Roundwound strings for a "low tension" feel?

[Flog]

The might be the venerable Roto-Sound Swing bass strings. They were very popular in the 90's. I have rediscovered them and they are super 'bendy". Really bright at first but calm down and sound great months and years later. They are really fun to play!

 

[g-dude]

Which Guage?

They only come in one gauge. For a 34" scale length, they are 43-89.

It takes a bit to dial in your right hand, and you'll need to adjust your truss rod, but they are so easy to play.

 

[fishdude101101]

Sunbeams or roundcore bass boomers

 

[Yahboy]

Comfort tension , bright meanwhile enough low end and meaty MID voice ~~~ Dunlop SBN 40-100.

 

[makz]

Maybe, just maybe, it's not the strings but the setup

 

[Jeff Scott]

Which Guage?

They only come in one gauge. For a 34" scale length, they are 43-89.

It takes a bit to dial in your right hand, and you'll need to adjust your truss rod, but they are so easy to play.

What he said.

 

[mcnach]

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

this

 

[monkeyfinger]

S.I.T. Foundations. My review.

 

[aproud1]

Light gauge Sunbeams might do it for you. If that isn't quite there, as others have said, TI jazz rounds are likely where you want to be. Have had a set on my jazz bass since I bought it and they aren't going anywhere. I feel compelled to change most other roundwounds after a month or two.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

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.

Markbass's soft touch strings are the strings for you. I bought the stainless ones this time. They're pretty great. Low tension, good tone, very easier to play. Just gotta use a little "softer touch"

 

[fishdude101101]

Light gauge Sunbeams might do it for you. If that isn't quite there, as others have said, TI jazz rounds are likely where you want to be. Have had a set on my jazz bass since I bought it and they aren't going anywhere. I feel compelled to change most other roundwounds after a month or two.

You mean the jazz rounds, the ones you don't want to change?

 

[40Hz]

TI Jazz Rounds are as low tension as you'll find. Good sounding strings too. They work well with a JB. That's what I've got them on.

 

[fishdude101101]

One reason I really like sunbeams other than the sounds, is that you can get a 105-45 set and it's still easy to play and easy on thin jazz bass necks.

 

[aproud1]

You mean the jazz rounds, the ones you don't want to change?

Yes. Pure magic on many basses though kind of meh on others.

I really liked the sunbeams and used them for quite a while. There were some consistency issues with DR a few years back that left me searching for other strings.

 

[rogerbmiller]

DR Sunbeams and Highbeams are nice low tension strings. I recently got a bass strung with DR Fat Beams and they also feel nice and easy.

 

[WestyBassBob]

Ernie Ball standard slinkies feel pretty floppy and low tension to me. But not in a bad way.

 

[dkelley]

Yes. Play lighter gauge strings. I play D'addario XL Extra Super Light strings. tone for ages, 35 55 75 95 gauge.

Amazing. I always liked lighter gauge strings to play on, and I prefer the tone. Got confirmation bias from a few legendary players who like very lights strings, so I don't feel insecure about it any more.

That's why I'm not going on and on and on and on and on about it.... because I'm so secure in my post.

LoL

Note: Sunbeams are also great feeling strings. Tension isn't always the differences, just being more flexible makes it feel much nicer for what you're looking for, and sunbeams are more flexible. Also happen to be amazing strings.

But I'm addicted to my super light SS strings now.

 

[mini-milli]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

If the DR's aren't to my liking, I'll check out TI Jazz Rounds.

Also, the old strings I like have red silk only on the headstock and I think they're 45-130. The ball ends are brass.

 

[michael_t]

Also, the old strings I like have red silk only on the headstock and I think they're 45-130. The ball ends are brass.

Sounds like they're the GHS Boomers. The funny thing is they're one of the stiffest rounds around. Nothing like the Sunbeams.

Or, they could be the Round Core Boomers, which are still stiffer than the Sunbeams.

 

[michael_t]

Also, the old strings I like have red silk only on the headstock and I think they're 45-130. The ball ends are brass.

Can you post a pic of the old strings at the headstock?