question about string tension

brekfustuvluzer · #1 03-03-2010, 12:04 AM

i currently have TI jazz flats on my p bass and though i like the tone, they feel a little too floppy to me. can anyone explain what the difference between high and low tension is as far as tone and playability?

brekfustuvluzer · #2 03-04-2010, 09:26 AM

am i to assume that no one knows the effects of different string tension? i dont believe that. we collectively know everything.

reedo35 · #3 03-04-2010, 09:39 AM

What was your question again??

brekfustuvluzer · #4 03-04-2010, 10:14 AM

how do different string tensions affect sound? is there a general guideline like: "higher string tensions have more lows in their sound" or "higher tension strings are more resonant."

reedo35 · #5 03-04-2010, 10:39 AM

String tension affects pitch, not sound quality.The more you tighten it, the higher the pitch goes. I would say that the materials used in the string production affect the sound quality/ stiffness of the string.

Nedmundo · #6 03-04-2010, 11:14 AM

Stiffer strings allow lower action without fret buzz, hence the name "Lo-Riders" for DR's stiffer hex core strings. They do set up very low. This is good, but the stiffness requires more effort to depress for fretting, which at a certain point feels like more effort. Of course stiffer strings require more plucking effort too, which can be a hindrance, as I experienced with relatively heavy gauge D'Addario Half-Rounds.

I'm not sure how, all else being equal, stiffness would affect tone. I guess I'd expect a more focused sound from stiffer strings, and their reduced excursion might reduce output too. Maybe someone with more expertise could explain.

brekfustuvluzer · #7 03-04-2010, 02:22 PM

thanks guys. right now im using TI jazz flats on my p bass and seem to not have much sustain. i was wondering whether this is because they are flatwounds or if its because they are considered low tension strings.

reedo35 · #8 03-04-2010, 05:55 PM

No, they have less sustain because they are flatwound strings.

brekfustuvluzer · #9 03-04-2010, 07:45 PM

ok, thanks

dmusic148 · #10 03-04-2010, 07:55 PM

In my experience strings with a high tension sound brighter than those with a low tension. Try this test: Tune all the strings on your bass up a whole step and compare to the sound at standard pitch. You may notice added brightness due to the increased tension. Then, tune a step below standard, and repeat. It depends a bit on the particular bass used, but I have found it makes a difference.
Another example would be a short-scale bass compared to standard scale- again, less tension on the strings, and generally, a less bright, more fundamental oriented sound.

hdracer · #11 03-04-2010, 08:05 PM

It's the TI's Try some Chromes, more tension, much brighter. TI's have their sound, Chromes have theirs.