Groundwounds?

StealingYerMail · #1 10-17-2011, 03:04 PM

I really like the sound of dead Hybrid Slinkies on my bass. So my gut is telling me to try flatwounds on my instrument. When it comes to rounds, I like DR Hi-Beams and Rotos, so I like them bright and with a some twang. That gives me second-thoughts on the flats.

I did a search for groundwounds, which are supposedly a mix between rounds and flats... but came up empty handed, except with a lead that what I was actually looking for was a "halfwound" string. Supposedly halfwounds are like roundwounds, but smoother.

So are these strings for people who just want smoother strings under their fingers? Or are they truly a mix of flat and round tone? I like the hi-fi brightness some rounds give, but I also like that sexy thunking sound that seems to come from flats.

What are you experiences with halfwounds/groundwounds? Are they the same thing?

**jbybj** · #2 10-17-2011, 03:12 PM

I believe that Groundwounds are what Dean Markley used to call their version of this style of string. I used them decades ago and really liked them. I don't now when they stopped making them. "Halfwounds" are D'Addario's name for what I believe to be essentially the same thing. A round wound string that has the edges flattened out. I find the D'Addarios to be nice and pingy, more like a round sound with a flat feel. Just like the Dean Markley's used to be.........

lowfreq33 · #3 10-17-2011, 03:23 PM

Personally I find half rounds to be the worst of both worlds. YMMV.

StealingYerMail · #4 10-17-2011, 03:48 PM

Well, if it's essentially a "pingy" string with a smoother feel, sounds like I should just skip over this idea. No point in going for a string just to decrease the abrasiveness in my opinion.

mmbongo · #5 10-17-2011, 03:50 PM

I despise flats with a passion.

You want a Pressure Wound string. Get in touch with Jason at Bass Strings Online (Welcome to Bass Strings Online - Your Custom Bass String Shop...) and he can recommend a set for you. Not only does he love Pressure Wounds, but he'll get you the best price possible on them.

mmbongo · #6 10-17-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealingYerMail

Well, if it's essentially a "pingy" string with a smoother feel, sounds like I should just skip over this idea. No point in going for a string just to decrease the abrasiveness in my opinion.

They are not really smoother than a string like DR Sunbeams or Circle K's. By that I mean Sunbeams are less 'grabby' than Pressure Wounds.