Steel Ultra Lights, they're really low tension and very springy!

[Lokire]

TI Jazz Rounds are easily the lowest tension strings I know of. Lower than DR Hi-Beams.

.89 E string

The Status-Graphite tapewounds are also very low tension, if you like the tapewound feel/sound. TI Jazz flats, if you like flatwounds.

[play4zero]

I had similar problems and switched to the TIs until I healed up a bit.

[Nick Kay]

DR Hi-Beams and TI Jazz Rounds for round wounds, TI Jazz Flats for flats. Basically, keep your eye out for round cores instead of hexcores, and keep those gauges light.

Originally Posted by Lokire

TI Jazz Rounds are easily the lowest tension strings I know of. Lower than DR Hi-Beams.

.89 E string

The Status-Graphite tapewounds are also very low tension, if you like the tapewound feel/sound. TI Jazz flats, if you like flatwounds.

+1....I've never played a lower tension string than TI Jazz flats which is why I don't use them very much anymore. I did however enjoy their tone. For flatwounds, my current favorites are the medium low tension .43-.104 La Bella 760fl's.

George

[UBU]

the lowest tension rounds i know of are DR sunbeams 40-100, they're nickle, on a round core...very nice string. I hear the TI jazz rounds are nice and light also(in addition to their amazing flats)

[Bassist4Life]

TI's

[sal4bass]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info. I have never used TIs before. What do the TI Jazz Round Wounds sound like via comparison to other strings? I will be using them on a Fender Active Jazz Deluxe 4-string.

I wonder if the TIs would sound descent on my Cirrus 4-string? Currently I am using DR HiBeams on the Cirrus but it sounds like the TIs might have a bit lower string tension, so I may try them next.

Any suggestions on the best places to purchase TIs? I don't believe any of my local retailers stock them, so I'm looking for the cheapest sources for them on the net.

[Petethebassman]

Originally Posted by sal4bass

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info. I have never used TIs before. What do the TI Jazz Round Wounds sound like via comparison to other strings? I will be using them on a Fender Active Jazz Deluxe 4-string.

I used a set of TI Jazz Rounds on my P-bass and liked them a lot: nice, very flexible feel, very responsive to dynamic nuances. Initially they have a very unique twangy tone, but not in a bad way, just.. different. After properly breaking them in they have a really nice warm bottom end and low mids. The treble is sweet, not harsh at all. Also they were the most durable roundwound set I've ever used: I used the same set for 2,5 years with plenty of rehearsals, 1-2 hours per day of home practice and approx. 150 gigs. But, YMMV, depending on the tone you're looking for; I like my strings well broken in.

[Lokire]

Originally Posted by Petethebassman

I used a set of TI Jazz Rounds on my P-bass and liked them a lot: nice, very flexible feel, very responsive to dynamic nuances. Initially they have a very unique twangy tone, but not in a bad way, just.. different. After properly breaking them in they have a really nice warm bottom end and low mids. The treble is sweet, not harsh at all. Also they were the most durable roundwound set I've ever used: I used the same set for 2,5 years with plenty of rehearsals, 1-2 hours per day of home practice and approx. 150 gigs. But, YMMV, depending on the tone you're looking for; I like my strings well broken in.

That's almost exactly how I would describe them too. They last a long time, and still sound great when they're nice and old

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by sal4bass

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info. I have never used TIs before. What do the TI Jazz Round Wounds sound like via comparison to other strings? I will be using them on a Fender Active Jazz Deluxe 4-string.

I wonder if the TIs would sound descent on my Cirrus 4-string? Currently I am using DR HiBeams on the Cirrus but it sounds like the TIs might have a bit lower string tension, so I may try them next.

Any suggestions on the best places to purchase TIs? I don't believe any of my local retailers stock them, so I'm looking for the cheapest sources for them on the net.

I'm not sure if Lemur has the rounds, but I know for sure they have the flats. They have the JF344's for a little less than $40.
Lemur

You can also try Bass Guitar Strings. They have low prices on the TI's and I'm pretty sure they have the rounds.

Shop around. Your local dealer might be able to order them through Harris Teller and give you a nice discount/price match.

Joe

[sal4bass]

Thanks everyone for the TI sonic description and ordering options. I went ahead and purchased a set of the TI Jazz Rounds. I eager to give them a try to see how they feel and sound on my Active Jazz Deluxe. And it sounds like they have excellent life expectancy which is a great bonus. I'll post my opinions of them once I have had a chance to use them a while.

[Roland777]

D'Addario Prosteels are much lower tension than the XL's. A .130 B at "34 clocks in at 31.7lbs of tension, compared to the XL .130, which comes in at 34.5lbs. That's if you're looking at a roundwound alternative.

[Halftooth]

The lowest tension strings I've come across have been either the Zon Ultrasonics Lights or the DR Hi-Beam Lights.

[sal4bass]

After a few weeks with the TI Jazz Rounds I must say I am very impressed! At first I disliked them on my Fender Active Jazz Deluxe. But once they were played for several days they really toned down and became nicely even and punchy with warm mids and smooth lows. I switched out the bass to a set of steel hex core RW and liked the TIs much better, so I reinstalled them. They have very low tension and a smooth silky feel. They are expensive but addictive. When soloing it is almost like they aren't even there! I've read they last a long time and I believe it as they just seem to keep getting better with use. BTW they stay in tune very well. I highly recommend them.

[megadan]

Thought I'd bump this thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm looking for the lowest tension rounds I can find for my 4001.
I had flats on it but my band doesn't like the sound, they like the growlier dirty sound that the Ric had with rounds.
I think I will try the TI's or the DR's, if my local store has any in stock, or the DR's from juststrings.com if not.

[play4zero]

I found that I wound up playing through the TIs, but not the DR Hi Beams.

[Funkdrawer4]

I have used Ti flats on my AM DLX Jazz,Didnt like em.So I put them on my Yamaha rbx,sounded better with the PJ config.IMO.I took them off that too.If you want them PM me,Cheap.THey are cut for a 2+2 headstock so they will work on the Cirrus not the Fender.I also use the DR high beams.I like them best.No one carries the light guage local so I have mediums on now.

[KYJazzy]

Thomastik Infeld Jazz Rounds - the best string nobody uses.

GET A SET TODAY.