Tapered/exposed core: Why??

[cassius987]

(Yes I searched the forum first... not a lot of general threads about this I could find.)

We often see large strings, especially bigger than .1'', with tapered or exposed cores. It's so common I realized I take it for granted--it just "should" be that way. But why?

Here's all I could think of... something to do with accommodating narrow saddles if the string is large, getting a bigger break angle with lower action on Fender-style bridges, or some potentially dubious claim about tonal effects. If a core goes far past the saddle before getting to full thickness it can actually cause problems according to some so I have to wonder why people even do it at all. I have had big, untapered strings installed before that sounded as good as anything else.

So can anyone explain to me the true rationale of a tapered/exposed core?

[mmbongo]

Yes it's party a break angle thing. A .145 does not bend so easy. Same reason bigger strings are not bigger at the tuner end...they just don't bend that way.

Another reason is bridges. Many top load bridges have trouble with big fat strings. The stock bridge on my Brubaker Brute was almost impossible to install a non-tapered .130...much less the .135 that I prefer. A tapered string goes right in.

[Zooberwerx]

Much easier to install and intonate (including witness points!) than conventional full-wrap strings, particularly the E & B strings IMO. I've seen no tonal improvement although that aspect is highly subjective. Few extra considerations when installing taper-wounds:

*String thru bridge, not body, when possible. I've read that the severe angle can lead to premature breakage. I can neither confirm nor deny.

*The saddles height will have to be raised somewhat as the outer wrap "steps down" closer to the fingerboard.

*Tapered strings will intonate well-forward (towards the neck) as compared to to conventional strings.

Riis

[darkstorm]

Originally Posted by cassius987

(Yes I searched the forum first... not a lot of general threads about this I could find.)

We often see large strings, especially bigger than .1'', with tapered or exposed cores. It's so common I realized I take it for granted--it just "should" be that way. But why?

Here's all I could think of... something to do with accommodating narrow saddles if the string is large, getting a bigger break angle with lower action on Fender-style bridges, or some potentially dubious claim about tonal effects. If a core goes far past the saddle before getting to full thickness it can actually cause problems according to some so I have to wonder why people even do it at all. I have had big, untapered strings installed before that sounded as good as anything else.

So can anyone explain to me the true rationale of a tapered/exposed core?

your right, thats bassicaslly the marketting those get. I dont like them for couple reasons. Ive rarely had a broken string. But when I have its been the core. The outer wrap catching the lashing string before it reached anyone. I wound want to be around when a tapered core string broke at the bridge. No wrap to catch the string as it lashes out like metal whip. I also think itd be better to have bridge saddle widened to acomodate thicker strings if used and thats needed.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

A lot of it is for ease of installation / better fitment. When a string is not as thick it is able to rotate within a string thru bridge to reduce string twisting. They say that having more "core" or the core being closer to the saddle produces a brighter tone / better sustain etc... In a way you can look at the outer windings of the string acting as a mute or cushioning between the string and the core.

Taper Core strings have windings around the core, they wont lash out. Its usually about half or 1/3rd the thickness of the full wound string. While Exposed Core strings have no winding on them at all... However, I have noticed lately that some marketed as "Exposed Core" strings have a very very fine wrap around the core wire to "protect bridge hardware" (hex wire will dig into your saddles), but this fine wrap will also keep the string from lashing out...

Here is an "SIT Power Core" string which is an "Exposed Core" string with a fine winding around the core wire:

[newbold]

I had sustain galore when I used Fender Tapercores. I think they're great strings and can sometimes be found for a great price.

I have played exposed core strings before and I prefer those, but FWIW, that kind of string just isn't my thing anymore. I prefer a much more restricted string response (flats and tapewound strings) but taper/exposed cores are awesome.

If I had a modern/boutique bass or a long scale neck through bass, I'd probably only want exposed cores...but that's just me (unless that's you too)

[Munjibunga]

Look at these F Bass strings. I worry about them, but mine have never broken and they sound fine, so I guess they're OK. (Picture stolen from somewhere on TB.)

[c-ba55]

I switched to taper core B-string a little while back. I forget what made me think it was a good idea, but the intonation is much much better. Apart from subjective reports, most tuners basically couldn't get a read on the B-string at all before, whereas with the taper core they can.

[socialleper]

I recently tried a set of Pedulla tapers on my Rapture J 5 string with pretty good results. My thinking was that the bass is pretty dark tonally so to get more definition out of the thicker strings, if they could vibrate more freely at the bridge saddle, they would sound a little more "alive." They do sound really good, but I honestly couldn't say if it is the taper or if the Pedulla strings just sound better to me. I was looking for a lot more zip out of my low B and only got a little.
The only drawback I've encountered so far is that you can feel the taper on your hand if you are playing near the bridge, so it takes a little getting used to.
I had to adjust my saddles a little but that wasn't a big deal. My intonation didn't seem to change, but to its credit that bass has never had tuning or intonation problems.