piccolo string tension on acoustic bass

[DOOGLER]

does anyone know if its normal for light gauge piccolo strings to be very tense andhard to push down (during fast chords and such) just wondering, thanks

 

[ixlramp]

Many piccolo sets are designed to have similar tension to a standard 105-45 set when tuned octave-up EADG, perhaps because manufacturers assume the player won't want to (or does not know how to) adjust their trussrod. However thinner strings have a higher 'perceived' tension or 'feel' and actually do not need as much tension to keep vibration 'tight' and under control because they have less mass. A lower tension is optimum, healthier and more playable, so just detune until it feels right to you (and adjust the trussrod if necessary).

 

[lz4005]

You'll have to tell us the thickness of the strings, scale length and tuning before anyone can do anything but guess at an answer.

 

[ixlramp]

^ That.
Check your neck relief, too much curvature can make the action too high and strings hard to fret. On an acoustic bass you might want to get the saddle filed lower if it's too high.
Other than that either detune until you're happy, or if you don't want to change tuning find some thinner strings.