Strings that are "well known" for having low tension

[madjazzbass]

Hey Guys/Girls; First, I Have read through the
STRINGS FAQ + RULES before posing/asking this question; I couldn't find an answer so, My question is; (as the sub title says); What are some (preferably nickel round wound) strings that are "well known" for having low tension? Now, I Have heard about the DR ?Low Riders, and I did try them out, and well, I'm not so much of a fan of the DR line of strings, although they seem to be a favorite of a whole lot of TB'rs, they just don't "do it" for me at all (at least they don't do it on any of the Basses that I currently own) Fender Jazz(es), Fender Precisions, Lakland 55-02, and Sire M7 Basses. So right now, my go to sets are the Dunlop Super Brights and Ernie Ball hybrid slinky sets, all 45-105 gauge; but, are there some other string sets out there that are well known for having less tension? Thanks, Much Appreciated.

 

[michael_t]

For clarification...

Are you talking about "low tension" as in flexibility or "low tension" as in the actual pulling weight?

 

[michael_t]

If you're talking about "flexibility", DR Sunbeams (NPS on round core) are probably the most flexible of all DR strings. The Lo-Riders, mentioned in your post, happen to be one of the more stiff ones by DR.

SIT Foundations, both SS and NPS, are relatively flexible as they employ the same design as the Dunlop Super Brights by using a hex core of a small diameter. Thinner the core wire, the more flexible they feel.

 

[Razman]

For clarification...

Are you talking about "low tension" as in flexibility or "low tension" as in the actual pulling weight?

This. But, since physics can’t be avoided (although many have tried) I’ll assume you mean flexibility. For me, Kalium strings are the most flexible I’ve used, even their heavier gauges are still quite flexible.

Scale length is a factor that also needs consideration sing with string material and size.

 

[michael_t]

By the way, we can hear you fine without yelling.

 

[madjazzbass]

By the way, we can hear you fine without yelling.

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY?!! No, I didn't mean for it to come out that way, my apologies if you guys thought I was "yelling"; I copied and pasted the "Strings FAQ and Rules" part, then when I started writing/typing the rest, it came out with bold letters for some reason, totally unintentional. SORRY!

 

[michael_t]

WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY?!! No, I didn't mean for it to come out that way, my apologies if you guys thought I was "yelling"; I copied and pasted the "Strings FAQ and Rules" part, then when I started writing/typing the rest, it came out with bold letters for some reason, totally unintentional. SORRY!

No worries... I was just teasing you. That's why I added to my comment.

 

[madjazzbass]

For clarification...

Are you talking about "low tension" as in flexibility or "low tension" as in the actual pulling weight?

Flexibility; I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "pulling weight", I'm not trying to tow anything.

 

[madjazzbass]

No worries... I was just teasing you. That's why I added to my comment.

Understood, I have a pretty good sense of humor ... so I'm told

 

[FRoss6788]

Flexibility; I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "pulling weight", I'm not trying to tow anything.

I believe he means tension on the neck, which is different than flexibility.

Flexibility is mostly attributed to construction of the string, IMHO.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Stay with it until ~ 1:30

 

[Razman]

Flexibility; I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "pulling weight", I'm not trying to tow anything.

Get a Kalium balanced set. Because they are so slinky, I normally go with a set thicker than what I would normally use - so if I were used to a .105 E String, I might go with the .110 (or whatever larger size they have). For you, I'd recommend using the same gauge as what you are used to.

 

[Artman]

D'Addario EXL170 .045-.100. are pretty flexible.
Their EXL220-BT balanced tension.040-.95 are incredibly flexible rounds.
For flats, maybe try LaBella Low Tension Flats LTF4-A .042-100. I find them to be pretty flexible for flat wounds.

Be careful with those string bends. TB says you'll wear out your frets and your fretless fingerboard in no time, and then all life as we know it will cease to exist.

 

[alex1fly]

Anything that says low tension is a good bet

 

[Jason Bonilla]

SIT Foundations are pretty flexible if that's what you're looking for

 

[JRMK]

Thomasti Infeld both flats and rounds. Dunlop super bright nickels 40-100.

 

[bigjames]

If you're talking about "flexibility", DR Sunbeams (NPS on round core) are probably the most flexible of all DR strings. The Lo-Riders, mentioned in your post, happen to be one of the more stiff ones by DR.

SIT Foundations, both SS and NPS, are relatively flexible as they employ the same design as the Dunlop Super Brights by using a hex core of a small diameter. Thinner the core wire, the more flexible they feel.

This. DR Sunbeams.

 

[madjazzbass]

This. DR Sunbeams.

Thanks Dude. Question is; Do I wanna give the DR's another "go 'round? I was never too impressed with their tone as I recall; but, different times, different Basses nowadays, more knowledgeable on how to properly EQ; Who knows, maybe I'll give'em another try; I think I actually still have a/that set from a while ago, saves me about $25-30. Thanks Dude.

 

[madjazzbass]

Thomasti Infeld both flats and rounds. Dunlop super bright nickels 40-100.

Thanks, These would be for a 5 string though; so 40- ?120/125? I'm guessing.

 

[6-3-2]

Thomasti Infeld both flats and rounds. Dunlop super bright nickels 40-100.

I second that the Super Brights are very flexible. I didn't love the way the strings aged personally, a very quick drop in brightness, but the feel is amazing.