Q: How come the same brand, gauge, and type of strings feel stiffer or less stiff on different guitars?

A: There are a number of factors that determine the tension of the strings and how they feel on a given guitar or bass:

• String gauge

• String materials

• The ratio between string core and wrap

• Scale length

• The break angle of the string at the nut and the bridge

• Amount of neck relief

• Action

Our friends at D'Addario have a very useful chart on their site that covers the tensions for a wide array of strings of various types. It's a big help if you want to maintain the same tension when using alternate tunings, for example.