Flatwounds vs Tapewounds

[Daftom]

How much less fret wear does one get with nylon tapewounds, compared to nickel flatwounds?

Which string type lasts longer?

What's the tonal difference?

[CBgaragebassist]

You won't get much fretwear with flats, but hypothetically, nylons are less likely to wear. They last about the same, usually. And tapewounds tend to be a bit brighter than most flats.

[fretlessguy]

They are both prone to lasting a quite a while. They are also similar in sound, hovering around the lower end and having a less bright higher end. The differences are the tape of the tapewounds they are usually quite thicker in gauge than the flatwounds (with the exception of the new GHS tapes). Tapes, at least the ones I have used, are not quite as punchy in their attack as flats are. They are a little more soft. Both can be used to emulate an upright sound (although nothing sounds like an upright).

[rymiraflores]

Originally Posted by Daftom

How much less fret wear does one get with nylon tapewounds, compared to nickel flatwounds?

Which string type lasts longer?

What's the tonal difference?

I have used the same set of TI jazz flats on my shecter elite 5 since I bought them new 6 years ago...still perfect sound and NO fret wear at all...there were a few marks on the frets which I thought were wear...but they polished off....really I cant see past TIs

[Daftom]

Thanks for your input!

I know the fret wear is rather minimal with nickel flats too but I'm just really paranoid of any kind of fret wear.

The only downside with tapewounds that I can think of is that the tone might be slightly less versatile... More thumpy? Which I like occasionally, but not always.

I would love to hear a soundclip with nylons if anyone has got any.

The GHS seem to have a roundwound core as opposed to the more common flatwound core... what's the difference? Brighter tone? Same longevity? Same fret wear?

[lmfreeman9]

Just like flats are less versatile than rounds, Tapes are less versatile than flats.

[Pilgrim]

Frets are like brake shoes on a car - if you use it long enough, they wear. You replace them, then play it some more.

No reason not to minimize fret wear, but don't get hung up on avoiding it.

[Krucial]

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Just like flats are less versatile than rounds, Tapes are less versatile than flats.

I assume that everybody understand that this is although presented as a fact is just a personel opinion.
IMO tapes are more versatile than flats, because of they give you more dynamic expression in the high frequencies and they give a very nice, kind of slapping sound, when they hit the fretboard when you play rough.

Also: versatile and good sounding are two different things.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by lmfreeman9

Tapes are less versatile than flats.

That's not been my experience.

[MNAirHead]

PM me for a a sound clip

Tim

Originally Posted by Daftom

Thanks for your input!

I know the fret wear is rather minimal with nickel flats too but I'm just really paranoid of any kind of fret wear.

The only downside with tapewounds that I can think of is that the tone might be slightly less versatile... More thumpy? Which I like occasionally, but not always.

I would love to hear a soundclip with nylons if anyone has got any.

The GHS seem to have a roundwound core as opposed to the more common flatwound core... what's the difference? Brighter tone? Same longevity? Same fret wear?

[richnota]

i'm addicted to the feel and sound of tapewounds. I find tapes are significantly different than metal flats--I suggest you try both at some point (its worth the expense to find the right string considering its the fundamental interface with your instrument).

Carvin.com offers labella tapewounds at a very reasonable price.