Low Tension Strings

[Chris K]

Anyway sorry if I seemed to question your experience.

But you should, always

 

[FunkMetalBass]

I put Galli Saturn Steel strings on two of my basses. I used to play TI Jazz Rounds and everyone on TB will agree that those are low tension. B-string is .125. With Galli: .150. There's no noticeable difference in tension. But Roto's, at .130 have much, much more tension.

This is actually a case of perceived tension (or stiffness/flexibility/etc) and not a case of actual tension increase. Rotosounds are constructed in a manner in which they feel less flexible and more tense than many other strings. They very likely have less actual tension than the Galli strings.

There was a thread here recently where the whole idea of perceived tension vs. actual tension was brought up and discussed. It might be worth the read.

 

[sarlscharisma]

I bolded the red flag. Your tech doesn't know how the rods work--they aren't supposed to work against string tension. In a 3001 they are designed to "lock" the neck in a straight position, with or without string tension being applied... they are very good at this. They are NOT good at being used like a conventional rod to reduce neck relief directly. You probably need to find another tech. If you can't, I will tell you how to do the proper adjustment yourself. After you do that you can probably use any strings you please.

Certainly would appreciate how to do this. I've already spent £91 with this tech so don't want to spend any more!

 

[cassius987]

I can basically just describe it here but I know it's easier to learn by watching someone else. Since your tech (and possibly you and others) have stressed the fingerboard and neck by adjusting incorrectly I might just take the strings off first. Then loosen the nuts on both rods until they are fingertight.

At this point you will want to have someone help you or use a clamp, so that the body of the bass stays put and you can push down on the neck to straighten it. You will want to sight the neck with a straight edge if you took off the strings, and push it until it is almost dead straight, then snug up the rods with clockwise turns to the nuts until they are fairly tight. This ought to hold the neck in place very well.

You will follow up by installing the strings, and at that point you can repeat the procedure to an extent. If you overdid it, just loosen the nuts a bit. If you need to straighten the neck more, again clamp the body in place and now use the strings to sight the neck as a straightedge and tighten the rods down a bit more after pushing the neck into place.

What some people don't realize is you can also use this technique for conventional truss rods if they need a little help with the heavy lifting. The difference is that I don't think it makes any sense to remove the strings for adjusting the truss rods with conventional rods, because those rods inherently work in a system that includes the neck, which changes with string tension. The old Rickenbacker rods really just paralyze the neck so it's okay to adjust them with the strings off, especially to get them in the ballpark of straightness.

If you need more help PM me.

 

[sarlscharisma]

Just an update on this one. After showing my 3001 to another rick expert, I took the plunge and put on a standard set of Rotosound 66's - 45-105 - with no adverse effect on my bass so far. Only made the change this afternoon, so give it a few days to see how the bass responds.

But sounds and feels so much better with standard Rotosounds on. Happy days!

 

[Zenon]

Hey, which of the two have lower tension and which of the two are brighter in tone?

D'addario Chromes (50-105) or DR flats (45-105)?

Also, how do any of these two compare to the Galli Jazz flats (45-105) in terms of tension and/or brightness?

Thanks!

 

[u84six]

Low tension doesn't mean you'll lose low end. Try out some DR Sunbeams. Deep, fat, and warm. And no stress on the neck.

 

[knuckle_head]

Low tension is likely to up the prevalence of the fundamental

 

[JustForSport]

Prob'bly no hope of getting 'perceived tension'/ flexibility vs tension standardized here...

 

[knuckle_head]

There is no way to standardize it . . . . tension is math and that will be a constant, though there is speculation there as some brands don't offer up unit weight data. Flexibility is a matter of construction technique largely - choice of materials secondarily - and unless those that have had broad experience with different brands can come to agreement perceived tension is going to be very subjective.

 

[volerium]

I have a newer 4003 ric with the same dean markley set, 50, 70, 85, 105. They play just fine but do feel pretty stiff, though I read on another forum that someone recommended them as low tension strings. I'm looking to try DR soon

 

[FourBanger]

A 34" long 3/16" diameter titanium rod under 20 pounds of linear tension is going to be very stiff.



Lower tension is nicer to thin necks.

Lower stiffness is nicer to fingers.

Fortunately most bass strings are within the amount of tension a reasonably well-constructed bass can handle. The flexibility is left to the designer.