Moos3h Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Hi all, Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless. However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird? Any recommended makes to try out first? Cheers, James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 [quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all, Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless. However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird? Any recommended makes to try out first? Cheers, James[/quote] Percieved tension, or compliance. Basically, stretchiness. Its a bit like 'low action'; might not be a good thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shockwave Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Because of my hand weakness i have to use light gauge, low tension strings. Plus i love the sound i get out of them Lots of zing and high end growl. Though bugger all low end growl. (Then again alot of that has to do with the bass) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 lighter guage most likely, i play in drop tunings a lot so my strings are generally pretty low tension, you can get a lot of rattle though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdavid Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 [quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all, Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless. However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird? Any recommended makes to try out first? Cheers, James[/quote] Basically the tension of a string is determined by the gauge, materials used (eg nickel/stainless steel), whether the core is hex core or round core (hex core is higher tension) , how thick the core is, construction method (eg flatwound or roundwound). Basically two different types/brands of strings will require a different amount of tension to bring them to the same pitch, how much different will depend on the factors mention above. Low tension strings will generally feel looser and will generally require less force to pluck or fret a note , some people like this , others not , its all a matter of preference. I hope this post is usefull and not patronising (if it is then I apologise) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdgrsr400 Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 The snag is you might have to raise the action to stop the extra buzzing caused by the lower tension, hence rather defeating the object of easier playing. However, every string is different so YMMV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XB26354 Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 (edited) Pitch, scale length and mass. (Theorectically) a string of given pitch, scale length and mass has fixed tension. The only way to change the tension is to a.) change the tuning of the string, b.) change the scale length or c) change the string mass (gauge). Different materials have different mass so that is another option for c.). Low tension strings are most likely thinner gauge strings that bend more easily and more freely, meaning more likelihood of fret buzz with a very low action. Great for Blues guitar impressions though! Edited August 17, 2009 by XB26354 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcrow Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all, Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless. However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird? Any recommended makes to try out first? Cheers, James[/quote] TI jazz rounds....tension is low they can be bent they feel really silky smooth and have high output any reasons not to use them because they buzz etc :wacko: not for those who cannot set their own bow, action, and intonation and dont want the hassle of getting it done by others Edited August 18, 2009 by mrcrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.