| Author |
Topic: string question |
Stephen Williams
From:
from Wales now in Berkeley,Ca, USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2013 6:32 pm |
|
I have been using guitar strings for now and notice that the extra half inch or so of return winding around the core at the ball end actually shows up beyond the changer and into the fretboard area so-to-speak.
I. e. if the string is supported between say the nut and the changer (2 points) then this extra bit of winding becomes part of it. It seems then that the string core is compromised by this little bit of winding. It also makes the string stand up proud of other strings.
I'll post pic if, as is likely I don't make sense.
Do steel strings have same extra winding bit like guitar strings then? |
|
|
|
Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
|
Posted 29 Jun 2013 6:07 am
|
|
Hi Stephen. Welcome to the forum.
Yes, I think most plain steel guitar strings have the long twists same as regular guitar strings. Exceptions might be, but only for the 3rd string, that Jagwire used to market as a "short twist", making the end barb and twist stay off the changer finger radius. It's not as big a problem with the wound strings.
I talked to Sid Hudson, proprietor of the fabulous Live Steel Strings company about this situation some time back and he promised to look into having his mfg. reduce the twist length.
Several years ago, when David McKnight was selling the original Jagwire strings, they came with a coiled wrap rather than a twist as shown in the photo below of a .020 ga. plain string in the 6th string position on the changer, as is the coiled .020 plain lying there on the pink thing.
If I'd been smart, I would have bought a couple dozen sets for both necks at that time. As I stated, it's been several years so I don't recall longevity or tone characteristics, but for sure they were lots easier on the fingers.
The current Jagwires are not like this and do have the twisted ends.
I have inquired about having a distributor research who made these coiled windings, but never heard anything back from anyone.
I guess it's just you and me who are bothered by it. Seems to me because the end wrap rests on the finger, it could lead to premature breakage. Also the twists and sharp barbs can deform and gouge a soft aluminum finger, but that's the way they've always been to my knowledge save the few exceptions noted.
 |
|
|
|
Sid Hudson
From:
Virginia, USA
|
Posted 29 Jun 2013 7:58 am
|
|
Jerry, thank you for your compliment on our Live Steel Strings.
I remember the conversation you and I had about a year ago regarding short twists on plain strings.
As I promised, from that date to present I have had all Live Steel plain strings produced with short twists. Most players are uncomfortable with long twist strings for various reasons.
1. Possible damage to changer fingers over time.
2. Premature string breakage
The point of greatest string pressure is where the string starts over the surface of the changer finger. If the twist is so long that it is lying in this area, it could result in premature string breakage. (It knifes itself into)
All Live Steel plain strings have very short twists.
Thanks again Jerry.
Sid |
|
|
|
Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
|
Posted 29 Jun 2013 8:11 am
|
|
Well, there 'ya go  ... Sid, you are a man of your word. Thank you for listening to and addressing your users issues. Love those Live Steel Strings 
I'm sure everyone will be pleased to read your updated info here. I know I am. |
|
|
|
