String Tension Vs. Action

[debassr]

Would I be correct in thinking that high tension strings can offer lower action and vice-versa - low tension strings would require higher action?

Just something I'm wondering about. I guess the reason I'd think this way is maybe because under higher tension the string would vibrate less and therefore allow you to move the string closer to the fretboard without buzzing.

Anyone know if this is the case?

[heavyhitter]

In a short answer, Yes. But setup and playing style etc do come into play.

[dreadheadbass]

in my exp your dead right i play heavy flats with a low action i switched to rounds about a month ago for a couple of days to try a "new sound" and the difference in tension was huge and i found my neck had buzzes and flat spots which i didnt have with the flats

[Sundogue]

No that is not necessarily true.

Changing tension may require truss rod adjustments, but the action can be set the same as it was before. As was mentioned, how light or hard you play and your style can affect your need to raise the action a bit with lower tension strings. If you are heavy handed and don't like fretboard clank (I love it as I am a very percussive type player who literally "spanks the plank"), lower tension will cause the strings to move more in their vibration.

[debassr]

So we have no consensus on this?

[lonote]

Heavier strings = more tension = the possibility of lower action. Tighter strings cause the string's excursion to decrease allowing for lower action. Heavier strings are the easiest way to increase tension.

[Jim Nazium]

Originally Posted by lonote

Heavier strings = more tension = the possibility of lower action. Tighter strings cause the string's excursion to decrease allowing for lower action. Heavier strings are the easiest way to increase tension.

I agree with that. However, all else equal, higher tension strings require more effort to press down to the fret, which may offset the advantage of a lower action.

[greenboy]

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

I agree with that. However, all else equal, higher tension strings require more effort to press down to the fret, which may offset the advantage of a lower action.

Yep. Which is why guys like Victor Wooten can play with insanely low setups though they use light gauge strings, for him I think its 40-55-75-95. And there are people who use lighter tensions yet with similarly low actions.

It's all relative.

[lonote]

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

I agree with that. However, all else equal, higher tension strings require more effort to press down to the fret, which may offset the advantage of a lower action.

Yeah it might, but FOR ME low action works better and it is easier on my right (plucking) hand. It is really a matter of personal taste.

[lonote]

Originally Posted by greenboy

Yep. Which is why guys like Victor Wooten can play with insanely low setups though they use light gauge strings, for him I think its 40-55-75-95. And there are people who use lighter tensions yet with similarly low actions.

It's all relative.

People like that must have an incredibly light touch. Jeff Berlin also likes very low action. It is a matter of what works for you.

[greenboy]

Originally Posted by lonote

People like that must have an incredibly light touch. Jeff Berlin also likes very low action. It is a matter of what works for you.

would that be something like,

Originally Posted by greenboy

It's all relative.

?

; }

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by lonote

Heavier strings = more tension = the possibility of lower action. Tighter strings cause the string's excursion to decrease allowing for lower action. Heavier strings are the easiest way to increase tension.

Generally sure but string choice matters too. I've got TI flats on a P-bass that just lay on the frets with no buzz at all and they're pretty light guage. TIs are magical strings, however.

[P-BASSLOVER]

In my experience, I was always able to get a lower action with
stiffer/heavier strings.

[ibnzneksrul]

Originally Posted by lonote

Heavier strings = more tension = the possibility of lower action. Tighter strings cause the string's excursion to decrease allowing for lower action. Heavier strings are the easiest way to increase tension.

+1, and the lower the action the more critical it is to have your neck relief/truss rod set properly.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by lonote

Heavier strings = more tension = the possibility of lower action. Tighter strings cause the string's excursion to decrease allowing for lower action. Heavier strings are the easiest way to increase tension.

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

I agree with that. However, all else equal, higher tension strings require more effort to press down to the fret, which may offset the advantage of a lower action.

+1 - I like lower tension too, but with my action set at a medium plus height. I don't like the strings to low - it just doesn't feel right when I "slam" them ... no wiggle room

[(b)Assman]

Originally Posted by lonote

Yeah it might, but FOR ME low action works better and it is easier on my right (plucking) hand. It is really a matter of personal taste.

I agree, can't stand loose feeling strings. Makes it hard to keep rhythm if they aren't consistent and tight, especially 16th notes. Can also make you're sound too growly/warbely.

Originally Posted by Solarmist

+1 - I like lower tension too, but with my action set at a medium plus height. I don't like the strings to low - it just doesn't feel right when I "slam" them ... no wiggle room

True, but if you they are too high and you're doing hammer-ons above say the 8th fret they it makes for an a really boomy inconsistent sound.

[P-BASSLOVER]

Originally Posted by ibnzneksrul

+1, and the lower the action the more critical it is to have your neck relief/truss rod set properly.

+1
Very true!
The neck has to be set just right to accomplish this.

[p12bassnut]

In my experience, When I use DR Flats I can lower the action which compensates for the extra push down effort due to the higher stiffness the flat string creates.
I personally am however trying to train myself to play with a lighter touch and flats allow me to do that.