String Tension Assistance

JonnyAngle · #1 08-03-2011, 10:51 AM

I have a Ray 34 with the stock strings. I like them, but I would like "just a little more tension." I don't want to go up to 105's though. Is there a string that is similar to the slinkies but with a little more tension? Thanks!

knuckle_head · #2 08-03-2011, 12:16 PM

Is it only the E string that you object to or the tightness of the entire set when you go bigger?

The difference in physical tension between a .100 and a .105 is about 4 pounds. The difference between a .040 and .045 at G is 9 pounds. You are pretty much stuck with these relationships from any string maker unless you can find gauges in smaller increments than .005.

Actual tension and stiffness/rigidity are very different things, and your answer might be in a more-rigidly-built string rather than a thicker one.

JonnyAngle · #3 08-03-2011, 12:47 PM

Basically the strings on it now are too flabby feeling. I have an ebmm sterling and love the strings on there, but can't remember what they are

gm2_in_co · #4 08-03-2011, 01:45 PM

I have the same question, but short scale for my Gretsch Electromatic. In practice, I love it. But when I get gig adrenaline going, they strings seem way too "rubbery." Would Jamersons be a good choice to create more tension? How about the Labella 760N tapewounds? I love the feel of tape.

Should probably have started off asking if proper forum form is to piggyback like this with on topic questions or should I have started a new thread? If the latter, my apologies.

JonnyAngle · #5 08-03-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gm2_in_co

I have the same question, but short scale for my Gretsch Electromatic. In practice, I love it. But when I get gig adrenaline going, they strings seem way too "rubbery." Would Jamersons be a good choice to create more tension? How about the Labella 760N tapewounds? I love the feel of tape.

Should probably have started off asking if proper forum form is to piggyback like this with on topic questions or should I have started a new thread? If the latter, my apologies.

Whatever it takes to get it answered.

Sparkdog · #6 08-03-2011, 01:56 PM

D'Addario EXL nickels are a little higher tension than Slinkys IME, although I should point out that is going strictly by feel since EB does not publish tension figures for their strings. In fact DAD is one of the only manufacturers that does, God love 'em!

DR Nickel LoRiders are also designed to have a little more tension, although again, very subjective because there is no actual data available.

What are all these string companies hiding?!

SLaPiNFuNK · #7 08-03-2011, 02:46 PM

It sounds like you want a hex core string... this would get rid of the rubbery feel.

In that case, you could go with Nickel LoRiders like Sparkdog mentioned, or even the D'Addario XL Nickels. There are a lot of other manufacturers, GHS, Ken Smith, Rotosound, MTD, that have Hex core nickel wound strings.

Edited to add: "MOST" hex core strings... (like the above mentioned)

knuckle_head · #8 08-03-2011, 04:01 PM

A hex core does not guarantee rigidity - mine are a case in point.

SLaPiNFuNK · #9 08-03-2011, 04:03 PM

fixed my post... "most"

knuckle_head · #10 08-03-2011, 04:04 PM

FunkMetalBass · #11 08-03-2011, 04:20 PM

I've heard that Rotosound strings are very rough and quite inflexible. They might be another option too.

blastjv · #12 08-04-2011, 08:05 AM

I don't think Rotos are 'rough', but Stainless strings in general and (it feels to me) Rotos in particular are typically higher in tension than Nickels.

I did try a set of D'Addario ProSteels once and they did feel very rough and 'grabby', though I liked the aggressive sound.

-JV

Sparkdog · #13 08-04-2011, 11:45 AM

Actually, it's the other way around...stainless steels are lower tension than nickel rounds in the same gauges. Not by much though, just a couple pounds.

D'Addario publishes tension figures for all their strings (something I really wish ALL manufacturers would do) and you can see the difference between the steels and nickels.

I think some folks assume stainless is higher tension because of the rough texture they have. They are definitely harder to play (for me at least) because of this.

blastjv · #14 08-04-2011, 11:54 AM

Huh....you're right....I had heard that so many times I accepted it as 'common knowledge'.....never a good idea...

Is there a difference in 'stiffness' (and is that any different from tension) that might explain the misconception? I mean is it possible that one is less flexible than another while still requiring less tension to bring up to pitch?

-JV

FunkMetalBass · #15 08-04-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

Huh....you're right....I had heard that so many times I accepted it as 'common knowledge'.....never a good idea...

Is there a difference in 'stiffness' (and is that any different from tension) that might explain the misconception? I mean is it possible that one is less flexible than another while still requiring less tension to bring up to pitch?

-JV

Yes, that's possible that flexibility plays a role (and probably noticeable in an A/B comparison). Flexibility and tension are also very different things.

gm2_in_co · #16 08-10-2011, 05:42 PM

Still looking for high tension, short scale, flats suggestion. Particularly interested if anyone knows whether Roto or Labella tape wounds would be higher tension.

jkleban · #17 08-11-2011, 04:53 AM

I am in the same boat as GM... I have a Baritone guitar converting to a 6 string bass and my LOW E string is definitely TOO FLABBY. I think I have a 105 gauge in the set. I read above something about tension pressure which appeared like a warning, however, for clarity, if I were to restring the LOW E with a 95 gauge short scale approximately what we be the impact of tension and what problems might this cause?

Thanks,
Jim

stflbn · #18 08-11-2011, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

Basically the strings on it now are too flabby feeling. I have an ebmm sterling and love the strings on there, but can't remember what they are

Any defining physical aspects to the Sterling strings you like?

Silk ends? (color)
Ball ends colored?
Tapered ball ends to strings?

Very often posting a clear photo of each end of the string can help people here guestimate what you might have on that Sterling that you like.

JonnyAngle · #19 08-13-2011, 12:50 PM

Gold, red, black, and green are the bottoms of the e, a,d,g. No silk at the top or bottom and not tapered

SLaPiNFuNK · #20 08-13-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

Gold, red, black, and green are the bottoms of the e, a,d,g. No silk at the top or bottom and not tapered

D'Addario... Could be either XL Nickel's or ProSteels. *hard to "See" that from the pic's, but the steel's are not going to be as "polished" as the nickels. From the little marks I see on the strings, they could be steels* But that is really hard to tell from pictures...