Why are balanced tension sets so uncommon?

[Matthew_84]

I've studied Circle K's tension chart and understand which gauges are somewhat balanced with each other. I've also been spoiled with ordering single strings through BSO. Unfortunately, I don't have much spare coin and I need new strings, so I need to use a gift card I have from a local music store.

I walked into the store and was really disappointed with how imbalanced the complete sets were. I realize the strings further from the pickups (A and D on a 4 string bass) need to have a bit more mass to have an equal output, which means they'll have a higher tension, but it seems like some manufacturers just pick string gauges out of a hat and make a set.

So what gives?

 

[mmbongo]

People are afraid of change. That's why that same store sells basses that haven't had a design change since the 50's.

Anyway, I've found that DR, Dunlop Super Bright, and Fodera strings are pretty well balanced even though they are not marketed specifically that way. But outside of those you will find that tensions can sometimes vary by 10lbs or more in the same set!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I compared a few sets using tensionpro.com & decided GHS Boomers are the most balanced.

 

[basss]

Human beings are resilient and with practice can get used to almost anything including unbalanced tension.

 

[ChristoMephisto]

One bass I have that has a one peice wooden bridge works better with balanced tension. I swap out the D for one that is lighter. A 55 instead of a 60.

 

[Root 5]

In my opinion, balanced tension strings aren't popular because balanced tension really isn't a big deal.

 

[mmbongo]

I compared a few sets using tensionpro.com & decided GHS Boomers are the most balanced.

Actually, packaged Boomer sets have very stiff A and D strings. 45, 60, 80, 105 would be a better balanced set of Boomers.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Actually, packaged Boomer sets have very stiff A and D strings. 45, 60, 80, 105 would be a better balanced set of Boomers.

I always get the heavy gauge which are 50, 70, 95, 115.
If the center strings are stiffer, I'm fine with that. I'd rather have that than a loose E string & a tight G, or vice versa.
They're not balanced, but I still think they're more balanced than other brands IMHO.

 

[Matthew_84]

In my opinion, balanced tension strings aren't popular because balanced tension really isn't a big deal.

Maybe for you, and that's fine, but it is for me since I play with a very, very light touch and any unneccesarily thicker sting will be noticeably louder than the other strings.

I know a lot of players don't care, but why would a manufacturer purposely chose a set of strings that is imbalanced?

It just seems like they don't know better... Maybe I should word my question like this:

What criteria do string manufacturers use to select their string gauges?

 

[Matthew_84]

Anyway, I've found that DR, Dunlop Super Bright, and Fodera strings are pretty well balanced even though they are not marketed specifically that way. But outside of those you will find that tensions can sometimes vary by 10lbs or more in the same set!

I love DR's, they're my favourite strings, but some of their sets are not balanced well. Though yes, they do have some decent sets.

GHS and D'addario are also reasonably balanced.

 

[Bob Coldwell]

Matthew_84,

I've found that with the exception of bass specialty stores, most "brick and mortar" music retailers have a limited selection when it comes to bass strings. I shop online. What brand, gauge, tension do you normally use?

 

[JimmyM]

In my opinion, balanced tension strings aren't popular because balanced tension really isn't a big deal.

To you, maybe, but it is for me. I always hated that most sets I'd use had a D string that felt significantly tighter than the others. When I was using D'addarios, I'd use the balanced tension sets. Not needed with Dunlop Super Bright nickels, but balanced tension is the only way to go as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Tom Howland]

I prefer a balanced set. Thats why I kind of settled on 45-65-85-105 when I can get it, depending on brand.
For thin necks, 40-60-80-100.

 

[Matthew_84]

Matthew_84,

I've found that with the exception of bass specialty stores, most "brick and mortar" music retailers have a limited selection when it comes to bass strings. I shop online. What brand, gauge, tension do you normally use?

Yeah, you're right... I shopped around on BSO for a list of sets I was willing to buy. I came up with about a dozen of them and the shop didn't have any...

I typically buy singles from BSO (Bass Strings Online) so normally this isn't an issue, but I'm tight on money so that's why I'm looking for a decent set from a local store I have a gift card with.

I typically go with DR's (Sunbeams, Fatbeams, or Hi-Beams) with very light tension.

 

[Matthew_84]

Human beings are resilient and with practice can get used to almost anything including unbalanced tension.

I agree... But I don't want to get used to something that is flawed, and an unbalanced tension set is flawed to me.

 

[JimmyM]

People are afraid of change. That's why that same store sells basses that haven't had a design change since the 50's.

Did you really say that? Seems like bass players are the second least resistant to change behind keyboard players. Me, I would have welcomed change if I thought it did me any good, but it didn't, so I'm back to using the same gear I used when I started out. Strings have changed, that's about it.

 

[Mystic Michael]

So what gives?

At least balanced tension strings are considered an actual thing now. So there are at least a few makes & models of them to be had, as well as custom, mix 'n' match options. Not many years ago, this was not the case - at all.

So perhaps you haven't been playing long enough to know this from experience, but balanced tension is still a new concept, relatively speaking. Have patience. It's catching on.

MM

 

[fretlessguy]

What criteria do string manufacturers use to select their string gauges?[/QUOTE]

I guess they like string gauges that end with five and zero.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

String Joy will provide balanced sets at a reasonable price.

 

[HaphAsSard]

String Joy will provide balanced sets at a reasonable price.

Interesting:
Stringjoy | Custom Guitar & Bass String Sets
Have you used them? How do you like them? Could you post a thread on them, for reference purposes? New options are good options!

(To everyone else: please don't go all BSO on me. I often recommend Jason as you can judge from my posting past, even to European posters, but having options is always a good thing in my book. Heck, these Stringjoy guys are from Nashville and some TBer from there might consider important to support local companies.)