Why do you use the tension you do?

[JimmyM]

I don't know why any of you feel the need to make comments such as these. Nobody is asking anyone to "justify" anything. I am interested in having a conversation with people who feel like sharing their opinion. If one doesn't, that's fine... I really don't care whether Jimmy or alembicguy use spaghetti noodles or steel cables. Just keep your non-starter comments to yourself and let the rest of us enjoy our talk.

Well you kinda did. Maybe you can't see it, maybe it wasn't your intention, but that's how it came across.

OTOH, maybe I was having a bad day yesterday Not really angry about it. But people like different things, and it might not make sense to you but it does to them, and that's alright.

 

[MegaSwing]

I'd rather play light strings than none at all.

 

[JimmyM]

I'd rather play light strings than none at all.

I might add that he doesn't, folks. I've played a couple of his basses. Holy cow, dude must have Samson strength!

 

[DwaynieAD]

i like the tension on whatever pack i decided to buy that day

man life was easier when I didnt have to worry about such things.

 

[Bassometer]

If you miss the response of round core, but with the stability of hex core, try Dunlop Super Brights. Best of both worlds.

Not to derail the post, but... I have read so many positive things about the Dunlop SB's that I have ordered a set of .045-.125 Dunlop SB NPS. My Jazz Bass is currently sitting in the shop awaiting a set up and these new strings, I am hoping it will work out well. I might try the .040-.120 for my Brubaker Brute MXJ.

 

[raventepes]

I use light tension because...honestly, it's what allows me to keep playing. I have Fibromyalgia localized in my hands, so playing with a lot o tension isn't an option. Thankfully, I just joined a band and we tune to C Standard, so that's wicked easy for me to play. I'm also a fingerstyle player, which the guys love.

It all works out.

 

[socialleper]

.105 -.045 on a regular EADG 4 string because that feels right.
.125, .090, .070, .050 on my CGCF 4 string to get the balance right.
.120-.040 on 35" scale 5 strings because anything heavier is too stiff.
.135 or .130-.045 on 34" scale 5 strings to keep the B from flopping all over the place.

 

[Handyman]

when i played with higher tension strings it caused me wrist pain. if i play with virtually any flats or higher tension roundwounds, i often have pain for days afterward. i play short scale basses with extra light strings and can play for hours every day with no problems. and for the most part, i like lower tension strings. i find i can play with more varied dynamics and play faster, too.

Similar issue here. I'm INCREDIBLY prone to tendinitis, and anything heavier than my normal 45-100 set makes it flare up almost immediately.

In fact, when using flats I usually need to go down a gauge from that if I don't want to injure myself. Fun stuff.

 

[MCS4]

Like some of the others above, I play light tension mainly because of chronic muscle/joint issues. In my earlier days I loved to play heavy strings with medium/high action, but I just can't do it anymore.

However, with gradual adjustments in my playing style, gear, etc., I'm happier with my overall tone than ever.

 

[DavC]

i used to slap with high tension / low action ...

but i prefer low tension more for my left hand ,... old arthritic fingers ( 50+ yrs piano, 40+ yrs bass ) ... less tension = more comfort for vibrato and ease of playing ... plucking hand doesn't mind any tension ...

1 bass has Ti flats ... the other has lite GHS Pressurewounds

 

[KickingBass]

I don't like high tension strings but I CANNOT understand playing super wobbly loose strings. There are so many metal pros that drop tune and have their strings flopping around, I just string and tune BEAD half step flat and all flop is removed.

 

[adube810]

I was using high tension strings like the DR low riders but eventually I made a switch over to Sadowsky Blue labels which were a little less tension which I got accustomed to and I felt were a little easier to play, then one day I got a pack of La Bella RxBass from bassstringsonline on sale and they are really really low tension. They feel like they are made for slapping, but what I've noticed is with these strings, once I adjusted my technique to them, I was using significantly less effort and energy to play with the same dynamic..now I'm hooked on them and they sound great.

 

[mc900ftj]

The tension came for free with the strings whose sound In like.

 

[ahc]

 

[MVE]

I too prefer lighter tension strings for the exact reasons the OP doesn’t like them.
If it takes a lot more effort and energy to get a loud clear tone from the lighter strings, then less effort and energy allows quieter tones.

IOWs: lighter string tension allows for more dynamics in your playing.

I am willing to trade speed for dynamics.

 

[Johnny Crab]

Used Rotosound 66 standard gauge forever(.105 E string) until basses with thin necks came here. I got them to work but had to seriously lean on the truss rod and jack with the setup a lot to get them right. Then, due to many basses vs the cost of Roto's, a search for cheaper and lighter strings was undertaken. After about a year and during which a bass with a Kahler Trem showed up here, we switched over to 40-6080-95's that run about $8~$10/set AND work perfectly with the Kahler(s)(more of them showed up).

Why?
Cost, ease of playing LONG gigs and sometimes multiple gigs on the same day.

Now, all basses here use these strings and "feel" very similar and easy to play. The amp does the work.

Experiments with similar gauge 5 string sets, flats, and nylon tape-wounds are coming soon so 5's will feel the same AND we can have the sound of flats & those black strings.

 

[Mildew Jones]

I prefer the low tension Dunlops, less work for these old hands. I have a tendency to dig in a bit too hard live (I get excited), the low tension strings keep me in check (sound like a$$ if I hit 'em too hard).
MJ

 

[descendent22]

opinions and preferences. currently I use Earnie Ball cobalt rounds 45,65,80,100. the flexibility is the right amount for me, the guage is what I prefer, and the tone is loud and clear. I was playing rotosound nickel rounds 45-105 for a while. I really loved the tone of those strings, but they were real tight and not flexible at all. Also I like my E string being a 100 guage which at evey GC or samash they didn't have the gauges I wanted. Ultimately I changed to earnie ball cobalts after literly testing out almost Every brand. I'm pretty content with them, but im sure the curse of the never ending search for that perfect tone and perfect feel may come back

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Does Geddy Lee still play light gauge strings?

 

[Joedog]

It's obviously a preference thing. That's why I asked for folks individual reasons.

Sorry, I don't have "reasons". I use what I do because that is what I prefer. Simple as that. And tension preference can vary depending on string type and brand.