String tension thread.

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lumgimfong
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Posts: 704
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:57 pm

String tension thread.

Post by lumgimfong »

If you are wondering, here are some string tension listings. Add yours. Seems like this subject comes up sometimes.
These numbers came from company literature or company staff when I asked.


D'Addario

Flatwounds:
Chromes ECB84 (40-60-80-100) 172.13 lbs. set Perfect on Rickenbacker 4003 bass.

D'Addario ECB82 Chromes Flats (50-70-85-105)
224 lbs. set

LaBella
Roundwounds:
M45 Stainless Rounds Standard – Light 45-105 (170lbs.)
C900S Criterion Bass, Nickel Rounds – Standard
(170lbs.)
SN45 Nickel Rounds – 45-105 (170lbs.)
Flatwounds:
760FL-201.650 lbs

Rotosound
Roundwounds:
RS55LD – (45-65-85-105) 176.98lbs.
RS66LE – (50-70-85-110) 196.68lbs.
RS66LF – (45-65-85-105) 184.97lbs.
Flatwounds:
SM77 = 178.57 lbs.
RS77LD = 214.71 lbs.
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jai_the_bass
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Re: String tension thread.

Post by jai_the_bass »

Nice pdf reference chart from d'addario here on all their strings.... http://www.daddario.com/upload/tension_chart_13934.pdf
Can we have a bit more talent in the monitors please.....?
Benjamin
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Posts: 151
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:34 pm

Re: String tension thread.

Post by Benjamin »

DR do not provide string tensions, or at least they aren't easily found. I can only provide a comparison with Rickenbacker relevance - attempting to be objective but measuring by feel. I may be of no assistance whatsoever :D

My reference point is RotoSound RS66LD. If a set of RS66LF are 184.97lbs, then I guess that would place RS66LD at about 180-182lbs, given the skinnier A. I don't know what else is different between LD and LF.

I used RS66LD on my 34" scale Epiphone Ripper since early 2000s and my 2000 model 4003 for a few years.

I now use DR Hi-Beams on the Ripper - regular 45-105 set. These are noticeably lower tension than the RS66LD. Not floppy, but comfortably lower. I would estimate the Hi-Beams are 175-178lbs. There is enough tension that they still have that snap. Tone-wise I couldn't be happier. They aren't Rotos, but they aren't *that* far behind.

I tried the same DR Hi-Beam set on the Ric and felt the tension was too low. Guess is around 170lbs or even less. I can be heavy handed at times and the Hi-Beams would choke too quickly, necessitating a higher than desirable action. Also felt like the strings simply wobbled too much.

So for the Ric I switched to DR Lo-Riders and magically the tension is near identical to the Hi-Beams on the Ripper. Again, I guess that would place Lo-Riders at near 180lbs on a 34" scale and back around 175-178lbs on the Ric.

My measurements are likely all wrong, but I can't deny these strings felt very different, stark contrast. I have used other brands in the past, including flats and ground/pressure wound, and even ran a 110 set RS66LE to accommodate near permanent Drop-D on the Ripper.

I can say that if you're considering a long life string with some Roto character for your Ric, the standard gauge Lo-Riders are awesome. I can get the clank and grind and also the rubbery fatness when I want. I am not endorsed by DR either.
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