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Sets with Higher Tension E?

H

hemii

Aug 26, 2025
5
3
SFL
#1
Hi, while I’ve been learning and wasn’t planning on replacing the strings on my new bass, one thing that’s been bothering me is how much lower tension the E on the set that was included on my Talman (I’m guessing Ibanez’s label?) is compared to the rest of the set (45-100). I also don’t love the amount of string noise, but that’s minor compared to how muddy the E string sounds with the lower tension. Are there any sets that you’d recommend with consistent tension or something like a “skinny top, heavy bottom” kind of set?

Was also thinking of trying out flats since I’ve always been a fan of the sound, and I know that would contribute to solving my tension issue.
 
#2
I personally prefer 45-65-85-105 or 40-60-80-100 over 45-65-80-100 for the same reason.

Ibanez Talman... That's a short scale, isn't it? If you're looking for nickel rounds, you can try the short scale SIT Power Wound Nickels, which come in 45-65-85-105.

sitstrings.com

Power Wound Short And Medium Scale Bass Strings - S.I.T. Strings

S.I.T. Strings Power Wound Short and Medium Scale Bass Strings are designed to deliver a warm, punchy tone with deep lows and clear highs, perfectly suited for short and medium-scale basses. Featuring a high-tension hex core and nickel-plated steel wrap, these strings offer exceptional...
sitstrings.com sitstrings.com

For flats, I might suggest the Ernie Ball Group 2 short scale stainless steel flats, which also come in 45-105.

www.ernieball.com

Stainless Steel Flatwound Bass Short Scale

www.ernieball.com www.ernieball.com
 
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#6
If the G D and A are ok try a .105 for the E. Also some brands tend to be stiffer than others due to their construction. Ime Daddario XL, DR LoRiders, GHS Bass Boomers are on the stiffer side. Could be a 40-100 set would be stiff enough in these brands, just have to check it out.
Had a new Ibby once that came with EB Slinkys.
 
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#7
Ggaa said:
If the G D and A are ok try a .105 for the E. Also some brands tend to be stiffer than others due to their construction. Ime Daddario XL, DR LoRiders, GHS Bass Boomers are on the stiffer side. Could be a 40-100 set would be stiff enough in these brands, just have to check it out.
Had a new Ibby once that came with EB Slinkys.
Click to expand...
Yeah GDA all feel fine, at least tension wise. It’s just the E that seemed flubby compared to the rest.

Do any of those come in flats or have a flat equivalent?
 
#11
michael_t said:
Ok, sorry...

Again, I would suggest 45-65-85-105 over 45-65-80-100 for what you're looking for. You might also want to look into the D'Addario EXL170BT "balanced tension" set, 45-60-80-107.
Click to expand...
Yes. This ^ This is the set I play for that very reason. The reason most sets have an E string with less tension is because the sets include an E string of lesser diameter so it will vibrate in its partials and be tonally consistent with the ADG strings. I prefer the feel, even though I may have to change the E string more often as it goes dead before the rest of the set.
 
#12
Pretty much any 45-105 set will do what you want. Personally I agree that with roundwounds 45-100 feels very unbalanced, with the E-string being noticeably floppier than the other strings. This is of course a matter of personal taste/playing style.

I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure all Ibanez basses come with D'Addario strings. In the case of the Talman I'm pretty sure they are D'Addario XLs. If you like the TONE of your current strings you could simply try a 45-105 set of XLs.

You could of course go even further and get the balanced tension set that @michael_t suggested. I suspect you might be happy with just a regular 45-105 set though. The difference vs 45-100 will still be VERY noticeable. 45-105 will be a good choice for MOST players. The balanced set would probably be a little bit TOO tight on the E-string for most players, but you won't know for certain until you try them yourselves.

D'Addario XLs (assuming these are the factory installed strings) are slightly on the bright side of "medium", on a scale from warm/mellow to bright.

If you want a warmer/mellower tone or an even brighter tone, let us know and you will get LOTS of suggestions.:)
 
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#13
I felt a disturbance in The Force, and lo and behold, there's a new thread on string tension. My people...

... but I see I'm late to the party and it's already covered. Too bad, I'm here anyway.

Yes, if you have a 45 on G many people find they want something more like a 105 on E. Honestly I would just try a normal 45-65-85-105 set first, and if you're cool with that, leave it alone.

If you want to get into "balanced across all four strings" there's a deep rabbit hole here and the D'Addario EXL170BT set is the gateway drug. Going balanced across all four triggered some weird OCD about string tension for me and I have the spreadsheets to prove it.
 
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#17
michael_t said:
You sound a lot like the way I used to be. D'A EXL170BT was in fact my gateway drug.
Click to expand...

Seriously, guys should be handing these out on street corners. "First one is free, man, just give 'em a try..."

michael_t said:
Not an easy life to live as a balanced tension junkie. 😁 :laugh:
Click to expand...

It's gotten better. GHS Pressurewound sets are at least not terrible, the EXL170BT works great, singles for ProSteels are cheap so not hard to get a balanced set there, GHS Balanced Nickels are perfect for short scale, Curt Magnan does custom sets that balance beautifully and I've finally solved it for 5-string by getting a multiscale. Drop D is still kind of annoying but I have a new thing to try there, so next time I change strings on the bass I keep permanently in drop D hopefully that'll be it.
 

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