Lowest Tension?

[Rob Downie]

I read with interest the post by JAS ("low tension"). The arthritis in my hands has reached the point where I cannot press the strings down without pain and I am going to have to go to the absolute lowest tension strings that can be found. I know Supernils are very low tension. Any other recommendations?

Rob Downie
Geriatric bass player
Tualatin, OR

[armybass]

The Corelli's are pretty low tension. I have the Mediums and they are pretty low volume too if you are playing pizz. The style music you play will make a big difference in what suggestions will work for you.

[robobass]

Solo strings!
Robobass

[bilco]

I am running into the same physical issues as Rob. How do the Corelli and solo gauge strings compare to all gut strings? Are all gut strings the lowest tension?

Thanks,
Bill

[PB+J]

spirocore weichs are very low tension and I find them extremely easy to play. Once they break in, they have a really nice pizz sound, and they are relatively easy to bow. The tone is spiro-like but not as extreme--on my bass anyway--as the spiro mediums

[Michael Case]

Velvet Animas and Pirastro Oliv are low tension. The only problem is they aint low price.

[Bob Gollihur]

Originally Posted by Rob Downie

I read with interest the post by JAS ("low tension"). The arthritis in my hands has reached the point where I cannot press the strings down without pain and I am going to have to go to the absolute lowest tension strings that can be found. I know Supernils are very low tension. Any other recommendations?

Rob Downie
Geriatric bass player
Tualatin, OR

The Corelli 370 Mediums are nicely low in tension but have a nice clean sound.

But for the "Any other recommendations?" section of your message, I'd recommend taking your bass for a super setup job. I have the Corellis on my Juzek very low at the nut, the old fingerboard is carved very well, which allows the strings to be a mere coupla-business card thicknesses off the fingerboard at the nut. The lighter gauge, very responsive string (Supernils are thick and need more clearance), combined with the low action, sure helps when my hands are hurting!