These would be for long and short scale also bonus for smooth feel. Thanks in advance!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Low tension rounds with minimal flop
- Thread starter DavidEdenAria
- Start date
"Low tension" as in the actual pulling weight, but stiff enough not to be floppy?
I like the GHS Pressurewound 40-96 I use. They're 147 lbs. (long scale) but their stiffness keeps them from flopping. The same gauges are also available in short scale (32.75" winding length).
I like the GHS Pressurewound 40-96 I use. They're 147 lbs. (long scale) but their stiffness keeps them from flopping. The same gauges are also available in short scale (32.75" winding length).
Thanks yes I have Pressure Wounds shortscale like em a lot but not medium or long. I assume hex core types but Pressure Wounds are in top so far....Rounds I'm interested in a lot but have encountered floppy sets in the past.
Thomastik Infeld light gauge jazz rounds (JR344) may fit the bill. I love them, but in my experience they sound best when played with a light touch.
A lighter gauge with a hex core will be stiffer and lower tension. DH Low riders 40-95 are very good. Sting uses them.
I had a set of those on a Fodera fretless I had years ago. I adored how that bass sounded. Absolutely gorgeous strings… if you have the touch.
I’ve been using DR DDT 40-120 on my main bass in standard tuning with the occasional 1/2 drop. Even on the B they take it all in stride with negligible flop.
My first choice, as well. I believe the 5 string set runs 40-120...decreased total tension but infamous for being stiffer under the finger tips.
Riis
You also mentioned "smoother". PWs are not true "roundwound" as such, but their tonal character is very much "roundwound".
For a true roundwound with low tension, I might suggest the GHS Boomer 40-55-75-95, which weigh in at only 140 lbs. (same tension as TI JF344). Again, their natural stiffness keeps them from being floppy. The only thing is they only come in "long scale" and are not as smooth as the PWs.
Dunlop nickels have served me well over the years. I normally tune down to DGCF with regular gauges. No floppyness, but great fundamentals instead.
Those SIT fit your description perfectly and are a real pleasure to play:
sitstrings.com
Power Wound Nickel Bass Strings - S.I.T. Strings
The SIT String Company Power Wound nickel bass strings have consistently remained the top choice for bassists worldwide, thanks to their exceptional quality and versatility. With a legacy spanning several decades, these round wound bass strings have earned a well-deserved reputation as the...
sitstrings.com
Any low tension string will play with a stiffer feel if you raise your action and/or add a bit of relief to your neck.
I’ve really enjoyed DR Sunbeams. A warm roundwound with a round core and they last for months
I’ve really enjoyed DR Sunbeams. A warm roundwound with a round core and they last for months
Big fan of DR Pure Blues. They feel about 15% more flexible and sound 25% brighter than Pressurewounds to me.
But any round core string will be in the zip code you’re looking at.
But any round core string will be in the zip code you’re looking at.
This is only partially true. Yes, raising the action would make the strings feel stiffer for FRETTING, but not for PLUCKING. I found the Sunbeams a bit too loose and flexible for my right hand (plucking) as they tended to flop around too much under my plucking fingers. My left hand (fretting) loved them, though.
This stuff is all so personal for sure…and pretty interesting. I have a heavy right hand and the Sunbeams have always felt great. I had light gauge Pressurewounds on a bass for a few months and just never got used to the super low tension. I put old Sunbeams back on and now the bass feels great. I have a feeling the medium or regular PWs would be better, but the tensions are all quite different with those. I used to play the same strings for many years…now those aren’t made and I’m not quite sure what works for me rounds wise…but for the most part the Sunbeams are great.This is only partially true. Yes, raising the action would make the strings feel stiffer for FRETTING, but not for PLUCKING. I found the Sunbeams a bit too loose and flexible for my right hand (plucking) as they tended to flop around too much under my plucking fingers. My left hand (fretting) loved them, though.
The 35-55-75-95 set of Nickel-plated Roto Bass rounds (total tension just 126 lbs) are definitely non-floppy, I was very impressed by them.
Dunlop and Ernie ball 40-100 or 40-95 are in general a bit more flexible than others. Now if you want more flexibility you probably would like roundcores: DR or GHS
Dogal Hellborg rounds.
I just put a set on the other day.
It's amazing how they manage to be so flexible without flopping about. Very easy to play, smoothest rounds I've played - smoother than Rotosound pressure wound. More flexible and smoother than the DR Pure Blues I had on before,
Downsides:
I think they only come in 35'' and 34'' scale.
Also very pricy, but I like old strings.
I just put a set on the other day.
It's amazing how they manage to be so flexible without flopping about. Very easy to play, smoothest rounds I've played - smoother than Rotosound pressure wound. More flexible and smoother than the DR Pure Blues I had on before,
Downsides:
I think they only come in 35'' and 34'' scale.
Also very pricy, but I like old strings.
