Tension of D'addario strings?

[Les Fret]

I have just put on a new D'addario EXL190 nickel rounds set (100-80-60-40). I like the strings but the 040 G string seems to have less tension than my Fodera nickel rounds 040 G string. Also the D'addario G seems to have less tension than the D'addario D. Especially noticeable when slapping. I can pull up the g string much higher from the neck than usual. Anyone have experienced the same thing?

 

[michael_t]

I have just put on a new D'addario EXL190 nickel rounds set (100-80-60-40). I like the strings but the 040 G string seems to have less tension than my Fodera nickel rounds 040 G string. Also the D'addario G seems to have less tension than the D'addario D. Especially noticeable when slapping. I can pull up the g string much higher from the neck than usual. Anyone have experienced the same thing?

This makes sense based on the actual tension figures.

D'A EXL190 (Nickel Rounds):

G 040 - 32.42 (lbs.)
D 060 - 40.86
A 080 - 40.05
E 100 - 34.72

Total 148.05 lbs.

 

[iiipopes]

I have had D'A sets where the wrong string was in the packet. I measured them with my micrometer and sent pix to D'A customer service, who promptly sent me a few of the correct gauge. And yes, on a traditional set of bass strings, the D is usually a greater diameter than the math might indicate for a "balanced" set, because of way back when Fender's bass necks had a more pronounced crown radius. The D string was made thicker, meaning more mass, so it would have the same relative output on the original single coil pickup. Output varies as the square of the distance of the string from the top of the pickup, not linearly. So a little bit goes a long way and drops off quickly when the string is further from the top of the pickup. So your observation is normal. If you want a more balanced set tension-wise, use the D'A 170BT. This is the set I gig with, for that very reason: more even feel across the strings. With flatter fingerboards, the need to thicken up the D string is not necessary anymore. Finally, because of something about the D'A formula with the comparative diameters of core and wrap, I have also noticed over the decades that D'A strings have comparatively slightly less tension than equivalent diameter strings of other manufacturers, at least for their XL NPS strings.

 

[michael_t]

By the way, here are the tension numbers on the EXL170BT set.

G 045 - 42.52 (lbs.)
D 060 - 40.86
A 080 - 40.05
E 107 - 39.45 (Total 162.88)

 

[michael_t]

As a former "balanced tension enthusiast", I've learned a G with a slightly lower tension actually balances better TONALLY with the rest by taming the "twang".

 

[Les Fret]

I have had D'A sets where the wrong string was in the packet. I measured them with my micrometer and sent pix to D'A customer service, who promptly sent me a few of the correct gauge. And yes, on a traditional set of bass strings, the D is usually a greater diameter than the math might indicate for a "balanced" set, because of way back when Fender's bass necks had a more pronounced crown radius. The D string was made thicker, meaning more mass, so it would have the same relative output on the original single coil pickup. Output varies as the square of the distance of the string from the top of the pickup, not linearly. So a little bit goes a long way and drops off quickly when the string is further from the top of the pickup. So your observation is normal. If you want a more balanced set tension-wise, use the D'A 170BT. This is the set I gig with, for that very reason: more even feel across the strings. With flatter fingerboards, the need to thicken up the D string is not necessary anymore. Finally, because of something about the D'A formula with the comparative diameters of core and wrap, I have also noticed over the decades that D'A strings have comparatively slightly less tension than equivalent diameter strings of other manufacturers, at least for their XL NPS strings.

I don't think it is the wrong string. cause I have experienced the same thing a year ago on my other bass with the same 040 D'addario. At that time I thought it was because of that bass, but now I know it's not. What is tension of the Fodera Nickel round light strings? this set: Fodera N40100 Light Nickel, Bass Guitar 4 string bass guitar sets

 

[michael_t]

What is tension of the Fodera Nickel round light strings? this set: Fodera N40100 Light Nickel, Bass Guitar 4 string bass guitar sets

Fodera does not publish tension info on their strings anywhere.

 

[iiipopes]

As a former "balanced tension enthusiast", I've learned a G with a slightly lower tension actually balances better TONALLY with the rest by taming the "twang".

Hmmm. I have had the opposite experience. As always, players and equipment differ. Another reason the string may not sound thin is, again, because of the crown radius of the fret board, the G string is closer to the pickup, and can induce more fundamental in the signal.

 

[logdrum]

Fodera does not publish tension info on their strings anywhere.

It can be calculated but you need a good weight scale. I went through this exercise before and I got pretty close with GHS published numbers. I am also looking of the formula but it is out there in the web. I know not helpful right now.

 

[logdrum]

Also the D'addario G seems to have less tension than the D'addario D

D is always higher tension than G even on guitar and upright bass

 

[Les Fret]

D is always higher tension than G even on guitar and upright bass

Yes, but I meant compared to other sets. I use Daddario 45-65 for G and D on another bass (so exactly the same set as the 40-60 but 5 gauge up) and don’t notice so much difference in tension between the D and G with that set.

 

[iiipopes]

D is always higher tension than G even on guitar and upright bass

Um, see post #4 above. All traditional sets have a heavier D string for the reason I stated above. BT sets usually do not.

 

[Aloe]

I use Daddario 45-65 for G and D on another bass (so exactly the same set as the 40-60 but 5 gauge up) and don’t notice so much difference in tension between the D and G with that set.

that kinda makes sense as 5 is 12,5% from 40, but 8% from 60. so, other things equal, you'll get closer tension with 45 and 65 than with 40 and 60, but still the D string will have more tension overall.

I actually don't get what do you want. a stiffer G? get the 45-105. a weaker D? a 40-95 'balanced' set with a 55 D then.

 

[Les Fret]

I actually don't get what do you want. a stiffer G? get the 45-105. a weaker D? a 40-95 'balanced' set with a 55 D then.

A stiffer G string but the same 040 thickness. The Fodera 040-100 set is more balanced tensionwise in my opinion. But the D'addarios feel nicer and are a bit cheaper, especially before D'addario raised the price a lot (more than 15$ per set I think?) since a few weeks or months ago. I used D'addario nickels EXL170 (100-80-65-45) for all my life and love those strings but I want a thinner D and G now.

 

[onda'bass]

Go get the balanced tension set from d’addario, you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Les Fret]

Go get the balanced tension set from d’addario, you won’t be disappointed.

Which set do you mean exacty?

 

[Dincrest]

Not all 40s are created equal. A D'Addario XL 40 has lower tension than, say, a GHS Boomer 40 and is more pliable under the fingers. Both sites have tension numbers for their strings. Rotosound has tension numbers too, and their Rotobass strings are definitely higher tension than comparably gauged D'Addarios.

Some use thicker core wire than others. Some might use more or fewer wraps than others. Gauge only tells part of the story. String construction can differ between two brands' 40 nickel rounds.

I find D'Addario ProSteels 40-125 more pliable than the LaBella RX steels 40-118 I have on there now.

 

[evs]

I been using the D'addario EXL220BT (BT means balanced tension).
I really like them.
Even feel across all strings.

 

[Turnaround]

All you wanted to know about D'Addario string tension:

https://www.daddario.com/globalassets/pdfs/accessories/tension_chart_13934.pdf

 

[michael_t]

Not all 40s are created equal. A D'Addario XL 40 has lower tension than, say, a GHS Boomer 40 and is more pliable under the fingers. Both sites have tension numbers for their strings. Rotosound has tension numbers too, and their Rotobass strings are definitely higher tension than comparably gauged D'Addarios.

I been using the D'addario EXL220BT (BT means balanced tension).
I really like them.
Even feel across all strings.

As far as "balanced tension" sets go, I do like the GHS Boomers 40-55-75-95. They're not advertised as "balanced tension" as such, but are better balanced in tension than the D'A EXL220BT.

GHS Boomers L3045:

G 040 - 33.6 (lbs.)
D 055 - 35.2
A 075 - 35.9
E 095 - 36.1

D'A EXL220BT:

G 040 - 32.42 (lbs.)
D 055 - 34.69
A 070 - 31.21
E 095 - 31.66