String tension VS tone VS string gauge

[JKambing]

Hi all, I did a search on this, but couldn't find any results, so pardon me if this has been asked before..

I was playing my P Bass today, and I decided to randomly remove my Rotosound Monel Flat Wound (RS77LD, 0.45-.105) and restring it with my old, somewhat dead stock Fender strings, as I'd forgotten what they sounded like. Then, I realised some things.

---WOW, the stock Fender strings (.40-.100) were SO much easier to fret due to lower tension. I was playing faster and smoother than ever.

---I knew that action would be lowered when using thinner gauges, but I could really feel the difference as I played, and I liked the low action.

---I really liked the growly bright tone from the round wounds, even if they were somewhat dead strings.

However, I quickly changed back to my flat wounds, because:

--- I missed the "thump" from my flatwounds.

--- I felt the round wounds sounded too "piano-like". Not that there's anything wrong with that; I just like to play hard and put emphasis on attack, so the bright tones did not help me.

--- I was more used to the heavier gauge of the Rotosounds.

When I did a search, I realised that many of you felt that Rotosounds were high tension. I guess I'd agree.

Now, I was wondering, since most of you are more experienced with strings..

Is there a set of strings which is .45-.105 gauge, but with low tension similar to a .40-.100 gauge, which can be set up with low action? I also want these strings to have the thump and attack of flat wounds, yet possess the growly-brightness of round wounds..

I'm thinking pressure wound is the way to go here? Oh yeah, I play my P Bass for classic hard rock and classic heavy metal, i.e. Iron Maiden and the such. I really dig Steve Harris' tone and Duff Mckagan's too, so that would explain why I chose Rotosound at first..

Well, sorry that this post is long, and I'm even more sorry if everything I asked for can't possibly be found in one set of strings..

Peace.

[stflbn]

Personally I feel that higher tension strings allow lower action than low tension strings do. Less movement & tighter vibration of the higher tension strings allow them to be lower to the fretboard.

Or maybe i'm not understanding what you're saying.

[JKambing]

Originally Posted by stflbn

Personally I feel that higher tension strings allow lower action than low tension strings do. Less movement & tighter vibration of the higher tension strings allow them to be lower to the fretboard.

Or maybe i'm not understanding what you're saying.

Really? I could achieve a lower action on the .40-100s for some reason. Also when I lower the action on the Rotosound Flats too much, there's far too much clanging. I tend to like some clang, but when every single note results in a loud clang, it irritates me.

[stflbn]

That's more of a technique issue than anything. DIfferent strings give different amounts of Clang and CLack.

[Mushroo]

There are two different things going on here. If you switch to lower tension strings on a wood-necked bass, your action will become lower because there is less pull on the neck.

However, to truly compare, you'd have to turn the truss rod to compensate for the lower tension. I believe this is what Stflbn is talking about, and I agree: I use relatively low-tension flats, and I like the action a bit higher so the string has "room to vibrate." However, because the strings are lower tension, the action still feels "comfortable and easy" even though it's not "low."

I am a big fan of the TI Jazz Flats and would encourage you to try them if you're looking for the perfect set of strings. However, string choice is very much a matter of personal preference, so....

[Mastermold]

I just put a set of TI flats on my '57 reissue P-bass, replaced the DR Hi-Beams I had. So far I'm diggin them, although the lighter tension required a little higher action.

[JKambing]

I realise that I have posted this late, but I forgot to thank you guys for your input.

So.. thanks guys!

I bought a set of Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings by the way. I really like the growly, bright stainless steel round wound tone. Sounds really fierce when I pump up the mids.