Thoughts on the D’Addario XL balanced tension strings.

[electricGstring]

My Squier CV 1960's P bass came with (what feels like) some fairly heavy gauge strings and I'm thinking of trying a lighter gauge (.045-.107) set of the D'Addario XL170BT's. Does anyone have any advice/experience with these? It seems obvious, but what exactly does "balanced tension" mean? Is it a marketing gimmick or is there an actual difference? I would think ANY string would have to have balanced tension. I'm essentially a new player and re-learning everything I forgot from years ago... I do have the bass set up with a fairly low action and I've always had a light touch on the strings of any instrument I've played so I don't think that will change on the bass, either.

 

[AppalachianBen]

Those were my go-to rounds when I had a four-string bass. I loved the feel. Balanced Tension just means that the strings all are very close to the same tension as each other, so no floppy E or tight D string. I would highly recommend giving them a try!

 

[michael_t]

It seems obvious, but what exactly does "balanced tension" mean? Is it a marketing gimmick or is there an actual difference?

I started out with D'A EXL170 (45-65-80-100) as a bass rookie only because that's what came on the bass, but noticed the D string felt so much tighter (both for fretting and plucking) than the E string, which seemed floppy in comparison. That's when I started researching on tension.

G 045 - 42.52 lbs.
D 065 - 48.35
A 080 - 40.05
E 100 - 34.72 (Total 165.64 lbs.)

Then I read about the "balanced tension" set D'A was advertising as something new (EXL170BT).

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

This whole "balanced tension" idea DID make a difference for me as they felt more even across all four strings.

I try not to get too hung up on the tension figures these days, though, as "balanced TENSION" does NOT necessarily guarantee "balanced TONE". I've also learned a set of strings doesn't necessarily have to be perfectly "tension balanced" in order to FEEL balanced, either. Just my experience...

 

[electricGstring]

I started out with D'A EXL170 (45-65-80-100) as a bass rookie only because that's what came on the bass, but noticed the D string felt so much tighter (both for fretting and plucking) than the E string, which seemed floppy in comparison. That's when I started researching on tension.

G 045 - 42.52 lbs.
D 065 - 48.35
A 080 - 40.05
E 100 - 34.72 (Total 165.64 lbs.)

Then I read about the "balanced tension" set D'A was advertising as something new (EXL170BT).

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

This whole "balanced tension" idea DID make a difference for me as they felt more even across all four strings.

I try not to get too hung up on the tension figures these days, though, as "balanced TENSION" does NOT necessarily guarantee "balanced TONE". I've also learned a set of strings doesn't necessarily have to be perfectly "tension balanced" in order to FEEL balanced, either. Just my experience...

That's good info. I've gotten leery of "marketingspeak" when it comes to just about anything nowadays. As a new guy to bass, it just seems like going to a lighter gauge would help as my hand strength develops... not that you need OMG Hulk hands to play a bass but the strings on the bass now make playing a bit of a chore. Balance across the set (for some reason, I was reading "balanced" as being balanced from one end of a given string to the other, lol!!) makes a lot more sense.

 

[iiipopes]

The XL170BT 45-107 set has been my #1 gig string set for my Ibby BTB845V since they came out. I prefer the 33-inch scale, so I had the bass converted from solo E-C to conventional B-G. I add a 130 for the B string, tuned up to C. For me, especially for the price, they have the best consistency, both in feel and in tone string-to-string and up the neck, and value-for-dollars for their price point. And I know that unlike all the tales I can tell of discontinued strings over the years that I liked, it does not appear these are going to be discontinued any time soon.

They do have the signature slight low mid dip in the tone that all XL's do. But for me as bassist for a 10-piece party band including horns, that helps me retain clarity in the mix, and my sound man is pleased.

 

[IPA]

Anyone use the 170BT set successfully for Eb tuning? I need to run something bigger than my usual 100s and these seem to fit the bill.

 

[MrAB4003]

I'm thinking about trying the medium balanced tension (50-120 gauge) set next time I change my strings. I currently play the medium (50-105 gauge) XL set in D Standard. While I like that set, my low D string is a little floppy and my C string is a little tense.

 

[MrAB4003]

I'm thinking about trying the medium balanced tension (50-120 gauge) set next time I change my strings. I currently play the medium (50-105 gauge) XL set in D Standard. While I like that set, my low D string is a little floppy and my C string is a little tense.

Update - I found out that you have to file your nut on a 4 string bass to fit the 120 gauge lowest string. I'm not a fan of permanent alterations on my basses, so I don't think these are the right strings for me. I will stick to my regular XLs.

 

[michael_t]

Update - I found out that you have to file your nut on a 4 string bass to fit the 120 gauge lowest string. I'm not a fan of permanent alterations on my basses, so I don't think these are the right strings for me. I will stick to my regular XLs.

I'm thinking the EXL160BT (50-120) would be a good set to use on a 5-string for D-G-C-F-Bb tuning. Just add a .035 for the high Bb.