String tension/slack???

[Mikeus]

how do you get the best string tension and keep the strings tight? my E always seems to to be heaps looser and have more slack than the others even though its in tune...

[Asa Samuel]

different strings, bigger guage.

longer scale.... umm..... not sure what else really.

[PaulMacCnj]

The gauges of the strings in the set also make a difference. Specifically, I'm referring to the how each string is gauged with respect to each other. You may find that you like sets that include "medium" for the E & A strings and "light" for the D & G strings.

[Mikeus]

would it help to cut the E off closer to the tuner post? so that only that 1" can be bent and put in the string hole?

[PaulMacCnj]

I don't believe so. The string comes of the tuning peg at a tangent. That very point back to the saddle is the scale length. More or less wraps on the peg isn't going to change that.

[stedtale]

Perhaps this will help. The only way to change tension of a string tuned to a specific pitch is to (1) change scale length (nut to bridge) or (2) change the Unit Weight (string mass, gage).

Originally Posted by stedtale

how to calculate tension:


T = tension in pounds;

UW = unit weight of the string, in pounds per linear inch;

L = vibrating length of the string (for an open string, this would be the scale length-nut to bridge) in inches;

F = frequency of the note to which you will tune the string, in Hz;


1. Everything else being the same, pitch increases as tension increases;

2. Everything else being the same, tension increases as scale length increases(this is nut to bridge);

3. Everything else being the same, tension increases as unit weight increases, thus a heavier gage string will be under greater tension;


http://www.liutaiomottola.com/myth/perception.htm
By moving the end points of the string (but leaving the string length the same), I think you may change the "feel" of the string-the perception of tension, but not the tension (see above "perception" article) and you may change the break over angle, but that's about it. The string may feel different because it has more room to "move" side to side. To change the tension, but leave string gage, and nut to bridge length the same changes the pitch.


(this info is from www.liutaiomottola.com and is copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 by R.M. Mottola, who apparently is a genius)

[CJ Bassman]

What gauge strings do you use...??? In my experience this makes a big difference to how the bottom 'E' feels and plays. I currently use on all three of my basses .045 to .105 (4 strings), even changing string type (different construction) or brand. The feel is pretty consistent.

[Roland777]

Aaah yes. Yet another thread in the likes of this...

The answer is that the vast VAST majority of all string-sets on the market are completely random in terms of tension-balance. So if you want a balanced string-set, you've got to go with single-strings. Quite contrary to popular belief, the main offenders are in fact the D and A-strings, which are most often .005 inches and .010 inches respectively too thick. A balanced set starting at .045 would be .045-.060-.080-.110 (I prefer a .105 on the bottom myself, since I prefer its tonal qualities), while one starting with an .040 would be .040-.055-.070-.095 (or .100 if you like more tension on the bottom).