Hi I bought a NYC sadowsky pj 5 a couple of months back and love the sound but have been been getting some hand pain due to the stiffness of the strings (I like to dig in and get that raspy sound quite a bit) The gauge is the same I'm used to 45-125 but the strings were new to me stainless steel blue label sadowsky. Been liking the stainless steel so I checked online recommendations for some low tension ones (I want to keep the same gauge) So got it set up, action is now low as possible and it's wearing Dunlop super brights 45-125. Much less stiffness for my plucking hand to fight against but strings are still not as loose as I want. Bar switching to a lower gauge could u guys recommend any strings that would have lower tension than Dunlop super brights? Been reading about dr hi beams wud they be better for what I'm after? Also, are stainless steel strings just stiffer in general? Any help wud be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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What strings have the lowest tension?
- Thread starter pjowsky
- Start date
The D'Addario website has a string tension calculator.
Good luck with this. I've found that less tension does not mean less stiffness. I switched to a hex core string and the stiffness increased.
Good luck with this. I've found that less tension does not mean less stiffness. I switched to a hex core string and the stiffness increased.
A string tension calculator is no use in this case as the OP is talking about "flexibility/stiffness", not the actual pulling weight.
The first thing you consider when you want less tension is gauge - the Physics of the situation means, if you're serious about lower tension, that's where you go. Yes, some other variable will nudge you a bit in the right direction, but not all that far.
Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Rounds or Jazz Flats are lower tension strings but quite pricey.
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Ti not always pricey actually. Check this..
Thomastik Jazz Bass Nickel Roundwound, long scale 34'' - 5-string - JR345 | eBay
The JF344 is just USD 5x . The price just equal with 2 set of GHS Flatwound string.
Worth to try .
Thomastik Jazz Bass Nickel Roundwound, long scale 34'' - 5-string - JR345 | eBay
The JF344 is just USD 5x . The price just equal with 2 set of GHS Flatwound string.
Worth to try .
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It doesn't work that way. Unless they're made of something other than metal you can't significantly change the pounds of pull it takes to get the same length of the same thickness of a string to the same pitch.
Your options are to use thinner strings, or a shorter scale bass or a lower tuning to get lower tension.
The guy who would know is @SLaPiNFuNK
i've only used a couple of brands consistently (roto 66's, med-light, and TI jazz rounds) so my experience has to be limited compared to some/most. both of those have more 'rubber band' to them --- the TI's win, hands down --- but both are much lighter gauge than what the OP is looking for.
i think lz4005 's statement (and the logic behind it) is pertinent to the OP's quest.
pjowsky : best of luck finding 'perfect string' for yourself and good luck with your physical/hand/pain issues.
i think lz4005 's statement (and the logic behind it) is pertinent to the OP's quest.
pjowsky : best of luck finding 'perfect string' for yourself and good luck with your physical/hand/pain issues.
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You're referring to 'perceived 'tension''/ 'feel' as opposed to actual scientific pull force tension in pounds as you see in tension charts. Perceived tension is determined by a combination of the scientific tension (the tightness) and the string stiffness, and mostly by scientific tension.
Scientific tension is determined by the gauge, stiffness by string construction.
You're trying to reduce the stiffness, but there's only so far that can go, try round core strings. Eventually you will need to reduce gauge, and in fact this may be better as it will leave you with a wider choice of strings instead of being confined to the most flexible round core brand.
It's weird that you are trying to maintain gauge, there's no reason for that at all.
Scientific tension is determined by the gauge, stiffness by string construction.
You're trying to reduce the stiffness, but there's only so far that can go, try round core strings. Eventually you will need to reduce gauge, and in fact this may be better as it will leave you with a wider choice of strings instead of being confined to the most flexible round core brand.
It's weird that you are trying to maintain gauge, there's no reason for that at all.
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The silly but true answer is this .009 to .028 set Link Removed
TI Jazz rounds are very bouncy and sloppy feeling but oh man they sound good. The most floppy strings I’ve ever played are LaBella white nylon tapewounds light gauge. Utterly unplayable for me. But the texture and feel of the strings are simply amazing.
If the OP wants to find something that's even "lower tension" (= more flexible) than the Dunlop Super Brights, DR would be the best place, not GHS or D'A.
- Sep 9, 2007
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In terms of feel, there really aren't any. I've "heard" (but can't confirm it) that the SIT Foundations are supposed to have that same tactile feel. Otherwise, your options are very limited.
PJ: I suggest DR Sunbeams. I have been using those strings for over 20 years and I find them very comfortable and easy to play. They are definitely not stiff IMO/IME, and they sound great IMO!
Try some DR Pure Blues in the lightest gauge, the Victor Wooten sig set.
Bassstringsonline.com is the source for all this string info, best prices and awesome service. Plus more cool stuff, too.
TI jazz flats are famously soft feeling, low tension, strings with a beautiful voice. Sure they cost a bit more, but you might put them on and that’s it for the next ten years. I always have a broken in set for each bass. They take months to really break in.
Bassstringsonline.com is the source for all this string info, best prices and awesome service. Plus more cool stuff, too.
TI jazz flats are famously soft feeling, low tension, strings with a beautiful voice. Sure they cost a bit more, but you might put them on and that’s it for the next ten years. I always have a broken in set for each bass. They take months to really break in.
The lowest tension string I've ever used are nickel Dunlop Super Brights. They're the only string I've ever used that don't spring apart when you remove them from the packaging. They feel like they have as much tension as an instrument cable. They sound good & are bright, though I've since left them behind for SIT RB strings.
