Flatwound strings with the least tension in *relative* numbers

[Phaidrus]

While a very interesting thread is currently compiling an inclusive catalogue of all flatwound strings, I'd like to look for the set of flatwound strings with the least amount of tension but for the same gauge(s) - existing or projected.

Meaning, not comparing a set of TI flats (43-56-70-100) to a set of DR Legend (45-65-85-105) but, say, a set of Dunlop flats (45-65-85-105) to a set of GHS Precision Flats (45-65-85-105). Or alternatively, comparing the tension of TI flats if they were 45-65-85-105 to a set of equivalent gauge.

* I'm arbitrarily taking the 45-65-85-105 gauge as a reference standard. It could be any one obviously.

 

[michael_t]

So, are you talking about "tension" as in pulling weight? Or, are you more concerned about stiffness/flexibility as in playing feel?

 

[Phaidrus]

So, are you talking about "tension" as in pulling weight? Or, are you more concerned about stiffness/flexibility as in playing feel?

Referring to tension in the sense of pulling weight (in lbs or kg, if known).

 

[LetItGrowTone]

At the same diameter and tuning, a string will have less tension if it weighs less per unit length.

So it must be made of a lighter metal (stainless steel weighs less than nickel),
or it must be made of less metal, i.e., must have gaps between the windings.

The flat with the widest gaps in the outer winding that I'm aware of is Cobalts.
TIJFs (and at least one other but I forgot which) have a non-metal layer (silk), but it's extremely thin (and the outer winding is nickel).

 

[Phaidrus]

At the same diameter and tuning, a string will have less tension if it weighs less per unit length.

So it must be made of a lighter metal (stainless steel weighs less than nickel),
or it must be made of less metal, i.e., must have gaps between the windings.

The flat with the widest gaps in the outer winding that I'm aware of is Cobalts.

Interesting! So Cobalts must also be quite flexible/pliable for flats given the wider gaps.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Referring to tension in the sense of pulling weight (in lbs or kg, if known).

That's an interesting metric, but as a player, I am way more interested in how strings feel while playing.

 

[g-dude]

Sort of seems like an angels on the head of a pin type discussion, to be honest.

I just buy TI strings and go about my day.

 

[Phaidrus]

That's an interesting metric, but as a player, I am way more interested in how strings feel while playing.

Sure, same here. I'm referring to pulling tension given that it most times correlates with how strings feel in that respect while playing.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

No, stiffness has a big effect on the feeling of apparent tension.
("They" say.)

 

[Phaidrus]

Sort of seems like an angels on the head of a pin type discussion, to be honest.

I just buy TI strings and go about my day.

Angels on the head of a pin sounds quite intriguing! Kind of like Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

 

[g-dude]

Angels on the head of a pin sounds very intriguing! Kind of like Lucy in the sky with diamonds.

Might be a good CCM praise band name, now that I think of it.

The expression comes from pointless theological discussions and disagreements that people would have back in the day when they went down a rabbit hole.

It’s like proto-“arguing on the internet”.

 

[Phaidrus]

No, stiffness has a big effect on the feeling of apparent tension.
("They" say.)

Yes, I suppose so. But manufacturers don't publish any numbers to objectively compare sets of strings in terms of stiffness/pliability.

 

[g-dude]

No, stiffness has a big effect on the feeling of apparent tension.
("They" say.)

There’s a joke to be made there, but I suspect that would run afoul of the rules.

 

[g-dude]

Yes, I suppose so. But manufacturers don't publish any numbers to objectively compare sets of strings in terms of stiffness/pliability.

You’re spot on about that - it’s sort of frustrating, which is why I basically gave up on most string companies, and go with known quantities.

 

[Phaidrus]

There’s a joke to be made there, but I suspect that would run afoul of the rules.

 

[skycruiser]

Some companies do provide tension data. D'Addario has a "String Tension Pro" site that let's you see the values for their string sets. Here's an example output:

You can go back and forth between unit weight and tension using this (in inch, pound units):

T (Tension) = (UW x (2 x L x F)^2) / 386.4

F = Frequency
UW = Unit Weight
L= Length

 

[Deleted member 165050]

Interesting comparison, having used La Bella LTFs and TIJFs which I think have the same gauges I find the La Bellas feel softer but most people describe the TIJFs as lowest tension...

 

[g-dude]

Interesting comparison, having used La Bella LTFs and TIJFs which I think have the same gauges I find the La Bellas feel softer but most people describe the TIJFs as lowest tension...

I can only compare my LaBellas on my Höfner, which are indeed very low tension, but I think that’s more the bass application in question.

 

[Phaidrus]

Some companies do provide tension data. D'Addario has a "String Tension Pro" site that let's you see the values for their string sets. Here's an example output:

View attachment 4172486


You can go back and forth between unit weight and tension using this (in inch, pound units):

T (Tension) = (UW x (2 x L x F)^2) / 386.4

F = Frequency
UW = Unit Weight
L= Length

Interesting. The site even calculates the tension of a pure nickel roundwound or flatwound set, which D'Addario don't make, as far as I know.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

Dogals are really low tension