Light tension strings

[dkelley]

FYI OP, most bassist say tension when they mean stiffness. They also say tension when they mean tension. Basically because there needs to be an easy word to explain the way the strings flex when playing, and tension is at least a small part of it.

"Flexibility when playing" is really what we should be saying though, since that is the end result of a combination of tension of strings at pitch and stiffness of string design.

Basically if it's hard to move the string when playing, that is pretty commonly due to the stiffness of the string due to construction and design, although tension differences also affect that if they are great enough.

Now that I've muddied things up - have fun!

 

[micguy]

Keep in mind not all basses like a low tension set up.

I would argue that any well made bass would love a low tension setup - the less forces there are trying to bend the neck, the better. Low tension strings reduce the tension from the strings AND (when set up for those strings) the torque from the truss rod. When I do setups, it's easier to get a neck stabilized with low tension strings than it is with higher tension strings.

Now, strictly speaking, there may be basses where the wood wants to back bow, and you may need more string tension to bring things flat. I would argue that a bass neck with that propensity is not well made, and that that amount of backbow propensity (where the truss rod isn't needed at all to counter the string forces) is pretty darn rare. I've set up dozens of basses, and the only necks I ever had that didn't need truss rod tension to counter string tension were my Kramers, and those only puled that off because they were made of aluminum.

 

[80jazz]

Thanks guys, so for instance would those Dunlop SB 40-100 feel similar to Rotosound Swing 35-90? am I getting right?

As a bassist who makes 35-90 the first gauge I try on new basses, I would say no.

Yes, I have given the Super Brights more than one shot. I do not think they feel like 35-90 in the 40-100.

I wonder how many bassists who would make or agree with that statement have actually tried the 35-90 strings. It could be all of them, and it may not be.

Also, I think dkelley is right on the money concerning the use of the word tension regarding strings.

 

[Aidil]

As a bassist who makes 35-90 the first gauge I try on new basses, I would say no.

Yes, I have given the Super Brights more than one shot. I do not think they feel like 35-90 in the 40-100.

I wonder how many bassists who would make or agree with that statement have actually tried the 35-90 strings. It could be all of them, and it may not be.

Also, I think dkelley is right on the money concerning the use of the word tension regarding strings.

I used to have Roto Swing 66 Stainless Steel 35-90 with a 120 (or could be a 130) low-B on one of my basses. And my current main bass is carrying Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel 40-120. While I certainly did not use them on the same bass, but I kinda still remember the Swing 66's weren't as flexible as these current Super Brights, which I like very much.

 

[80jazz]

While I certainly did not use them on the same bass, but I kinda still remember the Swing 66's weren't as flexible as these current Super Brights, which I like very much.

This is why I asked. I was/am geniunely curious as to whether or not others have tried. It seems they have.

Thank you for your insight.

 

[Jacosfunk81]

Thanks guys, my conclusion is that those Dunlop SB 40-100 might feel a hair less stiff than DR Sunbeans 40-100 but for players like me who prefer warmer sound the DR seem to be a great fit and then of course we can always try some flats or even tape round for a really smooth feel and retro sound.
Hope that makes sense!