i currently have TI jazz flats on my p bass and though i like the tone, they feel a little too floppy to me. can anyone explain what the difference between high and low tension is as far as tone and playability?
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question about string tension
- Thread starter brekfustuvluzer
- Start date
am i to assume that no one knows the effects of different string tension? i dont believe that. we collectively know everything.
how do different string tensions affect sound? is there a general guideline like: "higher string tensions have more lows in their sound" or "higher tension strings are more resonant."
String tension affects pitch, not sound quality.The more you tighten it, the higher the pitch goes. I would say that the materials used in the string production affect the sound quality/ stiffness of the string.
Stiffer strings allow lower action without fret buzz, hence the name "Lo-Riders" for DR's stiffer hex core strings. They do set up very low. This is good, but the stiffness requires more effort to depress for fretting, which at a certain point feels like more effort. Of course stiffer strings require more plucking effort too, which can be a hindrance, as I experienced with relatively heavy gauge D'Addario Half-Rounds.
I'm not sure how, all else being equal, stiffness would affect tone. I guess I'd expect a more focused sound from stiffer strings, and their reduced excursion might reduce output too. Maybe someone with more expertise could explain.
I'm not sure how, all else being equal, stiffness would affect tone. I guess I'd expect a more focused sound from stiffer strings, and their reduced excursion might reduce output too. Maybe someone with more expertise could explain.
thanks guys. right now im using TI jazz flats on my p bass and seem to not have much sustain. i was wondering whether this is because they are flatwounds or if its because they are considered low tension strings.
In my experience strings with a high tension sound brighter than those with a low tension. Try this test: Tune all the strings on your bass up a whole step and compare to the sound at standard pitch. You may notice added brightness due to the increased tension. Then, tune a step below standard, and repeat. It depends a bit on the particular bass used, but I have found it makes a difference.
Another example would be a short-scale bass compared to standard scale- again, less tension on the strings, and generally, a less bright, more fundamental oriented sound.
Another example would be a short-scale bass compared to standard scale- again, less tension on the strings, and generally, a less bright, more fundamental oriented sound.
It's the TI's Try some Chromes, more tension, much brighter. TI's have their sound, Chromes have theirs.
