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Post subject: "Standard Tension" strings
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:20 am
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Are Fender's standard tension strings easier or harder to play than others? It's not clear to me if they are a little "floppier" or "stiffer" than normal strings. I have small, weak hands due to a medical condition and it would be helpful to find strings that are easier to play.

Also, in basic terms what are the differences between pure nickel, nickel-plated and steel strings? And are either of these easier to fret, bend etc than the others?

Thanks.


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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:36 pm
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well, think about it, if you want to do lots of bends and stuff, you want lighter strings.

you don't want to be trying to do bends on flippin' power-line wire.


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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:30 pm
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Thought about that a long time ago. I use 9 through 42 - any lighter and the tone is crap. So the logical next step is to look at the string type and material.


Last edited by Revolution Blues on Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:44 pm
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yeah.
it's all preference to be honest.
you gotta find your tone.


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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:19 pm
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Just make sure they are pure nickel. I don't buy into the string size = tone argument. Use what feels right.


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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:24 pm
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You might get away with heavier strings by setting the action lower...

n.


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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:27 pm
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noley wrote:
You might get away with heavier strings by setting the action lower...

n.

problem with that is youll get buzz

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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:32 pm
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Yes, my action is already as low as it will go with buzzing/choking. And I have the trem down on the body which helps too. So, I've got the setup and string guage, all that is left is the right type of string.

So anyone know if "standard tension" means floppier than other strings? And what are the differences between different materials?


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Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:46 pm
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Bump. Looking for the answer! ;0)

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Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:00 pm
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I wouldn't think they would be either floppier or stiffer. In standard tuning they should not be any different feeling than other strings. There would be less tension on the neck, meaning that neck relief would have be adjusted so the neck did not back bow.
The strings would be easier to depress.

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Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:02 pm
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Thanks dude.

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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:00 pm
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Gosh, sorry I didn't see this thread sooner... Let me try to answer your question a little more clearly.

Fender has offered its own proprietary brand of strings since the 60s. As part of the Fender factory setup, our guitars are strung with either Original 150s or NPS 250s. Combined with the 25.5" scales of Strats and Teles, both 150s and 250s have a bit stiffer, snappier feel to them than many other brands, which is part of what contributes to that classic tone and feel.

The new Standard Tension 250s were developed in response to those players that wanted a lighter, stretchier set of strings. They're made of the same Nickel-Plated Steel and wound on the same equipment as our other sets. They have LESS tension applied during the winding process, which makes them more flexible and easy to bend, without sacrificing that classic Fender tone!

If you've been using other brands to try to get this kind of feel or you have been itching to experiment with a new setup, you may want to give these a shot. Go check 'em out!
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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:11 pm
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RB, Thanks for putting this thread in. I learned a few things about strings I had not even known.

JD, Thanks for the clear and professional answer on this subject. Taught me stuff I did not even know about strings.

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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:28 pm
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Wow...I just learned a lot about strings in about 5 minutes of reading. Thanks for the information!


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Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:29 pm
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Awesome, no problem BP!

Also - for those that don't know about the different choices of materials, most electric strings are either going to be Pure Nickel or Nickel-Plated Steel (NPS).

Pure nickel strings are often preferred by players who are going for a more "vintage" or "bluesier" tone and to my ears tends to be a little darker or raw sounding.

NPS reacts well with the pickups when used with overdrive or distortion and is a little more resistant to corrosion. NPS is used on most of the guitars hanging on the walls of your favorite music store.

Stainless Steel, while less common, is great for high output and long playing life, but can be kind of hard on your frets.

Now go out and rock!
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