Low Tension Strings

mikejdexter · #1 03-19-2010, 06:36 PM

Over the years I have tried various makes of metal wound string---as we all know not cheap to experiment. A short while ago I tried a Nylon set on a second D/B. I liked the sound & feel of the string--but as we know the tuning problem, keeping the string in tune! What metal covered string (What core?) would come close to the 'looser' feel?

**Francois Blais** · #2 03-19-2010, 06:53 PM

I'd say Velvets.
We have a huge Velvet megathread here:
Velvet strings megathread part II

(and that's part II, we have a thousand posts part I closed)

Michael Glynn · #3 03-20-2010, 12:48 PM

Velvets are an excellent low tension string. Another option you might want to look at would be solo gauge steel-wound nylon-core strings tuned down. Examples would be Dominant solos, Obligato solos, and Evah Pirazzi solos. Of these I've only tried the Dominant solos on the D and G, but I thought they had a nice soft feel and a good sound for pizz and arco on my bass. On some basses these strings might feel too floppy and not provide much volume, though. These strings will have a significantly smaller diameter than the velvets, if that is important to you one way or another.

Eric Hochberg · #4 03-20-2010, 01:53 PM

I've been using EP solos tuned down for jazz pizz for a while now and they are loose feeling and have a nice fat, clear tone. Bow nicely too. Velvet Compas 180 suit at orchestra tuning are also nice and loose.

UPDATE - I took off the G and D EP Solos as intonation, especially in the upper register is very difficult. I think the looseness of the string makes it harder to center in on pitch. I replaced them with EP Weichs and the problem seems to be solved.

mikejdexter · #5 04-06-2010, 12:05 AM

Thank you for your info.--most welcome.