I have some 1954s on my bass now, but I was wondering if there was a string out there that was even higher tension, but hopefully not being much larger in diameter.
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Higher tension than Labella 1954s?
- Thread starter sing-modulator
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- tension
- Jul 28, 2006
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The only flat I have tried that I would rate as high or higher are the Rotosound Steve Harris signature set.
They certainly feel tighter to me, with their special alloy.
They certainly feel tighter to me, with their special alloy.
Not floppy, just not as tense as upright bass strings, which I'm more accustomed to.
I'm playing a 4003, and I trust the double truss rod. As far as my hands, I'm used to upright bass strings which have helped me build up a lot of hand strength. I'm not totally convinced that I want to use tighter strings, but I'm curious what options there are.
I don't think electric bass strings can safely get near as high a tension as an upright. They are constructed so differently that i'm not sure that's a reasonable expectation. You may have better luck learning to adjust your hands and adapt the amount of pressure used when switching to electric, rather than expecting to set up an electric to feel like an upright. The heavier gauge Labella's are are probably your best bet IMO, they are pretty dang stiff.
The way of fretting on bass is very different from upright though. I don't think you should compare the two. With upright you can use more and larger muscle groups. Electric relies more on hand and some arm muscles. It's easier to overstrain them and cause permanent damage.
Going even tighter just sounds like a bad idea long term.
Going even tighter just sounds like a bad idea long term.
As Klonk said, and as I distinctly remember other folks who had experience with both describing, the Rotosound Jazz 77 high-tension set (RS77LE) and the Steve Harris signature set (SH77) should be, and perhaps more importantly feel, even tighter than the Jamersons.
Alternatively, as suggested by Jason above, look for a light gauge flat B and build a set from there.
FWIW (not exactly the same sitch because of the difference in scale, and also inherent string tension/flexibility, but still), have a look here - our admin, also primarily a DB player, reports back on uptuning a Thomastik-Infeld flatwound low-B set to E- etc., on a short scale bass:
Flat wound fretless high C options
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I use Labella 760FS, which are pretty stiff, & I play nearer to the bridge for a stiffer feel. But, that's probably not the answer you were looking for.
Just play behind the pickup cover.