String tension comparitive chart?

[rumblethump]

It appears that my favorite bass truss rod is maxxed out. I've been using extra light Hartke nickels and deicided to try the lightest flats I could find. Unfortunately the neck won't handle those at all. So I'm looking for the lightest tension strings to allow the neck to get proper relief.
The Hartkes almost had it, but the neck still had a bit too much forward bow.

So, is there a net site that might have comparitive string tension in lbs or metric, or should I be just looking for the smallest diameters? TIA

[markdavid]

what brand of flats did you try , different brands differ greatly in terms of tension , fender and rotosounds flats for example are like playing solid iron bars whereas Ti's are low tension

[rumblethump]

50 to 95 Fender, package says Fender 80. Iron bars is a great description. I've tried TIs in the past with another bass, they were a bit too plyant for my taste at the time, but maybe for this application they might work out.

I did put a custom gauge set of 90 70 55 40 nickel roundwounds on today that got it closer set up wise.

After playing the bass for a couple hours last night I decided back to roundwounds. It didn't sound any better than the other bass I already have a set of Fender flats (larger gauge)on.

It was interesting that Juststrings has a column for string tension in their description of each of the strings for sale. But no information posted? Maybe coming soon?

[GianGian]

I have been using D'addario flats and they are very loose. Check their website for comparing the tension.

[markdavid]

Originally Posted by rumblethump

50 to 95 Fender, package says Fender 80. Iron bars is a great description. I've tried TIs in the past with another bass, they were a bit too plyant for my taste at the time, but maybe for this application they might work out.

I did put a custom gauge set of 90 70 55 40 nickel roundwounds on today that got it closer set up wise.

After playing the bass for a couple hours last night I decided back to roundwounds. It didn't sound any better than the other bass I already have a set of Fender flats (larger gauge)on.

It was interesting that Juststrings has a column for string tension in their description of each of the strings for sale. But no information posted? Maybe coming soon?

Fender flats are very high tension , there are other flats that will give you a lower tension , Labella do a light gauge set with a .96 E string, Daddario do flats in a 95-75-60-40 gauge and Ernie ball do flats in a 95-70-60-40 gauge so there is a fair few options

[the low one]

Originally Posted by GianGian

I have been using D'addario flats and they are very loose. Check their website for comparing the tension.

I’ve been pondering this flats tension issue too. I currently use Rotosound 77’s on my MIM fretless jazz but want to try something a bit more flexible. If I go to TI’s will that be too flexible. Not tried the Chromes, is the tension somewhere in between Roto’s and TI’s? Does tension also affect tone?

[GM60466]

D'Adario Chromes work well on all my basses

G

[GianGian]

Originally Posted by the low one

I’ve been pondering this flats tension issue too. I currently use Rotosound 77’s on my MIM fretless jazz but want to try something a bit more flexible. If I go to TI’s will that be too flexible. Not tried the Chromes, is the tension somewhere in between Roto’s and TI’s? Does tension also affect tone?

Some argue that looser strings (less tension) will give you a more bassy tone. I still believe that bassier tones are delivered by string with more mass. Also, keep in mind that tension and stiffness are different things. These chromes strings have a tension a bit higher than the nickels I have on my other bass, but they are much easier to bend. I think it is more like trial and error.

[JustOpenYourMind]

I think the best solution would be to go and get your bass fixed by a skilled tech so you can use any brand or gauge of strings, A maxed out truss rod can be fixed in some cases.