All The Different Spiros Sets

[iiipopes]

With all the TI Spiros sets, TI has, of course, put them all in a pdf so we can compare tension and length specs.
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/uplo...03_07print.pdf
But, each tension, of course, is for its particular original application: S42 for 4/4 110cm scale, 3885 for 3/4 106 cm, etc. So to get a true comparison, I downloaded the chart, did the math, and came up with the comparative tensions if each were installed on a 106cm, 41.73" scale bass. I didn't do the 1/2 sets or the 1/4 set, simply because the strings just aren't long enough. For example, we all know that installing a solo set at orch pitch is softer -- this chart tells how much softer. Also, it might help in choosing, for example, a different "G" string so it doesn't whang, but is still in the tension ballpark. And now you know just how stark an E stark really is.

Comparative Tensions of Different Sets of Spirocores,
If Each Were Installed on a 3/4 106 cm (41.73 inches)
Mensure Bass at Orchestra Pitch (all in pounds)

			G	D	A	E	Total
S42 4/4 Light		55.2	59.3	61.4	63.4	239.3
S42 4/4 Medium		61.4	65.8	69.6	69.6	266.4
S42 4/4 Heavy		73.7	73.7	75.8	77.8	301.0
4/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch	55.3	55.3	55.3	56.9	222.8
3/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch	56.0	57.8	57.8	57.8	229.4
3885 3/4 Light		60.6	61.7	63.9	66.1	252.3
3885 3/4 Medium		67.2	68.3	70.5	72.8	278.8

Stay tuned for a 5/8 102cm/40.16" chart!

[Eric Hochberg]

Excellent, thanks!

[iiipopes]

Thanks to Francois, who took my raw data and put it in table form!

[Dr Rod]

this is truly excellent, thanks so much

it shows a considerable tension difference between 3/4 and 4/4 sets within the same category, so actually we have two different tensions to choose from for lights and mediums

[iiipopes]

One thing that I noticed was the difference across the board for "regular" sets verses solo sets. The "regular" sets generally have increasing tension as you go down in order to get more response out of the instrument to support the ensemble better as pitch descends, while the solo sets are made with a more even tension across the board to get consistent feel.

This is in direct contrast to EB stringmaking, where the low E string is usually of lesser tension in order to maintain flexibility and consistent tone from string to string, leaving support of the ensemble to the amplifier and its tone controls.

[iiipopes]

EDITED CHART -- caught some typos.

Originally Posted by iiipopes

With all the TI Spiros sets, TI has, of course, put them all in a pdf so we can compare tension and length specs.
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/uplo...03_07print.pdf
But, each tension, of course, is for its particular original application: S42 for 4/4 110cm scale, 3885 for 3/4 106 cm, etc. So to get a true comparison, I downloaded the chart, did the math, and came up with the comparative tensions if each were installed on a 106cm, 41.73" scale bass. I didn't do the 1/2 sets or the 1/4 set, simply because the strings just aren't long enough. For example, we all know that installing a solo set at orch pitch is softer -- this chart tells how much softer. Also, it might help in choosing, for example, a different "G" string so it doesn't whang, but is still in the tension ballpark. And now you know just how stark an E stark really is.

Comparative Tensions of Different Sets of Spirocores,
If Each Were Installed on a 3/4 106 cm (41.73 inches)
Mensure Bass at Orchestra Pitch (all in pounds).

Comparative Tensions of Different Sets of Spirocores,
If Each Were Installed on a 3/4 106 cm (41.73 inches)
Mensure Bass at Orchestra Pitch (all in pounds)

			G	D	A	E	Total
S42 4/4 Light		55.3	59.3	61.4	63.4	239.4
S42 4/4 Medium		61.4	65.5	69.6	69.6	266.1
S42 4/4 Heavy		73.7	73.7	75.8	77.8	301.0
4/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch	50.3	55.3	55.3	55.3	216.2
3/4 Solo @ 3/4 Orch	56.0	57.8	57.8	57.8	229.4
3885 3/4 Light		60.6	61.7	63.9	66.1	252.3
3885 3/4 Medium		67.2	68.3	70.5	72.8	278.8

Stay tuned for a 5/8 102cm/40.16" chart!

[engedi1]

Great work. Thanks!

[DC Bass]

Woot!!!

Good stuff! Thanks for taking the time!

Joe

[iiipopes]

Thanks.