My Sire string through wasn't that different to top loading and the Cort is very different.
Totally get that that's a known thing though.
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Same strings different bass - stiffer feel
- Thread starter MissJoanna2U
- Start date
My Sire string through wasn't that different to top loading and the Cort is very different.
Totally get that that's a known thing though.
No. One is a Moollon, one is a LaBella Olinto. Both built to early 60's specs, very close in weight, close to identical setups, both are strung with LaBella Signature flats, but the strings on the Moollon feel like they are under significantly more tension.
I think the strings on the Moollon are about 6mos newer, so I do wonder if they will become more pliable after going through all four seasons of weather, but they've been on the bass for 7 months now and the tension is still there.
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An update is that I have put Highbeams 40-100 on and the setup has held.
It's definitely the way to go and I have several other light strings on the way to try.
I'll do some recording at the weekend and see how it sits in the mix, but this bass does not lack low end at all and that's helping.
Thanks for all your comments
It's definitely the way to go and I have several other light strings on the way to try.
I'll do some recording at the weekend and see how it sits in the mix, but this bass does not lack low end at all and that's helping.
Thanks for all your comments
Has the OP considered downsizing to a shorter scale? I have arthritis in my fingers and find the medium scale preferable, as the string tension is slightly looser. Even more so short scale, though I don't think the short-scale tone quite measures up. And I have tried a few.
Hi and I'm sorry to hear about your arthritis.
Actually I have a pain condition in my spine that I'm disabled by.
Heavy instruments aggravate it, but I meant it in passing.
The Cort has much higher tension than any 4 string I have played with the same strings.
My other long scale basses are fine with medium gauge strings.
I've changed them to lights on this bass and it's much better and makes me happy to keep the bass.
Short scale is cool though and I will get one down the line due to tone and weight.
This bass is assigned to be my main rounds 4 string for a while.
Sounds like you are figuring it out. Just wanted to add that I love Pure Blues, but they are slightly stiffer than high beams and sun beams in the same gauge. With the Wooten set they should be less stiff. Overall are still more flexible than most strings.
Also wanted to add that my experience with Dunlop Superbrights are different than the other user, I found them a tad stiffer than sun beams.
It really does depend on the bass, I have experienced the same thing, same set on both basses feels looser or stiffer. I find the neck angle and action make a big difference in that regard.
I generally prefer flexible strings but recently have actually been using some stiffer strings and found I adjust over time. I do have some nerve issues in my left hand so have to be careful too though. Different things work for different people, and am happy to hear you are finding a way to play regardless of health issues!
Also wanted to add that my experience with Dunlop Superbrights are different than the other user, I found them a tad stiffer than sun beams.
It really does depend on the bass, I have experienced the same thing, same set on both basses feels looser or stiffer. I find the neck angle and action make a big difference in that regard.
I generally prefer flexible strings but recently have actually been using some stiffer strings and found I adjust over time. I do have some nerve issues in my left hand so have to be careful too though. Different things work for different people, and am happy to hear you are finding a way to play regardless of health issues!
Thanks that's a great input and it's great to have your experience of different strings.
I have a bunch in the post and will try them all.
It's possible I could have adapted, but intuitively I know it wasn't my feel.
Like you say we all like different things and playing it now I can hear myself first the first time on it and that makes me really happy.
Sorry to hear about your nerve issues it can be really tough.
I have just switched my 3 stingrays from La Bella Super steps (40-100) to the TI jazz rounds which are very light (.89 E string maybe?) I couldn't be happier. I do not feel at all that they sound thin. I even play in Drop D often and they are fine. I may not play quite as heavily as I used to , but that is probably a good thing. I don't agree with much of what the guy in the video had to say. Also worth noting that using Boomers probably isn't a fair test
The setting on a bass that affects the feel of string tension most is neck relief, and it doesn’t take much to make a big difference in feel. My guess is the neck relief is different on the two basses. I’d guess the relief in the Ibanez is at or slightly under .010” and the Cort is probably over .012” and that’s plenty enough to make a big difference in feel.
Edit; if you get the neck relief nearly identical on each bass, there might still be some difference in the feel of stiffness between the two. Neck profiles and differences in wood can make the max neck relief fall at a slightly different location along the length of the neck. If you use the method of holding down the E string at 1st fret & 17th fret, one bass might have max relief at the 8th fret & the other might have max relief at the 9th fret. To make the string stiffness feel the same on each, you might have to set the relief slightly different. Going by feel instead of measurement is the best way to set relief anyway.
Edit; if you get the neck relief nearly identical on each bass, there might still be some difference in the feel of stiffness between the two. Neck profiles and differences in wood can make the max neck relief fall at a slightly different location along the length of the neck. If you use the method of holding down the E string at 1st fret & 17th fret, one bass might have max relief at the 8th fret & the other might have max relief at the 9th fret. To make the string stiffness feel the same on each, you might have to set the relief slightly different. Going by feel instead of measurement is the best way to set relief anyway.
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Yeah, wood. Tricky stuff. Two "identical" basses can feel very different. As I've mentioned before, Bobby Vega has said that all his Jazz basses are different. Rocco Prestia told me once that it took him a long time to find a backup P-bass that played like his #1.
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Well my experience with this bass so far which is known for having a great low end is that the Highbeams 40-100 have a great punch and bottom end.
So I don't believe the guy in the video either. He's just very experienced and does pretty honest reviews.
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This is an oddity, because the tension is the same, but the strings will be more compliant because of the additional string length - i.e. more stretch. Another example that perception does not jibe with what's really going on.
I find some instruments I like heavier strings on, some instruments I like lighter strings on, they could both have the same scale length and fretboard radius but for whatever reason going heavier or lighter just works better.
I think you just have to find the right strings for that particular instrument for you.
I think you just have to find the right strings for that particular instrument for you.
FWIW I have not noticed this difference is in my old Sire where I top loaded and strung through. Generally strung through because it felt cooler, but deffo didn't notice and playability change (maybe sustain and punch, but probably in my head).
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