Need Stiffer Nickel Rounds (with same gauge)

[fu22ba55]

For long scale basses, 4-string standard tuning:

I used to use D'Addario XLs Standard Gauge (.50 - .105), but found that the .85 and .105 were too flexible:

I play (aggressively) with my fingers, and when plucking the E and A strings, they would ring sharp at the first moment the string oscillates and shortens its length.

So I switched to heavier gauges on the E and A (.110 and .90) respectively. (I'm currently using juststrings.com BULK PACK strings, and they fulfill my needs sonically.) I've been playing .110 and .90 for the past few years.

I recently bought a bass strung with Black Diamonds, (.105 and .85 for E and A), and they feel just as stiff as the 110s and 90s I'm used to. They DEFINITELY feel stiffer than the D'Addario XLs.

I'm intruguied. I only switched to the heavier gauge strings to prevent that momentary sharp tuning of the string when it's plucked... but if I can get a stiffer string at a lower gauge, I'm all for that.

1) What brands of Nickel Roundwounds are STIFFER then D'Addario XLs (at the same gauge)?

2) Do stiffer strings have higher tension as well? I know larger gauge strings have higher tension, but do the D'Addario XL .105 and Black Diamond .105 create the same tension at pitch? Or is the tension what creates the stiffness? (It would seem so.)

I'm not looking for crazy boutique strings, just some relatively available string brands that are stiffer than D'Addario XLs of the same gauge.

Thanks.

[fu22ba55]

Forget I said anything.

I just found out the the Black Diamond strings that came on this bass (four string) bass were the bottom 4 of a 5 string set.

So I was tuning a .120 and .110 to E and A respectively.

Doh!

Damn right there was more tension. I almost snapped the neck off the bass!

Re: my original question, I've also discovered that DL Lo-Riders exhibit a bit more tension than similar gauged strings because they are wound at tension... but my original post above was a boo boo.

[bassplayer7770]

I haven't played D'Addario strings in years. I was recently using DR Nickel-Plated Lo Riders, then tried a set of Dunlop Nickels. To me, the Dunlops seem to have higher tension, and I also had to adjust the truss rod on my bass to adjust for the difference. It's possible that was just a coincidence, though...

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by bassplayer7770

To me, the Dunlops seem to have higher tension, and I also had to adjust the truss rod on my bass to adjust for the difference.

They were the same gauges?

[bassplayer7770]

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

They were the same gauges?

Yes, both sets were 45-100.

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by bassplayer7770

Yes, both sets were 45-100.

Wow. That's crazy, because I've heard talk on here that the Lo-Riders are stiffer than D'Addarios... so the Dunlops must be stiffer still.

Thanks for that...

Which do you prefer? The Dunlops or the Lo-Riders?

[bassplayer7770]

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

Wow. That's crazy, because I've heard talk on here that the Lo-Riders are stiffer than D'Addarios... so the Dunlops must be stiffer still.

Thanks for that...

Which do you prefer? The Dunlops or the Lo-Riders?

Personally, I prefer the NP Lo Riders. Completely subjective, but I seem to prefer the tone (a bit more clarity) and feel (not quite so tight feeling) over the Dunlops.

Of course, I have no way to actually measure the tension of the two sets, so these are just my findings...

[Grateful]

I like stiffer nickels as well. I must be the only one on Earth who wasn't thrilled with the Dunlops. I have recently switched from MTD Nickels (loved the old ones, don't like the new ones) to Fodera Diamond Series Nickel 45-130T (5 string, obviously).

I am really happy with them.

[Double Agent]

A lot is made of the tension of DR Lo-Riders. They definitely have more tension than DR's round-core strings, like the Hi-Beams. But, I've never felt like they were an extremely high tension string. I've always felt their tension was just right, tight enough not flop around when I dig in, but not so tight that I can't bend the strings a little when I feel like it. I have yet to find a string that FEELS better for slapping. Also, I have not felt any difference in the tension between the nickel and stainless version, but obviously the nickels are a bit nicer on the fingers since they are softer than stainless.

In any case, I think they do have a little more tension than D'addario XLs, but its not a night and day difference IMO.

[eotpr]

Need Stiffer Nickel Rounds? I rub mine with Viagra.

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by eotpr

Need Stiffer Nickel Rounds? I rub mine with Viagra.

But then you can't play them for more than 4 hours without calling your doctor.

[eotpr]

if the gig is longer than 4 hours use Cialis. It is good for 36 hours. Or finish the gig with floppy strings...