Hopefully not silly string tension question, which EB flat group?

[Busterkilrain]

Hey Guys,
If you had been using a 105 gauge stainless steel round wound set and wanted to switch to a set of EB flats, which group would you choose?
Group III with a 100 gauge E or
Group IV with a 95 gauge E
I'm just worried about too much tension. I haven't used flats for quite some time.
Thanks in Advance,
Brent

 

[bdgotoh]

I use both III and IV sets, the IV is probably a bit lower tension than your .105 rounds and the III is maybe a touch more tension. If you can take a little increase go for the IIIs and if you'd rather have them be a little looser go for the IVs. Overall I'd guess the IIIs are closest to the .105 rounds I use.

Awesome strings, they are my fave flats and I've tried a bunch.

 

[Stephen]

For what it's worth:

A couple of weeks ago I went from Super Slinkies to Group III flats which are the same gauge. It is my impression that the tension is not that much different, but the flats still feel notably stiffer.

I did not have to do major adjustments to the rather soft neck of my cheap Sq**** Jazz type, which could be a hint on similar or close enough tension. But I could (and slowly did) lower the action with the Group III without running into mad buzzing.

I don't know what kind of stainless you are referring to, so your mileage might vary.

 

[five7]

I use both III and IV sets, the IV is probably a bit lower tension than your .105 rounds and the III is maybe a touch more tension. If you can take a little increase go for the IIIs and if you'd rather have them be a little looser go for the IVs. Overall I'd guess the IIIs are closest to the .105 rounds I use.

Awesome strings, they are my fave flats and I've tried a bunch.

How do you like the VIs?

 

[Busterkilrain]

For what it's worth:

A couple of weeks ago I went from Super Slinkies to Group III flats which are the same gauge. It is my impression that the tension is not that much different, but the flats still feel notably stiffer.

I did not have to do major adjustments to the rather soft neck of my cheap Sq**** Jazz type, which could be a hint on similar or close enough tension. But I could (and slowly did) lower the action with the Group III without running into mad buzzing.

I like the sound of that. Thanks!
Brent

 

[bdgotoh]

How do you like the VIs?

I love them, I have IVs on 3 basses and IIIs on 1 bass. I like the lighter tension of the IVs but the IIIs came on the bass and are perfect for it.

 

[projectapollo]

Group II

I decided to try flats, went to GC, and bought Group IIs, the only size they carried. Put them on my 25th. The string tension for playing was not bad at all and they sounded quite puncy. My concern was the tension on the neck. I had to dial in quite a bit of truss rod counter-tension to get the action back down to where is was with the super slinkys. Is that a concern for the health of the bass?

 

[bovinehost]

I had to dial in quite a bit of truss rod counter-tension to get the action back down to where is was with the super slinkys. Is that a concern for the health of the bass?

Nope, that's what the truss rod adjustment is there for.

Enjoy!

 

[kevins]

the tension has nothing to do with the sound amirite?