Low tension strings

**Basshead** · 10-08-2020, 05:06 PM

Hi fellas, Im looking for some pure nickel 10s for my Les Paul, Id like them to be ins the low tension league as I think this neck is not standing heavy strings no more, specially now that I live close to the sea, its seems to be bending a bit.

Which ones would you recommend me? thanks!

**vintagelove** · 10-08-2020, 05:14 PM

TI for sure.

**omphalopsychos** · 10-08-2020, 05:52 PM

Flat or round?

If the answer is flat, then TI Swing.

If the answer is round, then Newtone Archtop.

**Basshead** · 10-08-2020, 06:06 PM

I guess pure nickel is round? Hmmmm not sure about that right now, I like those Fender pure nickel 10s Stern used to use but they tend to break a lot in my Les Paul.

**rob taft** · 10-08-2020, 06:30 PM

Second what Neatomic says above. In addition if you are breaking .10s on your Les Paul, there are other issues e.g. bridge, nut etc. I use .11 D'Addario Nickel stings on my Les Paul and I can't remember the last time I broke a string. I use .10s on my Tele and ditto. I use Thomastik flats for my archtops as they last a long time, even longer if you just change out the two plain steel strings instead of a whole set and I like the feel. Again, I haven't broken a string in years and I play every day. Now nylons are a whole different bag.

----------edit---------------
PS: I posted this below a post from Neatomic that is no longer there or maybe I'm delusional...a possibility.

**neatomic** · 10-08-2020, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Basshead

Hi fellas, Im looking for some pure nickel 10s for my Les Paul, Id like them to be ins the low tension league as I think this neck is not standing heavy strings no more, specially now that I live close to the sea, its seems to be bending a bit.

that's what the trussrod is for...to adjust if neck moves with string tension or just temp/humdity changes

no low tension string like thomastk be-bops...soft pure nickel roundwound wrap on a thin inner round core...

it's all about core to wrap ratio...and thoms have thin cores!

cheers

ps- rt^...had problems with my og post..hence this repost

**Gabor** · 10-09-2020, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by Basshead

Hi fellas, Im looking for some pure nickel 10s for my Les Paul, Id like them to be ins the low tension league as I think this neck is not standing heavy strings no more, specially now that I live close to the sea, its seems to be bending a bit.

Which ones would you recommend me? thanks!

what about adjusting the truss rod?

**Basshead** · 10-09-2020, 03:32 PM

Thanks mates, Ive been doing some adjustments today, now the truss rod is more tight so neck is more straight which is cool but I dont like it much, easier to play but weird for bendings to me.
I actually just realized that I had 11s on this guitar cause I just put Daddario XL 10s just to have something till I buy something you recommend me and surprise... is too bright and too close to the fretboard plus too thin... now I have to release the truss rod a bit, I guess, cause I prefer the action to be a bit higher, I like players like Carlton, Scofield... not into sweep picking anymore LOL

So what about flat wounds 10s... would be darker, same kinda tension or even easier for bendings?

**sgosnell** · 10-09-2020, 03:55 PM

Setting up a guitar can be complicated, because the trussrod, nut, and bridge height are all tightly interconnected. If the neck is straight and the strings are too close to the frets, raise the bridge. The nut slots have to be the right depth for anything else to work right, but it's sort of possible to live with high nut slots if you're willing to compromise on action height. Once the nut slots are right (and this is a subjective subject) I adjust the trussrod to get the neck straight. Others prefer a little relief, and that's also a subjective subject. Once that is set, adjust the bridge to remove as much fret buzz as you want. Some people are willing to accept some fret buzz (Herb Ellis, par example), some aren't, and it depends on your playing style. Everything is a compromise, and your acceptable compromises are not anyone else's. Don't be afraid of adjusting things, as it can all be easily reversed. Raising the bridge involves only turning the adjustment wheels, whichever direction is needed. The trussrod nut turns both ways. Just be gentle, and turn it only a little at a time, and see what it needs afterwards.

I'm not a fan of flatwound strings, but that's another entirely subjective area. You've already been given recommendations for both flats and wounds. Try them out, it's not that expensive.

For string breakage, carefully check the bridge saddle slots. Strings should not break often. If there is any roughness in the slot, that's the cause of the strings breaking. Judicious use of a file and/or fine sandpaper can take care of that.

**Basshead** · 10-09-2020, 04:24 PM

Dummie question! does d'addario strings xl 10 have more tension overall than thomastik js110?

**Dennis D** · 10-09-2020, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Basshead

Dummie question! does d'addario strings xl 10 have more tension overall than thomastik js110?

The String Guy on Pyramid Strings

Hope this helps......

**Basshead** · 10-09-2020, 05:58 PM

Thanks Dennis, it really helps!

I was just looking around and Ive found the lowest tension ones are actually pure nickel (my favorites normally) and I dont know why the cheapest ones here in Europe, only 4 bucks per pack!

Pyramid Electric Strings 010-046 – Thomann UK

**neatomic** · 10-09-2020, 06:13 PM

pyramid is a great company...like thomastik..old school european string makers...that use premium pure nickel for their flatwounds...(usa string makers use stainless steel)

pyramid pure nickels are great...rounds or flats...just get the round inner core version for even less tension feel

max at pyramid is top guy..he recently handwound some beautiful strings for a specific project i was working on

thomastiks are special because they deliberately use a thin inner core wire for low tension feel...the wrap to core ratio!

cheers

**Basshead** · 10-09-2020, 06:17 PM

Cheers neatomic, where I can find the ¨round inner core version¨? could you please tell me which model from this list?
I really appreciatte your help guys, I did not know these companies

https://www.thomann.de/gb/pyramid_01..._e-guitar.html

**neatomic** · 10-09-2020, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Basshead

Cheers neatomic, where I can find the ¨round inner core version¨? could you please tell me which model from this list?
I really appreciatte your help guys, I did not know these companies

either is great

Pyramid Nickel Classics Regular010-046 – Thomann UK

Pyramid Studio Masters Nickel ClassicR – Thomann UK

also make sure to follow the directions given involving stringing!

luck

cheers

**Basshead** · 10-10-2020, 05:26 AM

Thanks guys, Ima try to adjust the bridge today, the neck now is pretty straight but I might like a bit of relief for bendings, then Ima try to do the intonation, which seems more tricky, then I might take it to my luthier friend finally LOL

I will try those strings, good looking and good price too!

**sgosnell** · 10-10-2020, 02:27 PM

Intonation with a tune-o-matic is easy enough. You just turn the screws and move the saddles fore or aft until it's right. It does need a strobe tuner for real accuracy, but any tuner should get you in the ballpark. There are many tutorials and videos out on the interwebz that explain it. A good place to begin is frets.com.