String Tension

[Dave D]

I'm sure the answer to my question is very logical and i'll feel a bit of a tw@t for asking, but here goes.

Does the tension of a string vary with the gauge? ie would 105 have a higher tension than a 115 tuned to the same note, or the other way around?

Does that make sense?

DD

[chrismuzz]

Higher gauge = higher tension. That's why it's advisable to use thicker strings with lower tunings, to prevent string flop

[EssentialTension]

It's not the gauge as such but the mass per unit length of string. Of course if you're talking about the same make and model of string then the mass per unit length of string will increase as gauge increases. If they are different make or model of string then a higher gauge could have a lower mass per unit length of string.

So, higher mass per unit length = higher tension when the pitch and the scale length remain the same.

Edited October 19, 2011 by EssentialTension

[ikay]

Here's the technical stuff if your interested - [url="http://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/tension.htm"]http://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/tension.htm[/url]

[markstuk]

With special attention to http://www.liutaiomottola.com/myth/perception.htm since we bass players tend to conflate tension with compliance...

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1319099796' post='1409774']With special attention to http://www.liutaiomottola.com/myth/perception.htm since we bass players tend to conflate tension with compliance...[/quote]Wow thanks for the link. I already knew the difference between tension and compliance but the part about the difference between a locking nut say, and an extended string was very well explained.