E-String stripped of coils at Bridge

[Rebmo]

I saw this picture of a P-Bass and just bought a 09 Fender American Standard P-bass with Fender strings that has the E-String stripped down to the core as it crosses the bridge Just like the pic). The full coil continues up the string beyond the bridge.

My question is - Why and how is this done. Assuming there is a good reason (sustain?) to remove the outer windings on this lower section of the string, do the strings come that way or do you unwind them yoursef?

I have always strung my bass with the full coil wrap left on all the way down to the end. Need to learn, so if anyone knows the tech details of this E-string configuration I would appreciate an explanation.

Thanks in advance for any advice, Reb

[lowendfriend]

You buy them that way......it is a taper-wound. Usually will only see it on E's and B's.

There are some folks who allege that you get better intonation and so-called "better witness point" on the saddle with the taper wound strings.

My warwick bridge is designed for taper wound at the saddle, though you can always file the gap and lower the saddle to compensate for the use of non-tapered strings.

[Rebmo]

Thanks, I had never seen strings come with the taper and evidently the Fender strings are available with the taper, nor have I looked for them. I couldn't see myself stripping the outer coils off the E and getting as clean a look as the strings that came on my P-bass. Although, my P-bass is strung through the body, and if I were to string through the bridge (can do either way) I would think the coil would be anther inch from the bridge. I will have to dig deeper and look at the tapered strings or I may just stick with the GHS Boomers without the taper. Interesting that Fender strings them this way.

Anyway, thanks again, appreciate you sharing your knowledge,

Reb

[Rebmo]

I found this on the Fender site regarding 8250 Fender tapered bass strings for string through body bridges:

"Nothing beats the 8250s and 8255s for intonation and balance. These unique bass strings are wound on a round core with a tapered winding on the E and B strings. The 8250s are designed to fit Fender's® string-through body basses, while the 8255s are designed for any long scale bass that is strung through the bridge. Superior balance and tone- you will hear the difference!"

Fender does make another string for the string through bridge and it is not a tapered E.

Thanks again LEF, I have learned something new.

Reb

[mccartneyman]

Not every taper core has the single wire like this E string. I think Rototsound was the first manufaturer to come up with this approach, which they call "Piano String Design". Ken Smith and GHS offer taper core strings also. My Lakland nickel wounds, made by GHS, have a taper core B string. I've used the PSD Rotos and, honestly, didn't hear any difference.