Need to increase tension on E-string. Help please?

CauliColin · #1 03-19-2011, 09:46 AM

As the titles says. Suggestions are appreciated!

Slowgypsy · #2 03-19-2011, 09:51 AM

What strings are you using? Changing strings to a different brand or model is a typical way to change string tension.

CauliColin · #3 03-19-2011, 09:52 AM

I'm hoping not to go through with that.
I'm using Rotosound 66s. 35-95 I think.

Rebop · #4 03-19-2011, 09:53 AM

35-95? There's your problem. Get 40-105 or 45-105.

Pilgrim · #5 03-19-2011, 09:53 AM

You have to change strings or live with what you have. NO options.

CauliColin · #6 03-19-2011, 09:55 AM

Oh, okay.
Thanks for your help guys!

WardEarth · #7 03-19-2011, 09:59 AM

Try Oasis strings Oasis Flex-Core Bass Guitar Strings
For whatever reason, they seem to have real high tension. $24 shipped isn't too bad either.

MuzikMan · #8 03-19-2011, 10:04 AM

There are three ways to change tension.

1) Material density / shape - Hex core strings might give you what you want. I like DR Low Riders for this purpose.

2) Gauge - Thicker strings will give you greater tension.

3) Scale length - This one is probably out of the question unless you have a neck stretcher !!!

Turnaround · #9 03-19-2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

There are three ways to change tension.

1) Material density / shape - Hex core strings might give you what you want. I like DR Low Riders for this purpose.

2) Gauge - Thicker strings will give you greater tension.

3) Scale length - This one is probably out of the question unless you have a neck stretcher !!!

There is one other option, which is a compromise, just like everything else. If you turn the E string tuner counter clockwise it will increase the tension on the string. It will also increase the pitch, and that's the compromise.

OK, it's probably not what the OP was looking for, but unless you are willing to change string gauge/type, tuning, or neck length, you won't find anything that will increase tension.

Unless you know the secret of the Seventh Cecilian (it will cost you your soul).

CauliColin · #10 03-20-2011, 02:10 AM

Thanks for all the help.
I think I'll go get some new strings next time I'm in town.

Hellbastard · #11 03-20-2011, 05:02 AM

I haven't tried it yet, but Gary Willis reccomneds using PC board spacers. You slip them over the strings before inserting them through the bridge.He recommends using a half inch spacer, and claims that it will make a difference in the Tension of the strings, specially the lower B and E strings.

IME, I have found that DR strings have a realtive higher tension, compared to other brands; using the same string gauge.

T-Bird · #12 03-20-2011, 05:40 AM

Hi.

95 E?

No wonder You're having problems.

105 is the thinnest I've ever used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellbastard

I haven't tried it yet, but Gary Willis reccomneds using PC board spacers. You slip them over the strings before inserting them through the bridge.He recommends using a half inch spacer, and claims that it will make a difference in the Tension of the strings, specially the lower B and E strings.

Don't bother, the physics are against that working.

+ The fact that I don't remember any TBer who have tried that method out of curiosity saying that it had worked.

Regards
Sam

Jools4001 · #13 03-20-2011, 05:50 AM

FWIW I put on a set of 40, 60, 80 100 Rotos recently because I desperately needed new strings the day before a gig and the store didn't have my usual Stadium Elites. I found the Rotosounds noticeably lower tension for the same gauge of string.

Hellbastard · #14 03-20-2011, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Hi.

95 E?

No wonder You're having problems.

105 is the thinnest I've ever used.

Don't bother, the physics are against that working.

+ The fact that I don't remember any TBer who have tried that method out of curiosity saying that it had worked.

Regards
Sam

Well, I have always thought the same way you do. I'll probably give it try just to see if there's any change. Although it's kind of difficult to objectively prove any tension difference in this experiment.
I have always thought that if you want more tension, you either increase the string gauge or buy a longer scale bass.

PaulNYC · #15 03-20-2011, 01:29 PM

liutaiomottola.com/formulae/tension.htm

Look at the formula ignore what I say.

testing1two · #16 03-20-2011, 02:53 PM

This subject gets debated all the time because people are misusing the term tension. Strings are made to reach a certain pitch at certain tension. So tension is related to pitch and you can't increase or decrease one without affecting the other.

If you want any given string to feel "stiffer" without increasing the pitch/tension you need to minimize deflection at both contact points (the saddle and the nut). This is usually done by increasing the break angle at both points. To maximize break angle at the nut, you need to have as many wraps on the tuner post as possible or use a string tree. To maximize break angle at the bridge, you either need to have the saddles raised (and shim the neck to keep the action low) or string through the body.

Don't expect miracles from these techniques. The differences are subtle but indeed noticeable. As others have said, it's much easier to just change your string gauge and/or brand.

The Gary Willis trick serves a slightly different purpose but has similar effect: using spacers at the ball end changes the location of the string's break angle so that the weaker wrapped portion of the string isn't bent.

One final thing to consider: if the string feels floppy and causes fret buzz, it's not entirely the string's fault. Having level frets (and a level fingerboard for that matter) will ultimately determine how low your action can be without buzz.