Lower Tension Strings

[Ampig]

I'm currently using Spirocores, but am thinking of going to something with a lower tension. What do you recommend that won't be too drastic of a change tonally or in volume.

[iiipopes]

If you're using Spirocore S42W Weichs, or Solos tuned down, you're already in very low tension.

[Ampig]

I'm using Weich's. My repairman and John Boutte's bassist. whom I spoke with in the same week, both seemed to think the Spiro's were fairly high tension..............

[DoubleMIDI]

Strings from SuperSenstive and Innovation produce generally lower tension strings. I think also D'Addario and you can get lighter sets too. Velvet strings have less tension too. Presto Strings (mostly available in Europe)/Eurosonics are also a bit lower tension.

Otherwise you probably need to buy a Solo set and tune it to orchestra pitch. But most Solo sets have much less tension on the lower strings, so if you don't like that, try something else.

If you have used 3/4 Spiros before, you can also switch to the same kind of string in the 4/4 version which will have less tension than the 3/4 string on the same scale.

And gut strings generally have lower tension, with a few exceptions (you can get a bit higher tension gut strings on request).

But if you want to bow them too, better stay away from synthetic wound strings.

[Mark Gollihur]

There's more to the "tense feel" of a string besides just actual tension (measured in lbs.). The core winding of the string, the materials it's made of, the outer winding material and style - all of these things have a bearing.

Spirocores have a spiral-wound core (hence their name), which is a "stiffer" feeling core winding than, say, a "rope-core" string (which doesn't indicate that it's actually made of ROPE, it's just wound in a "rope-like" pattern.) Because the core is more flexible, the "feel" of the string, to most players, is "easier" on both hands, even at the same tension weight.

So a Helicore string from D'Addario, which is a similar string to the Spiros (Helicore = Helical core) wouldn't offer a substantial improvement.

The outer winding can also contribute to stiffness; a "tape" wound string will usually feel stiffer than a "wire" wound string. A nylon core string is more flexible (and has more "bounce") than a steel core. ALL of these different variables have a palpable effect on the overall feel, so you have to consider all of them to make a truly educated decision (and it's STILL usually a guess) as to what might work for you.

If you're trying to keep a similar tone character to the Spiros, you might check out a lighter weight, rope-core metal string. A couple of popular options would be the Thomastik Superflexibles, and the Corelli 370F string sets. Others may weigh in with some other suggestions as well.

[Ampig]

I often play in an unamplified setting with a viola and two voluminous acoustic guitars. How do the Thomastik Superflexibles, and the Corelli 370F's compare volume wise?

[DoubleMIDI]

I never used Superflexibles, but the tensions are like Spiro Mittel.

The Corelli are lower tension, but thin in diameter and weak in tension on the lower strings (not all but most of the sets). Similar to the tension distribution in Solo sets, proably even weaker on the lower strings.

The 370TX might be similar to Spiro Weich, but a bit nicer to the hands (at least the high C I tried). Never had the 370F (no high C for this set).

The SuperSensitive Pinnacle is similar in sound to the Spiros (but of course a bit different) with lower tension. Also a rope or spiral wound metal core.

(I don't know what Mark thinks what the difference of rope-core and spiral-core is. I doubt that a core is twisted in the opposite direction of already twisted strangs as parts of it, which is what I would understand for rope-core. Maybe my english is too limited...)

If lighter strings get too thin for you, you need to choose strings with less densitiy, either in the windings or in the core (or both). In this case you might want to try synthetic or gut core strings.

[Mark Gollihur]

Originally Posted by DoubleMIDI

Never had the 370F (no high C for this set).

Corelli suggests that the High C for the TX or F would be so similar that they only make one; you simply use the C with whichever set you prefer.

Originally Posted by DoubleMIDI

(I don't know what Mark thinks what the difference of rope-core and spiral-core is. I doubt that a core is twisted in the opposite direction of already twisted strangs as parts of it, which is what I would understand for rope-core. Maybe my english is too limited...)

It's my understanding that typical Spiral Core strings use a solid, thicker core, which then has windings run around it. The so-called 'rope' core uses finer steel strands, which (according to rope-core string makers) provides a quicker bow response, and alters the tonal response compared to the solid core spiral wound strings. The rope core is also more flexible, with a slight elasticity - and thus has a softer feel.

If anyone has contradictory or better info, though, I'm all ears. Always learning!

[Ampig]

Mark,
How do the Thomastik Superflexibles, and the Corelli 370F's compare volume wise?

[DoubleMIDI]

Mark, I'll have a look at the core of my broken Spiro E during the weekend and keep you informed ...