String Tension Pro - a new string tension calculator

[ddawson2012]

Greetings all - don dawson here - it's taken the better part of 2 years to develop this but we're releasing it slowly to make sure that's it's functioning properly. We get dozens and dozens of requests for recommendations of string sets based on variables such as tuning, scale length and such. This new web app is designed to help.

You can provide your feedback directly on the site or you can send me an email directly if you'd prefer - [email protected] - enjoy

http://bit.ly/1vnwMXT

 

[iiipopes]

Greetings all - don dawson here - it's taken the better part of 2 years to develop this but we're releasing it slowly to make sure that's it's functioning properly. We get dozens and dozens of requests for recommendations of string sets based on variables such as tuning, scale length and such. This new web app is designed to help.

You can provide your feedback directly on the site or you can send me an email directly if you'd prefer - [email protected] - enjoy

http://bit.ly/1vnwMXT

I am so glad you have posted this. I am in a debate with another forumite over in the following thread over the means of computing tension and helping the OP of that thread to select suitable strings for his desired tension and feel:
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/math-problem.1118761/

I invite you to read that thread and provide input. If I have misstated something about tension computation and how to use that and a manufacturer's chart as to what is available to select a string, please correct me both here and in the linked thread. Thanks.

 

[LowB-ing]

Neat idea and nice GUI

Test results:

I opted NOT to base my set on existing D'Addario strings, yet the only specific options (including gauges) available are ones that conforms to strings available from D'Addario. Perhaps the question should be re-phrased to mean existing D'A string SETS? ;-)

On a more serious note.
When selecting type/material for a 5-string set, checking all the boxes and clicking apply, I got the following stack trace:
FormatException: Input string was not in a correct format.]
System.Number.ParseDouble(String value, NumberStyles options, NumberFormatInfo numfmt) +542
StringTensionPro.ConstructionControl.DropDownListMaterial_SelectedIndexChanged(Object sender, EventArgs e) +824
StringTensionPro.ConstructionControl.ButtonApply_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) +2957
System.Web.UI.WebControls.LinkButton.RaisePostBackEvent(String eventArgument) +153
System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain(Boolean includeStagesBeforeAsyncPoint, Boolean includeStagesAfterAsyncPoint) +3804

I shoud point out that at some point in the flow, I moved back to a previous column/step, I don't remember which one though.

EDIT: I'll gladly send specific device/browser info in a PM if needed.

 

[mmbongo]

sweet!

 

[ddawson2012]

LowB-ing - we'll share that with the Dev team right away - thanks

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It's broken now, tried using it today & the values won't fill-in & then there's a database error if you manually enter values:

[ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Index was out of range. Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection.
Parameter name: index]
   System.ThrowHelper.ThrowArgumentOutOfRangeException(ExceptionArgument argument, ExceptionResource resource) +72
   System.Collections.Generic.List`1.get_Item(Int32 index) +14293299
   StringTensionPro.GaugeTensionControl.FindClosestTensionIndex(List`1 tensions, Double desiredTension) in c:\Builds\2\54\src\StringTensionPro\StringTensionPro\Controls\GaugeTensionControl.ascx.cs:720
   StringTensionPro.GaugeTensionControl.SelectString(GridViewRow item, Int32 endTypeId, Int32 constructionTypeId, Int32 materialId, Double valueToMatch, Boolean matchTension) in c:\Builds\2\54\src\StringTensionPro\StringTensionPro\Controls\GaugeTensionControl.ascx.cs:436
   StringTensionPro.GaugeTensionControl.EnableMode(STControlMode mode, STData data) in c:\Builds\2\54\src\StringTensionPro\StringTensionPro\Controls\GaugeTensionControl.ascx.cs:61
   StringTensionPro.SetBuilder.GaugeTensionControl_Next(Object sender, EventArgs e) in c:\Builds\2\54\src\StringTensionPro\StringTensionPro\SetBuilder.aspx.cs:377
   StringTensionPro.GaugeTensionControl.ButtonContinue_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) in c:\Builds\2\54\src\StringTensionPro\StringTensionPro\Controls\GaugeTensionControl.ascx.cs:270
   System.Web.UI.WebControls.LinkButton.OnClick(EventArgs e) +137
   System.Web.UI.WebControls.LinkButton.RaisePostBackEvent(String eventArgument) +148
   System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain(Boolean includeStagesBeforeAsyncPoint, Boolean includeStagesAfterAsyncPoint) +5028

 

[Aidil]

Yeap, got an error also

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Still down, Under Construction, is there an alternative?

I was looking to do some tension calculations for a 28.6" scale Mikro.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Still down, Under Construction, is there an alternative?

I was looking to do some tension calculations for a 28.6" scale Mikro.

If you have tension data at 34" scale for strings that interest you (or for ones that are similar enough for you to trust them being in the ballpark), you can multiply them by .7 and voila.*

Another trick is, if you have a chromatic** tension chart, look for tensions three semitones below (e.g. for an E string, look for tension at C#): the third fret of a 34" bass is at 28.59" from (nominal, uncompensated) bridge.***




* The general rule is "by the ratio of scale lengths squared", with the target scale as the numerator and the scale for which tension numbers are known as the denominator:
28.6/34 = 0.84117647058823529411764705882353.
0.84117647058823529411764705882353^2 = 0.70757785467128027681660899653979

** If you do not, remember that tension at e.g. F# is simply tension at C times 2, or divided by 2 (depending on which C is in the chart): this is true for every tritone pair.

*** Fret Position Calculator | stewmac.com

 

[HaphAsSard]

is there an alternative?

Hey, turns out there is at least one, after all:

shout-out for Stringjoy. They make custom sets [...] You can use their string tension calculator to find a balanced set just right for you!

Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator

EDIT funny, I first read of them from you:

String Joy will provide balanced sets at a reasonable price.

Interesting:
Stringjoy | Custom Guitar & Bass String Sets
Have you used them? How do you like them? Could you post a thread on them, for reference purposes? New options are good options!

Sorry, I've not tried them yet, as I still have a few sets of GHS laying around. Every time I bought a bass at Guitar Center I'd get them to throw in a set.

(Not sure if they had the calculator on at the time.)

 

[RodRy]

Hey, turns out there is at least one, after all:

Stringjoy Guitar String Tension Calculator

EDIT funny, I first read of them from you:

(Not sure if they had the calculator on at the time.)

I think they developed it after a few years. I'm a little bummed that last time I checked, it does not do tensions for their new Broadway guitar stings. It works on different bass string scale lengths, and has been a big help in finding me strings for several instruments.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It's Baa-aack:

String Tension Pro

 

[RodRy]

It's Baa-aack:

String Tension Pro

Have you compared it to other string tension calculators (like Stringjoy's) to see if they agree?

"Enquiring minds want to know!"

 

[Root 5]

Have you compared it to other string tension calculators (like Stringjoy's) to see if they agree?

"Enquiring minds want to know!"

The numbers won't be the same because of different construction and cover/core ratios.

 

[RodRy]

The numbers won't be the same because of different construction and cover/core ratios.

Well not exactly the same, but how close are they?

 

[Root 5]

Well not exactly the same, but how close are they?

It really is hard to say without knowing the construction of each string.

 

[RodRy]

It really is hard to say without knowing the construction of each string.

So if you put in a given string in one calculator, do you get similar number as if you put it into the other calculator?

 

[onda'bass]

I'm not seeing that it's back....