How can I increase string tension on my bass?

[zawinul]

Hi Bass Peeps

I only have 2 basses, WHAT I hear you say!!

well I may get more in future, but anyways....

1 fretted Warwick, Boosty signature, huge jumbo frets, set up nicely good string tension... bouncy... strings feel great under the fingers... you knowwhatimean!

The other is a ACG fretless, beautiful handmade bass by the master from Scotland, Alan... BUT i find tension on this bass has more give, a bit more 'baggy' which is good for some things but would like it a bit 'tighter' bit for bounce to the ounce!!

Apart from getting different strings or raising the action which I don;t really want to do, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO INCREASE TENSION IN THE STRINGS?


cheers bassheads

[Twigman]

tune to higher pitch?

Without changing strings, if you want to keep the same tuning, then no.

[FuNkShUi]

Well i was going to suggest the 2 things you've said you don't want to do

Can't think of any other way to do it, so i look forward to hearing some suggestions!

[FuNkShUi]

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1475056274' post='3142610']
tune to higher pitch?
[/quote]

Nice solution

[chris_b]

Why is it so difficult to change the strings?

[BigRedX]

Are you using the same make and gauge of strings on both basses?

[ebenezer]

you could try going up on your string gauge.

[mybass]

this could be depending on the bass scale length as I see ACG make different scale lengths, a 32" scale length may be a bit sloppier than 34".

[Norris]

The only (practical) thing would be to use heavier gauge strings, or strings of the same gauge that are less compliant (thicker/stiffer centre core).

The other option is to increase your scale length, which would require a new neck, and then your old strings probably wouldn't fit any more

[HowieBass]

The only way to increase string tension/reduce compliance is to change the strings. Why are you unwilling to do this if you don't like how the current set feels? If you don't want to change gauge (because this might involve some work on the nut) then you can still get a higher tension string by choosing one that's constructed to be stiffer - try going for a thicker core or a hex core.

[BigRedX]

Is the ACG a different scale length to the Warwick?

[zawinul]

I guess raising action is not worst thing in the world, but raising pitch not really... shouldn't have to ... what about truss rod adjustment would that make any difference!?

i'm not very techy when it comes to stuff...what about bridge adjustments?

aaaaaarrrrrrrggggghhhhh !!!

[zawinul]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1475059961' post='3142663'] The only way to increase string tension/reduce compliance is to change the strings. Why are you unwilling to do this if you don't like how the current set feels? If you don't want to change gauge (because this might involve some work on the nut) then you can still get a higher tension string by choosing one that's constructed to be stiffer - try going for a thicker core or a hex core. [/quote]

I never mentioned I was unwilling to change strings, I said APART from changeing strings

I think thats proabaly best but as strings on fretless as much lighter... and that could be why?

[zawinul]

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1475060799' post='3142671'] Is the ACG a different scale length to the Warwick? [/quote]

no exactly the same, 2 octave 34 inch.. they have different strings though,,, lighter on fretless , need some meaty ones i think !!

[zawinul]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1475059961' post='3142663'] The only way to increase string tension/reduce compliance is to change the strings. Why are you unwilling to do this if you don't like how the current set feels? If you don't want to change gauge (because this might involve some work on the nut) then you can still get a higher tension string by choosing one that's constructed to be stiffer - try going for a thicker core or a hex core. [/quote]

not unwilling at all, just seeing what options are!! Any recommendations for 'stiffer' strings. I hear DR nickel sunbeams for fretless are good.. at moment rotosound steel. nice and twangy but a tad baggy

[ras52]

D'Addario Chromes are at the stiffer end of the spectrum.

[chris_b]

[quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1475056115' post='3142607']
Apart from getting different strings or raising the action which I don;t really want to do,
[/quote]

I guess this reads as, I don't want to do either, rather than, i don't want to raise the action!

More appropriate strings and a resultant set up is the only thing I can suggest.

[Manton Customs]

No, adjusting the truss rod will not change the tension of the strings....neither will raising the action actually, as the two fixed points are still in the same place and the mass of the string still the same. The only way is different strings, stiffer feeling ones, or higher gauge.

Edit, that was in response to post 12

Edited September 28, 2016 by Manton Customs

[zawinul]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1475062098' post='3142693']
I guess this reads as, I don't want to do either, rather than, i don't want to raise the action!

More appropriate strings and a resultant set up is the only thing I can suggest.
[/quote]

I tink you are correct!! New strings it is .... Now question is which???????? I think I will avoid Rotosound , my warwick has warwick string and great!

[BigRedX]

[quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1475061850' post='3142686']
no exactly the same, 2 octave 34 inch.. they have different strings though,,, lighter on fretless , need some meaty ones i think !!
[/quote]

There you go. Problem solved. Off course lighter strings are going have less tension.

[chris_b]

I'd put some flats on the fretless.

[zawinul]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1475065874' post='3142736']
I'd put some flats on the fretless.
[/quote]

Nah, hate flats, dull, dull dull.... I want TWANG!!!

[Norris]

Get some Rotosounds then. 52 sets should about see you through a year

[Twincam]

The fender pure nickel (not plated) rounds are a slighter higher tension to other rounds given the same gauge.
Also they have a tiny bit less string noise too. And being rounds they don't lack any zing.

[markstuk]

DR Low Riders tend to be firm.. Certainly more than Sun Beams..