Q: general Stringtensions on Bass ? also vs. Guitar Strings ? .........i think i have wrong numbers

[Funky40]

Hi Folks,

The TL, DR: i finally just need to know what you consider "a common tension" for strings on a 34", 5 string, soft, mid hard / and what you prefer for slap style, within that range.
(you US Folks seem to see 36lbs as a soft gauge, 38 lbs a mid and 40 a hard, as far i can see from reading here in several threads ?)


some Deatils: (just the above is doing perfectly fine / or just the 3 sentences set in bold)
My case, having wrong numbers ( as it seems) , was finally about piccolo tunings and:---> using guitar strings.........
We were talking 14.5 kg / 32 lbs as the measure to go, mailing with the tech of a string manufacturer.
The strings i got, for a B1-G3 piccolo tuning, do feel to soft ....---> for slapping !
They effectivly feel *excatly* like GT strings, when i strum them with a plektrum.
---> AND, my main problem now, these strings don´t translate well to the pickup !!


so, i need to work up my way from here vs. ordering new custom sets / based on guitar strings / i run two headless basses, so GT strings work out for me vs. lenght / BUT: it also opens up the question if the GT strings do feel softer anyway vs. Bass strings ?
(also; what tensions do they take on guitars ? ....maybe the tech mixpuzzled something when doing the math.....and worked with numbers working for guitars ?)


i finally got/use: 066-048-036-026-022, tuned to B1-G3, on the 30-32" multiscale.
For the 34" ( so far not installed and tested) is it: 060-044-034-024-018.
i don´t need numbers here from you on that....in case of your helpfullness
What i need is a general overview of what string tensions is considered the normal on a 34".
i can then work my way from there......


But: that these strings don´t trranslate to my pickups is interesting.
its a ibanez ehb1005sms, but; i swapted the pickups to Nordstrand Big blades.
Bevore, with the old pups ( barths BH2) was i running a hi tuned A1-E3 string set allready, and i had none of the problems.
it was 075-060-045-030-020 or 025, chosen just by my feel.

 

[michael_t]

What i need is a general overview of what string tensions is considered the normal on a 34".

The word "normal" is a relative term here as it all depends on one's playing style and personal preference as to how "tense" or "loose" as set of strings should be.

That said, here are some general ideas and guidelines as to how tension figures relate to overall playing feel.

I personally like to keep the tension on each string between 35 lbs. and 40 lbs. This means 40-95 or 40-100 would be my preferred sets. They can range from 140 lbs. to 160 lbs. in total tension (for 4-string).

One of the most common 4-string sets would be 45-65-85-105, which most companies call either "standard" or "medium". In terms of the actual tension figures on them, they can range anywhere from 170 lbs. to 200 lbs. in total tension. Any 4-string sets over 220 lbs. in total tension would be considered "heavy".

One of the things you can do to educate yourself in bass string tensions would be to spend some time comparing the numbers in the GHS Tension Guide as a general guideline on how tension figures relate to types, materials and gauges of various strings.

 

[Funky40]

I personally like to keep the tension on each string between 35 lbs. and 40 lbs. This means 40-95 or 40-100 would be my preferred sets. They can range from 140 lbs. to 160 lbs. in total tension (for 4-string).

36 lbs. to 40 lbs. is the number i stumbled upon here in several threads.
Ok, with your post has this become a figure i understand now.

One of the things you can do to educate yourself in bass string tensions would be to spend some time comparing the numbers in the GHS Tension Guide as a general guideline on how tension figures relate to types, materials and gauges of various strings.

ahhh, thats interesting !

found the GHS guitars string charts also.
ok, i have now a good foundation for some further communication with Pyramid strings.
(they are my best bet here from switzerland to get single bass strings/custom sets)
I will check if i can go higher then 32 lbs. when using guitar strings.
Seems, the numbers the tech was dealing with were based on the fact that we took guitars strings.
These are way cheaper ( me, playing headless 5 Stings Basses), AND: they come in a smaller gauge-diversity pattern.

thank you very much michael_t ! .....this helps alots.

 

[Funky40]

michael, one thing:
do you play piccolo tunings ?
whats the tensions you take there *? Do you shift your tension preferences then ?
(* vs. what root note on the lowest string ?)

 

[michael_t]

michael, one thing:
do you play piccolo tunings ?
whats the tensions you take there *? Do you shift your tension preferences then ?
(* vs. what root note on the lowest string ?)

No piccolo for me. All three of my basses are 34" scale - one tuned to BEADG, one tuned to EADG and one tuned to DGCF.

 

[michael_t]

do you play piccolo tunings ?
whats the tensions you take there *? Do you shift your tension preferences then ?

I did post in a couple of the recent threads on piccolo tuning, including tension figures.

Piccolo strings keep breaking? Dead D string within days

Bends on piccolo strings?

 

[Funky40]

All three of my basses are 34" scale - one tuned to BEADG, one tuned to EADG and one tuned to DGCF.

intersting, a similar thinking as i have.
just that i no longer use my third bass (headed/to heavy) and stick to two.
And since i found out that its easy on a headless to swap strings forth and back,
have i begun to do so.

thanks for your feedback. much appreciated