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Topic: Strings |
Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 10 Aug 2007 7:35 pm |
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On my eight string guitars strung with the proper gauge, to me, older bass strings (wound) sound better than new ones; but the plain ones sound better new (a few days old).
Ideally bass strings about six months old and plain ones about one week old sound best.
The 4th string (wound) sounds better if it's new, in all tunings __ the newer the better (E on top of all tunings). It seems I always can't get the volume I want from the 4th string. I make up this difference by picking it harder than the rest.
Can anyone add to this? What's your formula for getting your best sound? |
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Marty Smith
From:
California
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Posted 17 Aug 2007 3:05 pm
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| I like all my strings best after 2 months. |
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Chris Scruggs
From:
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Posted 20 Aug 2007 9:51 pm
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My general rule is I change my wound strings every other time I change my plain strings.
My low string has been a .068 tuned to bass A. I usually change this string once a year. However, I recently switched from a roundwound .068 to a flatwound .065 and am toying with the idea of leaving it on there for good.
My reasoning is, new plain strings make for easier cleaner harmonics and older wound strings make for less bar hiss.
Rick, I agree with you about the fourth string. I can never decide whether to change that .024w with the plains or to leave it on with the rest of the wounds. I think I'm always the happiest when I change it. However, next time I change strings, I will be putting a plain .024 on for the fourth string. |
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basilh
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 21 Aug 2007 1:25 am
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For tonal quality and HARMONIC response it must be new strings.
See :-
http://www.b0b.com/infoedu/steelstr.htm
Now whilst this is aimed PRIMARILY at pedal steel players, the crux remains, in particular the statement that "If you didn't play a note on your guitar for three weeks you'd still need to change them"
Bad technique is the main reason for "not liking new wound strings"
If you have problems with Noise from newer wound strings get a "Tribotone"
Ask the pro's and you'll get similar thoughts to those of Paul Franklin above.
IMHO |
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George Piburn
From:
The Land of Enchantment New Mexico
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Posted 21 Aug 2007 6:01 am edit
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edit
Last edited by George Piburn on 19 Jun 2012 6:24 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 21 Aug 2007 6:41 am
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The guitar I play most is a Fender Dual Pro. Seemingly it's characteristics are very different from a pedal steel guitar. I play both; but I like non-pedal best.
I don't like some of the sounds I hear from some very accomplished players __ but that's just my taste and it means something only to me.
I'm much in agreement with harmonics on new strings __ much more dynamic.
Chris, my guess you'll go back to the 4th wound. But, keep the plain on long enough to give it a fair trial. For me the plain doesn't hold tuning as well as the wound either. |
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 21 Aug 2007 8:20 pm
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Consider GHS Pure Nickel Rollerwound strings. Kinda halfway between wound and flat-wound.
(did that make any sense?) |
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