Are low tension strings good choice for arthritic hands?

[jlh60]

I have arthritis in some of the knuckles on my left hand (fretting hand).
Are low tension strings easier to fret than nickel plated round wounds?
If there is a difference would it be enough to warrant buying a set of low tensions?
I currently use D'Addario XL170 light gauge strings .045 -100 on all my basses (long and short scale).

Thanks,

jim

 

[michael_t]

I have arthritis in some of the knuckles on my left hand (fretting hand).
Are low tension strings easier to fret than nickel plated round wounds?

It's not a question of "low tension" vs. "nickel-plated rounds" as such.

There are two main factors involved in determining the overall playability of a set of strings - the gauges and the construction type.

I'm at a stage in my life where my hands are starting to be semi-arthritic so I understand where you're coming from. My suggestion would be to try something with a round core for more flexibility, ie less stiff. For example, the DR Sunbeams 45-65-85-105, which are nickel-plated rounds, would be easier on your fretting hand than the D'A XL's you're currently using because of their round-core flexibility. You could even downsize them to 40-60-80-100.

 

[Mikhail1]

I agree with Michael to a point. Flexible and light gauge strings are easier to fret. I have problems with both hands and went to a lighter gauge to compensate. What I found was I actually had to raise the action slightly to keep the clank down. But since the strings were a smaller gauge, I found them easier to play. I would try his suggestion first and then if those are not to your liking, and flexible strings do feel different, try a set of .045-.095 in your brand of preference.

 

[Levin]

*whisper* TI jazz rounds...

 

[michael_t]

There are two main factors involved in determining the overall playability of a set of strings - the gauges and the construction type.

I should add to my earlier post by mentioning that a proper setup is crucial for optimal playability. Make sure your bass is set up properly for the type and gauges of the strings.

As much as my left hand loved the flexibility of the round-core Sunbeams for easy fretting, I found them lacking in resistance under my plucking fingers, so I ended up switching to the DR Nickel Lo-Riders (40-60-80-100) for their hex-core stiffness. All I had to do was to lower the action slightly to compensate for the added stiffness.

 

[Pier_]

Are low tension strings easier to fret than nickel plated round wounds?

low tension strings can be nickel plated... there's no bond between winding material and tension.

now, what you need are strings with low tension, so you have a bunch of ways:

1) setup. a proper setup is crucial, as already mentioned above my post. strings nearer to the frets are easy to press.

2) lowering the gauge: a lighter gauge (of the same brand/model) will be more flexible

3) using strings with roundcore instead of hexagonal core. the round core is flexible, so the same gauge seems lighter. for example Sunbeam/Hibeam from DR, Roundcore Boomers from GHS (they come in different gauges) or the mentioned Thomastik Jazz Round (coming in only one light gauge: 43-51-68-89)

4) using roundcore in a smaller gauge.

the only issue is that lighter strings vibrates more, and so they rattle with ease against the frets. it's important to control the right hand technique, lightening the touch. at the beginning is odd and can be hard, but after a few days it will be only a memory. it will be harder to go back to stiffer strings.

for a period I've used a 30-90 set, and it was awsome for the left hand: it felt like I wasn't touching the strings, zero effort or strenght needed, but for a week or so I had to getting the right hand used to them.
after that time, a 40-100 set of strings felt like the stiffest thing on earth!

they are wonderful for bendings and this kind of techiniques, because strings feel so smooth and soft!

I do prefer lighter strings, and keep using them (40-95 for roundcore, 30-90 for hex core). I sometimes choose big strings just to remind me of how they were, and to see if I'm missing something... ususally they don't last two weeks...

 

[Dredmahawkus]

I should add to my earlier post by mentioning that a proper setup is crucial for optimal playability. Make sure your bass is set up properly for the type and gauges of the strings.

As much as my left hand loved the flexibility of the round-core Sunbeams for easy fretting, I found them lacking in resistance under my plucking fingers, so I ended up switching to the DR Nickel Lo-Riders (40-60-80-100) for their hex-core stiffness. All I had to do was to lower the action slightly to compensate for the added stiffness.

I find the set up is everything. Nice fret work allows for super low action. then you barely have to press on the string for them to ring nicely. I worked in a casino for 10 years and have wicked carpal tunnel. I went through like 80 basses in the last few years.....almost every string made!! The strings werent really a factor. some are looser feeling then others....but the more expensive basses where you can get super low action and they pay attention to fret level like usa lakland mike lull xotic were much easier to play and much nicer feeling on the hands. where like a MIM fender kills your hands and fingers after a while.....you just cant get the same action with them. Maybe if you took it to get leveled and the nut properly filed to match....but I never spent that much time on one.
My fav strings are roundcore rounds......fodera stainless are my favorite.

 

[GIBrat51]

Yes, I think low tension strings would be a good choice for arthritic fretting hands. As for round- vs. hex-core; unless you do a lot of string bending when you play, IMO the stiffness difference between them is negligible as far as fretting them is concerned. 99.5% of what you're overcoming when you fret is the tension. And, yes, the right setup is vital; in fact, it just might be more important than the strings. As for nickel roundwounds; I have a set of Rickenbacker Light Nickel Rounds (40-95) on my 4003. Given their size, they're probably fairly low tension; but they're also on a Rick whose action is very, very low. Fretting them is practically effortless. So, a good setup, as low as you can get away with, and some low(er) tension strings - of whatever type makes you happy - , is my prescription for what ails ya.

 

[jlh60]

Thanks for the replies,

I do my own setups with very little relief and the action as low as I can get it.
I've got a P bass body with a Jazz neck I'm putting together.
I'll try the Thomastik Jazz Round set on it.

 

[pacojas]

yeah, i went with TI's because of hand damage and can play much longer before pain or cramping! gl