Author Topic: String tension (Read 225 times)

mike1762 · « **on:** January 15, 2008, 08:25:45 AM »

I just bought a 96 Spoiler and one thing I have noticed is that there is considerably more string tension than I am used to (even though the Spoiler is medium scale). When I first got it, it was set-up as a piccolo and the strings felt like rebar!!! I have done a complete set-up with standard tuning and light gauge (95s) strings but it's still pretty stiff. This is my first neck-through bass; therefore, I'm wondering if that is just the nature of the beast? It sounds like nothing I have ever heard, so I can learn to live w/it. But if anybody knows any tricks....

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2008, 08:59:32 AM »

Mike:

I'm not a bass guy, and I'm sure there will be a bunch of 'em chiming in soon, but one answer may be the brand of strings you are using. Apparently different brands tune up with different tensions. Congrats on your new Alembic. Enjoy!

Bill, the guitar one

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2008, 09:47:45 AM »

Have you tried DR HighBeams?

lowlife · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2008, 09:54:59 AM »

At one point I owned an '85 Spoiler and as soon as I switched to DR High Beams my tight-string problems disappeared. I continue to use them on both of my Excels; great sound, lasts forever.

Ellery (Lowlife)

georgie_boy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2008, 10:23:36 AM »

Try ELITE Stadium 35,55,75,95 or STATUS Hot Wires
I use both. I like some tension, but like to bend at least 2 semi tones, and both these sets give me just what I want.
G

alembickoa · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2008, 01:29:10 PM »

Might check the adjustment on the nut height if the Spoiler has that option...don't remember if mine did or not.

mike1762 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2008, 05:03:52 PM »

I hadn't considered trying a different brand of strings(I've always used RotoSounds). I'll give that a shot. Many thanks for the quick feedback.

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2008, 12:57:49 AM »

Apart from the tension issues with different makes of string, I second alembickoa's suggestion about checking the nut height.

Any 96 Alembic should have an adjustable nut. If it was previously used as a tenor bass, those thinner strings would sit lower in the slots, so they may well have raised the nut. Check the FAQ section here for Joey's famous post about setup.

rami · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2008, 08:55:15 AM »

I find increased string tension quite desirable. I don't have to play close to the bridge in order to play fast. The strings have a more piano like ring (especially the low E & B).
But I agree that if you wish to lower string tension, you may want to switch to lighter gauge strings. I like La Bella strings for this. I have them on my 36 scale Alembics and they feel very supple and sweet sounding.

Rami

rami · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2008, 07:51:43 AM »

Just another point; string tension is also determined by factors of the instrument's construction such as neck angle, headstock angle, the distance between the tuning pegs and the nut as well as the distance between the bidge and tailpiece.
Something I really love about Alembics is that even their short scale models have high string tension for that crisp, ringing and sustaining tone.
With that said, light gauge strings will help lower the tension a bit - check out those La Bellas. But the Bass itself has an inherent design favoring high string tension that you cannot change.

Rami

81distillate · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2008, 03:00:51 AM »

I felt the same way about my 81 Distillate that I just got last month. Continue to work on your neck adjustments and bridge height. After about a month, I have my 27 year old neck just right and I have an enjoyable string tension. My neck is .05 mm with 1st and 24 fret pushed down and measured at the 9th fret. My bridge is at 3/64 measured from top of 12th fret to bottom of E and G strings. Im using the DAddario Pro Steels with 40, 55, 75, 95, which is a custom set that I make out of a 180 set with an added .040 from DAddario. This set equals tension across the neck and strings. Hope this helps.

rami · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2008, 01:17:19 PM »

Also remember that Alembics are preset for the lowest possible string height. The best you can achieve without fret buzzing is usually the factory setting. Trying to decrease string tension by lowering the bridge and nut further can present a new series of problems. Setting up a Bass is for string height and intonation. String tension is something you can only change with the strings themselves. Otherwise, you're looking at changing something in the design of the Bass itself. Until the mid 1990's, American Fenders had the strings anchored to the bridge. At that point they introduced the American series with the strings passing through the body. This made a significant change (I believe for the better) in string tension. I like the definition, sustain, and piano-like ringing of the tone. If you wish to lower the tension, you can choose to pass the strings through the bridge. You don't have that option with an Alembic. Other than using lighter gauge strings, there's really nothing more you can do. I don't think anyone is going to relocate the Alembic tailpiece and drill holes into the top wood to lower string tension.

hieronymous · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2008, 08:42:05 PM »

There's more to the formula for lower string tension than just lighter gauge strings. For instance, DR says that their Hi Beams are lower tension than the Lo Riders, even if they are the same gauge. TI Jazz Flats are much lower tension than most comparable flatwounds (think Rotosound or Fender), due to diffferent string construction. And black nylon tapewounds like the Rotosound TruBass look really thick gauge-wise, but they are really rubbery and loose.

I say give the DR Hi Beams a try.

81distillate · « **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2008, 10:10:24 AM »

DAddario displays tension on their boxes. The set I mentioned earlier is a set I make up that gives even tension across the fingerboard and neck. My Alembic plays and feels like a guitar now, with little buzz if I dig in, which I like.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2008, 10:34:25 AM »

I'm thinking of changing to D'Addario as we speak, and fortunately saw this post.
I'm currently using Elites and Status hot wires
Would the D'Addarios be significantly different in tension??
I like the tensions that are on both basses now, but am scared to change--especially if the tension increased. I like SOFT strings, as I play a sort of Typewriter technique