Correlation of string tension to string guage (thickness)

[stefaniw80401]

It wierd that solo strings, which are supposedly "lighter" in gauge, are higher in tension than orchestra tuned strings. To see what I mean, just take a look at the string tension charts in our string tension sticky. Spiro solos as well as flexocore solos are like this.

Is there a string that gives us the higher tension and less thickness of solo strings but in orchestra tuning? I'm not talking about the seemly popular orchestra tuned spiro solos that some of us are doing.

Thanks for the info. - Mark

[TroyK]

I may not be following, but it's because they are tuned a full step higher? When tuned at orchestral pitch, they are lower in tension.

Or do I not understand what you are saying?

[MR PC]

Correli 370 come to mind.

[stefaniw80401]

Originally Posted by TroyK

Or do I not understand what you are saying?

No - I think you're getting the gist. Yes, solo strings are tuned up a step, but there's more to it than that. Otherwise, we'd be tuning up our orchestra strings to solo pitch -- but we all know that that could damage our instruments with too much tension.

I'm looking for higer tension strings, orchestra tuned, without the larger diameter that normally comes with higher tension orchestra string. Like solo string diameter, solo string tension, orchestra pitch.

Make sense?

[Aaron Cohn]

My understanding is that at a given pitch, tension correlates with string mass. This is why a thicker steel string will have higher tension than a thinner steel string, but an even thicker gut string will have lower tension than both--gut is lighter than steel. Solo strings are thinner for the same reason that a steel G string is thinner than a steel D string. It takes less mass to achieve a given tension at a higher pitch.

So in order to have a thin, high tension string, you'd want it to be made of the densest possible material. Can't give much practical help though.

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by stefaniw80401

No - I think you're getting the gist. Yes, solo strings are tuned up a step, but there's more to it than that. Otherwise, we'd be tuning up our orchestra strings to solo pitch -- but we all know that that could damage our instruments with too much tension.

I'm looking for higer tension strings, orchestra tuned, without the larger diameter that normally comes with higher tension orchestra string. Like solo string diameter, solo string tension, orchestra pitch.

Make sense?

Have you tried Pirastro FCS? Skinny and tight.

[Francois Blais]

Originally Posted by Aaron Cohn

So in order to have a thin, high tension string, you'd want it to be made of the densest possible material. Can't give much practical help though.

Mr PC's suggestion of the Corelli 370 series goes in that direction.
The lower strings (at least) have some tungsten, which is a heavier material, and keeps the string diameter smaller.

But does that make these strings more flexible, I don't think so.
In my experience, the Corellis are rather rigid. (although the tension may be lower)
The construction of the string is more important as to the overall flexibility.

[stefaniw80401]

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Have you tried Pirastro FCS? Skinny and tight.

How do you know that? I cannot find the tension specs in our TB tension charts.

[stefaniw80401]

Originally Posted by MR PC

Correli 370 come to mind.

Maybe they feel tight, but Corelli 370's are not a high tension string according to our wiki:Tension chart

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by stefaniw80401

How do you know that? I cannot find the tension specs in our TB tension charts.

I know it the old fashioned way - tried them on a few basses...