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Topic: String Tension: Variation Btw. Brands? |
Gerald Menke
From:
Stormville NY, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 7:17 am |
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Hello,
I'd like to learn what might cause variation in string tension brand to brand. I prefer the tension to be rather high, i.e. if I dig in with the bar a little, the strings don't really give. My Williams seems to have rather high tension, whereas the Fessenden I've been playing, set up with the same strings, using the same bar, tuned to A440 seems to have lower string tension. Strings just feel looser. Is there much variation in scale length brand to brand? Do all-pulls tend to have lower string tension than push-pulls? Two Emmons PP I played had very high string tension, like cheese graters! But I liked it. If anyone is aware of a previous thread on this topic, maybe you could point me in that direction.
Thanks for taking time to read my post.
Gerald |
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Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 7:41 am
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I don't know if it's still the same but back when I was playing full time (about 20 years) ago S.I.T. strings had just came out. I'd been using Ernie Ball .011's for my 3rd string. I put on a set of the S.I.T strings and had to adjust my pedal travel as it took more to bring it up to pitch. I put and Ernie Ball back on and it was OK.
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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 8:07 am
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| Emmons, Fessenden, and some others have a 24 1/4" scale. If your Williams has a 24" scale, that would account for the tension differences with the same string gauges. |
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Eddie Thomas
From:
Macon,Ga.,USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 8:48 am
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Gerald, I know exactly what you are saying. I have wondered the same thing myself. I prefer the push-pull string tension. The all- pull tends to feel mushy after you play a push-pull. Finally, someone else understands.
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Eddie Thomas 82' Push-Pull 98' Legrande II 99' Legrande II, and Evans Amps. |
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Nicholas Dedring
From:
Beacon, New York, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 9:06 am
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So, is the measurement different? Other than that, it doesn't make any sense that the tension could change... unless there's a weird X-factor involved. For that matter, I can't figure out how string tension would be any lower or higher between a push-pull and an all pull.
.011 wire needs [X] pounds of force to be at a given pitch, for a given scale length. The higher the scale length, the higher the tension to retain the same pitch.
I also like a pretty stiff feeling to the strings, at least lighter gauge ones. I've gotten accustomed to using .012s on the 3rd E9 string... just stands out better, sounds better, etc. (insert IMHO disclaimer here). |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 11:20 am
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There are differences in string tension between brands of steel that are the same scale length. I think the PP's have a long keyhead and that might make some difference. But then some guitars that look the same have a very different string tension feel.
I have never been able to figure it out.
Bob |
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Brad Sarno
From:
St. Louis, MO USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 12:19 pm
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Density of the metal used in the string can also make a difference in tension. For example, take two .011 strings, one a light alloy and one a dense heavy steel. The heavier string will need more tension to bring it up to pitch. Perhaps different brands use slightly different metal formulations. Just a thought.
Brad Sarno
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Gerald Menke
From:
Stormville NY, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2003 1:21 pm
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I should mention I am using Franklin strings on both steels (the Williams and the Fessenden). Clarification: My post does not address string brand tension variation, rather steel brand variation. I regret if that was not clear. A secondary question: Do you have a tension preference? As mentioned before, I prefer the stiffer string tension of the Williams, Zumsteel, and Emmons guitars. Have not played Mullens, EMCIs, Milleniums, Carters or Sho-Buds enough to make an assessment. Do you prefer a steel with a slightly "looser" feel? Look forward to your reply.
Gerald |
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Nicholas Dedring
From:
Beacon, New York, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2003 9:16 am
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| I can't contradict actual experience... I just can't figure out why that could be the case... the physics of it have me stumped... |
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Steve Schmidt
From:
Ramsey, MN, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2003 9:50 am
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| The Williams guitar is a 24 1/4" scale. |
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