Roundwound strings for a "low tension" feel?

[mini-milli]

So I recently got a new (used, from the 90s) bass, and it has ANCIENT strings on it.

However, I love the way they feel. Specifically, they feel very low-tension for my right hand.

Does anyone know of strings like that? Preferably not something with a super bright tone.

 

[And I]

DR Sunbeams. And round-core string will feel more flexible than hex-core, all other things being equal.

 

[michael_t]

And round-core string will feel more flexible than hex-core, all other things being equal.

One notable exception is the Dunlop Super Brights, which are hex-core but quite flexible due to the small diameter of the core wire.

That said, DR Sunbeams are a good place to start for what the OP is looking for. Flexible and not too bright.

 

[mini-milli]

Thanks for the advice guys! I just ordered some Sunbeams, hopefully I like them.

 

[MCS4]

If those aren't low tension enough, you can also experiment with going lower in gauge/size of string.

 

[mini-milli]

I've tried Ernie Ball light gauge nickels and didn't like the feel or the tone.

That could have been on the string specifically and not the gauge though.
I'll give light gauge another shot if the Sunbeams are not what I'm looking for.

That being said, the ancient strings I like the feel of so much are not light gauge.

 

[iiipopes]

Any 35-90 set.

 

[Jeff Scott]

So I recently got a new (used, from the 90s) bass, and it has ANCIENT strings on it.

However, I love the way they feel. Specifically, they feel very low-tension for my right hand.

Does anyone know of strings like that? Preferably not something with a super bright tone.

You just described TI Jazz Rounds.

 

[mmbongo]

Dunlop Super Brights. Despite the name, they are not 'super bright'. They are named like that becase they are very open and clear sounding, like turning on your brights on your car. And yes, the guy that designed these used to work at DR so yes there is a similarity to HiBeams

 

[e-flat]

Thanks for the advice guys! I just ordered some Sunbeams, hopefully I like them.

Sunbeams are an excellent choice. I used them exclusively on my Jazz for years, and even after trying a bazillion different strings I still love them.

 

[Killing Floor]

Can you give us a hint? What color silks? Silk on both ends or just 1? Colored ball ends.

 

[joebar]

Sunbeams all the way

 

[Mediocrity Man]

DR Sunbeams. And round-core string will feel more flexible than hex-core, all other things being equal.

Yessir, I use Sunbeams 40-100. Love the feel.

 

[micguy]

Certain strings are available in a wide array of gauges as singles - Kaliums, Daddario XL's, GHS Boomers for example - I run some basses with 35-50-70-95-130 gauges, which run lower in tension than most packaged sets. Kaliums come from Kalium, and Just strings will sell you the others. Curt Mangan and Stringjoy also sell "sets" of whatever gauges you want.

 

[g-dude]

Thanks for the advice guys! I just ordered some Sunbeams, hopefully I like them.

D'oh!

What you want are TI Jazz Rounds. Expensive, but if you go on Amazon, you can find them described as an "Accordion Accessory".

I promise you they are the lowest tension roundwound you can find, and the string windings are so fine that your fingers will glide easier with minimal string noise.

 

[BobKos]

The TI Jazz Rounds guys have it right.

 

[BassFalcon]

DR Pure Blues in the Wooten gauges.
Any of the various Labella nylon tapewounds.

 

[ahc]

TI Jazz Rounds FTW.

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

D'oh!

What you want are TI Jazz Rounds. Expensive, but if you go on Amazon, you can find them described as an "Accordion Accessory".

I promise you they are the lowest tension roundwound you can find, and the string windings are so fine that your fingers will glide easier with minimal string noise.

Which Guage?

 

[Phaidrus]

D'Addario Pro Steels. Very low tension and very flexible. The 45-105 set (EPS165) is just 159.94lbs.