zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 tune to higher pitch? Without changing strings, if you want to keep the same tuning, then no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 [quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1475056274' post='3142610'] tune to higher pitch? [/quote] Nice solution Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Why is it so difficult to change the strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Are you using the same make and gauge of strings on both basses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebenezer Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 you could try going up on your string gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mybass Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 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". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Is the ACG a different scale length to the Warwick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 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 !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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 !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras52 Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 D'Addario Chromes are at the stiffer end of the spectrum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 I'd put some flats on the fretless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zawinul Posted September 28, 2016 Author Share Posted September 28, 2016 [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!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted September 28, 2016 Share Posted September 28, 2016 Get some Rotosounds then. 52 sets should about see you through a year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markstuk Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 DR Low Riders tend to be firm.. Certainly more than Sun Beams.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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