String Tension Question

Im not an expert, so Ill just add in an anecdote. Seems like the tension is, in a large part, from the core and not the actual thickness. For example, Ive found that the difference in tension between Foderas .45-105 and Fat Beams .45 - 105 is dramatic.

Maybe some expert can chime in.

 

The core has the biggest effect on the tension as far as I can tell, but I have also found that the lighter the guage, the lower the tension, within the same brand, in most cases. FWIW, when I played with a dropped D tuning, I played with a 110 or a 115 on the E, and it didn't feel floppy. I normally made up my own string sets or played the Billy Sheehan signature sets.

 

hi,i to want to know what others have used,i play a Lakland 55-02 5 string bass,and our band dropped tuning,half step tuning,etc., i installed a new set of ernieball hybrids with a 130 B string, it plays ok,not "floppy", but its not the same as playing at 440, i have read posts that say fodera's have good tension as well as DR lowriders, i play classic/hard rock. what string do you think i should try first the lowriders or fodera's,the guage will be 45-65-80/85-105-125/130,
nickel roundwounds,any info,thanx.