low tension flats,,,

[bigdaddybass12]

I know this one has been beat to death too, I have read thru other posts but did not see a clear answer. Looking for low tension flats to use on a Ray4 that does not cost $80!!
thanks in advance

 

[bholder]

La Bella LTF-4A Low Tension Flexible Flats Bass Strings - 4-string

 

[michael_t]

Looking for low tension flats to use on a Ray4 that does not cost $80!!

Can we assume you're more concerned about the stiffness/flexibility (= playing feel) than the actual tension as in pulling weight?

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Can we assume you're more concerned about the stiffness/flexibility (= playing feel) than the actual tension as in pulling weight?

No, stress on the neck

 

[michael_t]

No, stress on the neck

Thanks for the clarification.

The La Bella Low Tension Flats, already mentioned above by @bholder, are the lightest I've seen at 134.9 lbs., which is actually lighter (and cheaper!) than the TI Jazz Flats (140.2 lbs.).

 

[bholder]

Thanks for the clarification.

The La Bella Low Tension Flats, already mentioned above by @bholder, are the lightest I've seen at 134.9 lbs., which is actually lighter (and cheaper!) than the TI Flats (140.2 lbs.).

Huh. Cool, I did not know that - I just Googled "low tension flat bass strings" and chose the first reasonably-priced set. Got lucky.

 

[skycruiser]

Here's my flatwound string spreadsheet sorted by E string gauge. I know tension is a function of unit mass, not gauge, but looking at the lower gauge options may lead you toward some options to consider. Good luck.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Thanks for the clarification.

The La Bella Low Tension Flats, already mentioned above by @bholder, are the lightest I've seen at 134.9 lbs., which is actually lighter (and cheaper!) than the TI Jazz Flats (140.2 lbs.).

How does that compare to round-wound strings, say EB 105's?

 

[michael_t]

How does that compare to round-wound strings, say EB 105's?

Roundwound 45-105 sets typically are between 165 lbs. and 185 lbs.

 

[michael_t]

Here's some additional info...

Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats 40-95 = 153.02 lbs.
Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats 40-95 = 148.30 lbs.
D'Addario Chromes Flats 40-95 = 163.10 lbs.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Roundwound 45-105 sets typically are between 165 lbs. and 185 lbs.

Ok, here it goes,,,I thought flats had more tension/more pressure on the neck?

 

[skycruiser]

Here's some additional info...

Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flats 40-95 = 153.02 lbs.
Ernie Ball Cobalt Flats 40-95 = 148.30 lbs.
D'Addario Chromes Flats 40-95 = 163.10 lbs.

This is the sum of all 4 strings on 34" scale with standard tuning, correct?

Just curious - where do you find this information? Derived from specs provided by string manufacturers? It's not a spec I came across when I put my spreadsheet together. If I can verify this data I will add to the spreadsheet as it is a very important parameter.

 

[michael_t]

Ok, here it goes,,,I thought flats had more tension/more pressure on the neck?

Not always as you can see...

Comparing the same gauges, flats are generally "stiffer" than rounds due to their construction, but it doesn't always translate to "heavier" in terms of pulling weight.

 

[michael_t]

This is the sum of all 4 strings on 34" scale with standard tuning, correct?

Yes.

Just curious - where do you find this information?

D'Addario = Tension numbers available on their website under "Learn More" tab at right for each set.
GHS = GHS Tension Guide.
Rotosound = Rotosound Tension Chart.

For Ernie Ball, you do need to contact their customer service by email and specify the set(s) you need the tension info on.

 

[Hundred proof]

My EBMM Sterling did not like the TI flats ... but the LaBella low tension flats sound great on it.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

La Bella LTFs are something of an acquired taste... if you like bright strings they are probably not going to please. I have them on a couple of basses but I generally prefer Thomastik Jazz Flats. The La Bellas have an amazingly smooth feel though and on the right bass are awesome.

 

[jthisdell]

TI Flats, not inexpensive but last forever and feel great on the hands

 

[bcbassman]

Ok, here it goes,,,I thought flats had more tension/more pressure on the neck?

A very common misconception. Rickenbacker actually specified flatwounds for their 4001 basses so that the warranty would not be violated on their basses. Rotosound strings screwed up more Ricky basses than any number of flatwound strings. The tension is much higher on those strings and Rickenbacker finger boards popped loose at the first fret or just warped on those 4001s.

 

[micguy]

Ok, here it goes,,,I thought flats had more tension/more pressure on the neck?

Most of the time they do, but not all the time. Flats fill in the gaps that rounds have in between windings, so if strings are made from comparable metals, and have the same outer diameter, the strings with more air in the construction (rounds) have less linear density (mass per inch or centimeter), and as the Physics turns out, less density means less tension to tune to the same pitch. So, all else equal, flats need more tension than rounds. But, it you vary the materials......

 

[Gizmot]

I agree with one of the previous posts that T I Jazz Flats are simply the finest. I tried several brands including LaBella and Chromes, but after fighting paying the higher price for Jazz Flats and I’ve been happy ever since. They last so long that the price becomes irrelevant. I change after 5 years out of boredom. The Austrians make great products.