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How can I increase string tension on my bass?


zawinul
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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

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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

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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.

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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 !!! :unsure: :angry: :gas:

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[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?

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[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

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[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.

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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 by Manton Customs
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[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!

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