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Low tension strings...how?


Moos3h
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Hi all,

Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless.

However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird?

Any recommended makes to try out first?

Cheers,
James

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[quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all,

Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless.

However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird?

Any recommended makes to try out first?

Cheers,
James[/quote]

Percieved tension, or compliance. Basically, stretchiness. Its a bit like 'low action'; might not be a good thing.

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[quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all,

Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless.

However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird?

Any recommended makes to try out first?

Cheers,
James[/quote]

Basically the tension of a string is determined by the gauge, materials used (eg nickel/stainless steel), whether the core is hex core or round core (hex core is higher tension) , how thick the core is, construction method (eg flatwound or roundwound).
Basically two different types/brands of strings will require a different amount of tension to bring them to the same pitch, how much different will depend on the factors mention above. Low tension strings will generally feel looser and will generally require less force to pluck or fret a note , some people like this , others not , its all a matter of preference. I hope this post is usefull and not patronising (if it is then I apologise)

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Pitch, scale length and mass. (Theorectically) a string of given pitch, scale length and mass has fixed tension. The only way to change the tension is to a.) change the tuning of the string, b.) change the scale length or c) change the string mass (gauge). Different materials have different mass so that is another option for c.). Low tension strings are most likely thinner gauge strings that bend more easily and more freely, meaning more likelihood of fret buzz with a very low action. Great for Blues guitar impressions though!

Edited by XB26354
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[quote name='Moos3h' post='572279' date='Aug 17 2009, 10:38 PM']Hi all,

Just wondering, I've always been very conservative when it comes to strings and almost always just grab a set of Elites Stainless.

However, I see 'Low tension' bandied around - how does this work when the string is at the same pitch? Does it feel weird?

Any recommended makes to try out first?

Cheers,
James[/quote]


TI jazz rounds....tension is low they can be bent they feel really silky smooth and have high output
any reasons not to use them because they buzz etc
:wacko:
not for those who cannot set their own bow, action, and intonation and dont want the hassle of getting it done by others

Edited by mrcrow
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