Reduce flatwound string tension

[Southpaw5]

I've never heard if it(and did an internal search) but would like to hear others thoughts on this. I was wondering if there is any way to reduce the tension of flats. example: I have a set of fender flats and would like them to be easier to play, and more flexible, so i can play faster. Not interested in the suggestion of getting a different brand, I already know that's an easy option. I figure someone else must have thought of this before, but lets see.

thanks y'all

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Southpaw5

I've never heard if it(and did an internal search) but would like to hear others thoughts on this. I was wondering if there is any way to reduce the tension of flats. example: I have a set of fender flats and would like them to be easier to play, and more flexible, so i can play faster. Not interested in the suggestion of getting a different brand, I already know that's an easy option. I figure someone else must have thought of this before, but lets see.

thanks y'all

The only way I know of (other than switching to lighter gauge strings) is to tune down a halfstep or two and transpose up or use a capo.

[Handyman]

Originally Posted by Southpaw5

I've never heard if it(and did an internal search) but would like to hear others thoughts on this. I was wondering if there is any way to reduce the tension of flats. example: I have a set of fender flats and would like them to be easier to play, and more flexible, so i can play faster. Not interested in the suggestion of getting a different brand, I already know that's an easy option. I figure someone else must have thought of this before, but lets see.

Without changing the laws of physics, your options are:

- Down tune your bass

- Get a lighter gauge of strings

- Get another brand of strings (the TI flats in particular have very low tension)

- Get a short scale bass

If I've missed any options, let me know.

[bassdaddyfive]

+ 1 with Handyman.

[MosGuy]

+2 Handyman pretty much nailed it

[Nashrakh]

Taking your strings and smashing the cr** out of them with a hammer usually helps.

[Rocks]

I hate to ask a stupid question but what are TI flats? I use D'addario chromes and can't think of a brand named TI, maybe I'm just having a brain fart but the TI brand just isn't coming to mind. Are they less tension than the chromes?

[CPplaysBASS]

Originally Posted by Rocks

I hate to ask a stupid question but what are TI flats? I use D'addario chromes and can't think of a brand named TI, maybe I'm just having a brain fart but the TI brand just isn't coming to mind. Are they less tension than the chromes?

TI = Thomastik Infelds ... typically less tension than most roundwounds that I know of personally. Not enough for me ... I find Chromes (or Fenders with the new packaging, 45-100) the perfect "in between" or medium tension.

[elgecko]

Some people will tell you that moving the bridge saddles towards the nut will reduce string tension. It will...but not enough to make a tangible difference. Furthermore, it will throw your intonation out of whack.

Barring any changes to the laws of physics, potential solutions have already been mentioned.

[elgecko]

Actually, you can also get stronger...the strings will feel "lighter" by comparison.

[Rocks]

Originally Posted by CPplaysBASS

TI = Thomastik Infelds ... typically less tension than most roundwounds that I know of personally. Not enough for me ... I find Chromes (or Fenders with the new packaging, 45-100) the perfect "in between" or medium tension.

Thanks! I was trying to think of a brand but drew a blank. I have been using the D'As for years, was using rounds but switched to chromes about 8 months ago and have never looked back, they are on all my basses.

As to building strength someone mentioned this can be done too, but be careful as it is very easy to get strain injuries that can really mess you up for months or worse.