Fixes to reduce string tension.

[Matthew Tucker]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

I think solo strings (tuned down) might be a bit drastic - I've played a few basses with solos tuned down in the past and found them to be pretty anemic. But, several strings come in light gauges. I know Helicores do, and apparently Flexocor92s do too, though I haven't seen them.

The way I understand it, solos are designed to maintain "normal" tension when tuned UP a semitone on a standard 41.5" scale. So tuned down to EADG on a 41.5" scale reduces the tension quite a bit, which some people like.

However, to maintain that same lower tension on a 43" scale you'd need to tune down to Eb - so bringing it back up to EADG restores the tension almost to the "normal" spec.

So in fact, my logic would be that putting solos on may well be the LEASTdrastic of all changes!

And they are available and not too dear

[Thomas Erickson]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

The way I understand it, solos are designed to maintain "normal" tension when tuned UP a semitone on a standard 41.5" scale. So tuned down to EADG on a 41.5" scale reduces the tension quite a bit, which some people like.

However, to maintain that same lower tension on a 43" scale you'd need to tune down to Eb - so bringing it back up to EADG restores the tension almost to the "normal" spec.

So in fact, my logic would be that putting solos on may well be the LEASTdrastic of all changes!

And they are available and not too dear

Well, I don't know how the math works really so I suppose the tension might work out to be about right - but I think the problem has more to do with the fact that the solo strings are also thin. It isn't like they're a lower-tension string and can thus be tuned up a semitone; they're just a light gauge (thin) version of the same string. So tuned down (EADG), even if the tension of the longer string length is closer to normal, they still feel strange I think.


edit: actually, I'm not sure that makes sense. Have to think about this.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

Well, I don't know how the math works really so I suppose the tension might work out to be about right - but I think the problem has more to do with the fact that the solo strings are also thin. It isn't like they're a lower-tension string and can thus be tuned up a semitone; they're just a light gauge (thin) version of the same string. So tuned down (EADG), even if the tension of the longer string length is closer to normal, they still feel strange I think.


edit: actually, I'm not sure that makes sense. Have to think about this.

Thomas, rather than think about it, try it!

Some basses work better with solo strings. My Blockless sounded great with them and with no loss of tone or power. Actually, heavier or normal strings can 'choke' a top and the sound as well.

[Thomas Erickson]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Thomas, rather than think about it, try it!

Some basses work better with solo strings. My Blockless sounded great with them and with no loss of tone or power. Actually, heavier or normal strings can 'choke' a top and the sound as well.

Check my first post on the subject - I have tried it, and thought it seemed odd. The thin strings just didn't feel right, even if the tension was closer to normal. Which I'm not convinced of.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Thomas Erickson

Check my first post on the subject - I have tried it, and thought it seemed odd. The thin strings just didn't feel right, even if the tension was closer to normal. Which I'm not convinced of.

On how many basses did you try it and what vintage and condition were the basses? String length?

Like I said, not all basses feel the same. Those that are tight, need help to lessen the tension on them.

[Brian Gencarelli]

Good Morning,

@Arnold- I glued the bottom to the block and then used two brass screws in the block on the overhang, which I carved around the lining to secure it. It has been up to tension for over 24 hours with no noticeable change. Believe me, I am keeping my eye on it. Also, it is fully seated on the block, it doesn't touch the top anywhere.

@Ken- don't worry, I have every intention of coming by the shop if you are in town with the bass in tow.

@Others, I will eventually try some solo strings, however I am not in a hurry now as the bass feels pretty good. I am beginning to realize how much the low neck overstand bothers me when playing solo rep. Orchestral music on this bass is fine. I rarely notice the long string length unless I am trying to do octave string crossings in half position, or a perfect fifth. When you hit thumb, that is when the monsterous string length hits you in the face. "A is that far away from the harmonic?!?!?" You also have to go farther down on bigger shift because of the overstand and the notes feel farther to reach. I really have to overcompensate on some of this Bach.

Thanks for the kind words and support,
Brian

[Anselm Hauke]

i think this is a good idea to easily check the effect of the saddle-height to the stringtension