Oh no, another string thread.............................

[drbassman]

OK, I know we've discussed bass strings a million times, but I have a specific question:  what other string is closest to TIs, in terms of low tension?  They don't have to sound like TIs, I like more lows and highs, but I do want low tension and I need some advice.

Thanks guys!!!

[dadagoboi]

Lighter Strings=Lower Tension.

[drbassman]

Lighter Strings=Lower Tension.

I hear ya.  I was fishing for more info on lighter strings anyway.  I figured a 90 e-string is fairly low tension most times, depending on construction.

I'm interested in flats, I think I forgot to mention that!!!

[patman]

GHS are relatively low tension

[Dave W]

Depends on whether you're talking about actual tension on the neck, or feel.

If you're talking about flats: LaBellas are lower than average tension, size for size. They have a relatively small round core. But they are also fairly stiff feeling, compared to TIs.

[Aussie Mark]

The lightest gauge Chromes (or Ernie Ball flats, same string, different packaging) are quite close in tension to TI Flats

TI, JF344 set -

(tension in foot pounds)

E 34.39
A 31.30
D 37.47
G 37.03

Chromes, ECB80 sets -

E 35.2
A 36.4
D 45.2
G 37.6

[drbassman]

I used to play Chromes all the time.  I had forgotten about them.  I ordered som GHS and Chromes to try out again.  Should be fun!

[dadagoboi]

I put some EBs on my G&L fretless, now I know why they sound and feel like Chromes.  Thanks, Mark

[drbassman]

Thanks Mark, that helped a lot.  I just discovered some of those numbers at the Just Strings site!

The lightest gauge Chromes (or Ernie Ball flats, same string, different packaging) are quite close in tension to TI Flats

TI, JF344 set -

(tension in foot pounds)

E 34.39
A 31.30
D 37.47
G 37.03

Chromes, ECB80 sets -

E 35.2
A 36.4
D 45.2
G 37.6

[Psycho Bass Guy]

I've got the light gauge EB flats on my homemade Jazz and Epi Les Paul Standard and I love them. Never tried the TI's; too spendy for my blood.

[drbassman]

I've got the light gauge EB flats on my homemade Jazz and Epi Les Paul Standard and I love them. Never tried the TI's; too spendy for my blood.

I love the TIs, but they have gotten too pricey for me.  I'll give the competition a try.

[Highlander]

I've boo-booed on a few budget sets over the years too...

Balance is required, and what works for "you"...

[drbassman]

I've boo-booed on a few budget sets over the years too...

Balance is required, and what works for "you"...

I hear ya.  The prices on the GHS are pretty low, so we'll see.  The Chromes are competitive but not cheap, so I'm hoping they are a good fit for my absses.  I used Chromes before TI and always liked them.

[Aussie Mark]

When considering buying a good brand of flats, price is irrelevant - spending $50 on a set of TIs or Pyramids is nothing, given that set will last you for 10 years.  Compare that to how many sets of $20 round wounds you'd buy over a 10 year period, and flats are excellent value.

[Dave W]

When considering buying a good brand of flats, price is irrelevant - spending $50 on a set of TIs or Pyramids is nothing, given that set will last you for 10 years.  Compare that to how many sets of $20 round wounds you'd buy over a 10 year period, and flats are excellent value.

If you like the sound of dead strings, they'll last 10 years, but then so will rounds, and they're usually less expensive.

I've said it before, and I'll no doubt say it again: flats are made of the same steel types as rounds. They get metal fatigue, lose intonation, etc., just like rounds. They don't have any magic properties that make them last longer. It's only that the players who like them will tolerate the sound longer.