Different kinds of strings.

play_bass_or_die_trying · Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 2:47 pm Post subject: Different kinds of strings.

So basically I know squat about strings. I know there are soft flatwound one's, that are mainly used for Jazz playing, but that's about it. I dont even play Jazz, that's just something I picked up. lol.

I was wondering if someone woudl be kind enough to give me a short write-up on the different kind's of string's and kindly explain what all those number's mean. You know the number's on the package that say thing's like .050 .065 .085 .100 and what the ML number's mean, like 9050 ML for example. I really have no idea of what any of that mean's, and I'm sure any knowledge would come in quite handy when experimenting with my next set of string's. I have only been playing for about 4 months now altogether, so I will basically be starting out on my quest for the right sounding strings I want with this. Thanks in advance.

Death Metall Bassist · Not So Newbie Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 8

Ok so look dude. bass strings don't have much of a differnece between strings. it all depends on the pick ups on the bass but strigns do have some differnce, and that is all in the sound and tone. For example i like to play metal so i should go with strings like DR and Didario strings. But go with the big companies like DR, Didario, Elixer, dont get GHS they suck i break them all the time, um what else dean markley. thats about it dude
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Firedancer23 · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 5:29 am Post subject:

Wow. This totally blows my mind. I'v ebeen playing for about a year now, oblivious to every thing that i could really be improving on. thank you for explaining.
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Ankhanu · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:48 am Post subject:

The numbers are the gauge of the string, or it's thickness. The larger the number, the thicker/heavier the string is. Technically, heavier strings will sustain longer, but lighter strings are easier to play and have a bit more snap.
If you change what gauge of string you are using, you may have to have a setup done to make sure that everything works as it should. Changing the gauge of the string changes exactly how much tension goes on the string to get it in tune, which can change how they bend the neck, how far they vibrate, etc.

There are different types of winding as well, which can affect tone:
Round wound: standard type of string; the inner core is wrapped with a round wire; brighter tone with strong attack

Flat wound: Inner wire is wrapped with a flat ribbon or wire, smooth to the touch; more rounded, duller tone, lots of mids and lows. A little more expensive than round wound, but sound better when old than rounds.

Half-Round: core is wrapped with a round wire with a flat top. Feels smoother than a round wound and has tonal qualities in between round and flat wound.

Scale length may also be a factor, and refers to the distance between the saddles and the nut. Chances are you're wanting long-scale strings to fit your instrument.

Firedancer23 · Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:37 pm Post subject:

have you ever broken any of the half-rounds? Are they as durable as the roundwounds?
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Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:07 am Post subject:

I haven't... but I've also not installed them on my basses, I've only played them on friends'. I use flats on my fretless and rounds on the others.
I don't tend to break strings anyway. I think in the past 10 years I've probably broken 3 strings.