The different types of strings
 

I know this has probably been done before but it's not here anymore, so....

Most of us know this stuff, thats why this is just for beginners.

-[B]ROUNDWOUNDS[/B]
These are the most popular types of strings. On almost every fretted bass, you will see roundounds. They are the brightest type of string. They dont last long (there is exceptions which we will get to). Their average shelf time is 3 months (not much compared to others). They are ridgedy and if you look closely, they look look like a tightley wound spring.
[IMG]http://saitenkatalog.de/catalog/images/roundwound.jpg[/IMG]

-[B]FLATWOUNDS[/B]
These are usuallly only used on fretless basses. This is because they do less damge to the fingerboard. They last much longer then roundwounds. This is because they are smooth and they consist of no ridges. Their tone is much more "dead" and "dull" then roundwounds. Flats are smooth but they are a "sticky" smooth.
[IMG]http://saitenkatalog.de/catalog/images/flatwound.jpg[/IMG]

-[B]GROUNDWOUNDS/HALFROUNDS[/B]
These are a new and rare breed of strings. So far they have proven to be only partially successful. They were made to combine the best of both roundwounds (their bright tone) and flatwounds (their long life). They feel smooth like flatwounds but have a slight grittyness to them. The most popular and available brand of these strings are the D'Addario Halfrounds.
[IMG]http://www.zone0ne.com/bassics/gif/groundwound.gif[/IMG]

-[B]ELIXIRS[/B]
These are the roundwound exceptuions. IMO, this string brand deserves its own section. These are specially coated roundwound strings that last just as long as flatwounds, but they maintain a great brightnes throughout their shelf life.

There are two different kinds of elixers.

The first and original is the polyweb. It has numerous coats on it. These maintain a very long life but they present small problems. First of all, they shed. You strings will look like they are growing hair. this is because the coats will start to come off. They feel very "plasticy" becuase of all the coats, which will probably turn you off.
[IMG]http://www.klemisch.de/elixir-standard.jpg[/IMG]

The other type is the new and improved nanoweb. They are very smooth (not sticky smooth like flats) and they don't shed. The reason for this is that they have a very smal microscopic coat that lasts very long and doesn't get hairy.
[url]http://strings.ioffer.com/img/1104480000/_i/5007341/t_1.jpg[/url] (damn image limit!)


Then there is even more different brands of strings. All these can be found at [url]http://www.justrings.com[/url] and [url]http://webstrings.com[/url]

By dull, do you mean bassier? Or is it a very bad sort of dull?

i think he means less treble - sounds more mellow and smooth, not in a bad way

what killer fridge said. :thumb:


i cant believe i never said mellow in that.

What about Tapercore? Those should have its own category if elixers do. Tapercores are different than regulars.

are tapewounds the same as tarercore? if so or now, what category are they?

You didn't even touch upon core types. Also, when you say shelf life, that means how long they last, not how long you use them. Shelf life is usually used when you talk about food and how long they last before they rot.

[QUOTE=Elemetal]What about Tapercore? Those should have its own category if elixers do. Tapercores are different than regulars.[/QUOTE]
Tapewound?

Wow..... For someone who knows all about those strings you don't know what tapercore is???????? wow.......

i was just bored when i made this and i didnt feel like typing anymore so i stopped. i know what tapercore is, they are stainless steel strings, i was jsut making sure you were talking about that, not tapewound, sorry you ****in elitist. :rolleyes:

Lol thats alright. I think you should review on tapercore though. They are different.

[QUOTE=Elemetal]Lol thats alright. I think you should review on tapercore though. They are different.[/QUOTE]
I think i will do this again, when i have more energy. i just got tired, you know?

Fair Enough.

Also What about Half round?

[url]http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9638259#post9638259[/url]

[QUOTE=MuRd0K][url]http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9638259#post9638259[/url][/QUOTE]
Oh sh[B]i[/B]t. I had no idea. Was that in the archives?

WM- you can close this.

[QUOTE=Elemetal]Also What about Half round?[/QUOTE]
Its where I put "Groundwounds/Halfrounds"; ironic, huh?

Elixir strings do deserve a class of their own. I bought a bass that came with the polyweb coated strings and they are the best strings I have ever seen. Nice and smooth and you don't get that finger screech when you slide.

-X

[QUOTE=Genisis X]Elixir strings do deserve a class of their own. I bought a bass that came with the polyweb coated strings and they are the best strings I have ever seen. Nice and smooth and you don't get that finger screech when you slide.

-X[/QUOTE]

Elixer's arent a type of string, it just has a coating. I use "type of string" as in a string with a certain kind of construction to it.

Also, if you're going to just type something up that's incomplete and finish it later, save it on your computer instead of wasting everyones time with this, especially since it's been written before.

the (-X)
is a signature.

You know, the things people put at the end of things they write?

(let me know if that's too complicated for your fragile little mind)

-X

And I know they are not a type of string. They are a brand. I was merely saying that because they are so good they deserve a class of their own.

I'll try not to include stuff that is not completely literal from now on. Just for your benefit. okay?

-X

[QUOTE=Genisis X]And I know they are not a type of string. They are a brand. I was merely saying that because they are so good they deserve a class of their own.

I'll try not to include stuff that is not completely literal from now on. Just for your benefit. okay?

-X[/QUOTE]
I was just commenting that Elixers arent really in a category in itself. Have you tried DR Strings? They have coatings on them too, mabye they should get a category of their own.

And the incomplete comment, it wasnt directed towards you, it was directed towards muthafunkabass. Don't get all defensive.

[QUOTE=doodooking]Elixer's arent a type of string, it just has a coating. I use "type of string" as in a string with a certain kind of construction to it.

Also, if you're going to just type something up that's incomplete and finish it later, save it on your computer instead of wasting everyones time with this, especially since it's been written before.[/QUOTE]
Alright.

Oh man, it's incredible the difference in the sound different strings make. I just started using flatwound strings and they're so different feeling than my usual roundwounds...