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Low tension, bright mids, nickel...?

T

Tim1

Sep 9, 2005
4,531
3,750
New Zealand
#1
I really enjoy TI flats, especially their low tension and feel. I also enjoy the tone of stainless rounds, especially on my jazz, but their fret wear prevents me from using them - especially on a vintage bass. So I am looking for a string with the low tension of TIs but the tops of stainless that is not too hard on the frets. Logic points to a low tension nickel string I suppose, I would welcome any suggestion from your collective wisdom.
 
#3
No direct personal experience with these, but your expressed requirements would seem to sync perfectly with the new Dunlop Nickel Super Brights. Right down to the "lighter tension" and the "silky smooth feeling texture" - although insisting also upon "the low tension of TIs" might be asking for too much.

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It might be worthwhile to give these a try then, eh?

MM
 
#4
Mystic Michael said:
No direct personal experience with these, but your expressed requirements would seem to sync perfectly with the new Dunlop Nickel Super Brights. Right down to the "lighter tension" and the "silky smooth feeling texture" - although insisting also upon "the low tension of TIs" might be asking for too much.

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It might be worthwhile to give these a try then, eh?

MM
Click to expand...

This.
 
#5
Buy a set of DR Sunbeams, Fodera NPS and the Dunlop Nickel Super Brights. Compare and enjoy.

FWIW, I think the character of the Fodera nickels have a dryness that is reminiscent of stainless steel. But while still a lower tension string they will be the highest of the 3. They will also be the least smooth in feel.
 
#8
Jaco who? said:
A set of 40-60-75-95 High Beams will have a pretty similar feel to your TI flats, and if you like TI flats, chances are your technique is light enough that you won't notice any fret wear at all.
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I disagree. That small of a gauge on those round cores would be WAY floppier than a set of TIs. A set of regular 105s in a DR string is about on par with TI flats IME.

Also to the OP: are you saying that the TIs are ruining your frets? I personally can't think of a softer set of strings to put on a vintage bass (besides maybe nylon wraps).
 
#10
CapnSev said:
I disagree. That small of a gauge on those round cores would be WAY floppier than a set of TIs. A set of regular 105s in a DR string is about on par with TI flats IME.

Also to the OP: are you saying that the TIs are ruining your frets? I personally can't think of a softer set of strings to put on a vintage bass (besides maybe nylon wraps).
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I forgot to use the disclaimer: " in my experience" that seems to be mandatory around this place anymore. The OP is concerned about stainless rounds ruining his frets, not TIs. On my fretless Jazz, with my particular hands, and my particular technique, 40-95 Hi Beams have about the same amount of "give" as TI flats....................................
 
#12
R Cocco strings might fit the bill. Tension is very slightly higher than TI and the nickel coated steel is a little brighter sounding than most nickels I've used. Another option might be Elixer Nanos.

Edit: as I was posting my response I saw this ad...
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Haven't tried them. But they sound exactly like what you're looking for.
 
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