I think I have heard of these bass strings that use 4 smaller cores instead of one single core underneath the wraps. This seems like a really good idea as this would result in a more flexible string one would think. Kind of like how a round core is more flexible than a hexcore as the wrap isn't "biting" into the core like the corners of a hexcore are hence restraining it. I am looking for a string with the ultimate in harmonics,both natural and artificial. I think a multicore string would be the one to beat. Yeah I bet they are expensive. TIA
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Anyone heard of multi-core bass strings?
- Thread starter asberrys
- Start date
Multicore seems to be more common for gut strings (i.e. violin, string bass, etc.) I did come across these: Link Removed Don't know anything about them, though.
- Aug 5, 2005
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It's been my experience that harmonics get harder to sound as the string gets more flexible (try to play a clear 4th-fret harmonic on a nylon string acoustic guitar vs. a steel string acoustic guitar). As well, four smaller cores means that the core can withstand considerably less tension - a serious drawback for the bass, which tends to require at least 30 lbs of tension.
I didn't see anything about using multiple cores (unless we're considering a string with a core wire and two wraps to have two cores), just multiple wraps, and most bass string manufacturers already do that for .075+ gauges.
I didn't see anything about using multiple cores (unless we're considering a string with a core wire and two wraps to have two cores), just multiple wraps, and most bass string manufacturers already do that for .075+ gauges.
Apparently Circle K Strings are made super flexible:
"We are the only manufacturer that offers a two-wrap E string. In larger diameters, we make three wrap strings up to .182”. The fewer wraps of wire a string has the fuller the sound they will produce, and it lets strings of even extraordinary gauge match tonally from one string to the next. As well, fewer layers result in a more flexible string, providing more harmonic content and a more comfortable playing experience."
"We are the only manufacturer that offers a two-wrap E string. In larger diameters, we make three wrap strings up to .182”. The fewer wraps of wire a string has the fuller the sound they will produce, and it lets strings of even extraordinary gauge match tonally from one string to the next. As well, fewer layers result in a more flexible string, providing more harmonic content and a more comfortable playing experience."
Back in the 70s I got ahold of some Rotosound Multicore Bass guitar strings. They had SIX round cores under the outer wraps (at least that was what the drawing on the package showed). They were probably the only short scale string set I could find for my Les Paul Triumph Bass at the time. When I opened the package I was surprised that the strings were very limp & flexible, like wet spaghetti compared to my regular strings (LaBella roundwounds). But the tone was wonderfully bright and open like a piano and I loved it. They were the only strings I ever found that really sang on that Gibson short scale bass. I used to do a lot of palm muting when I played and could get a tremendous tonal range from a palm damped mud thump to bright, singing chords that sounded almost like a guitar. I went back to the store and bought a couple more sets they had, but once I had busted those could not find any more of the Rotosound Multicore sets. After that I just could not stand to play any other strings on the triumph bass. I finally broke down and bought a Fender Precision which has served me well while the Les Paul sat in it's case. I would love to find something comparable to those Rotosound Multicore short scale strings to bring that Triumph bass back to life.
D'addario makes multicore electric upright bass strings... They're fairly expensive and they're likely too long, but I bet you could figure out something to make them work on a bass guitar
knuckle_head
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- Jul 30, 2002
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There is a bit more to them - allowing you to set the ball end to exactly where you want it minimizes the amount of exposed core. This is absolutely brilliant, and something that is absolutely unique to the Roto PSDs
I don't think Rotosound offers Multicore any longer -- at least they are not on their website -- and I don't recall seeing them at NAMM, when Rotosound gave me one of each of their bass sets to review. As I recall, the strings had a black, barrel-shaped gadget that could be slid on the exposed core at the bridge to make the string the correct length, then tightened using a set screw. I tried them once in the mid-70s but didn't hear or feel any appreciable difference. USed the PSD strings on my Steinberger L2 in the early 80s but came away with the same opinion.
I believe the multicore design is not that unusual for upright basses, but won't work with my magnetic pickups (I guess would be OK for piezo?). But i will look for them in case they do have a steel core that would work. Thanks for the tip!
The multicore strings I used had regular ball ends, not an adjustable barrel gadget end like on the Piano Design strings.
Yes,yes they are.
And that .182 ,you speak of, is a awesome string for sub bass.Mine may not intonate the best any more but its 3 years old and I've tuned it anywhere form A0 to D0.So yeah, durable.
And the smaller Circle K strings are flexible and respond well to light touch.I can tap harmonics on a 3 month old set of Circle K's better that brand new la bella's.
Yes, that is brilliant but so but so is a tailpiece that allows you to adjust the distance from the ball end to the witness point
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I used RotoSound Multicores for about 8 years in the 70's..
They were the best string I could find for my Dan Armstrong PlexiBass..
Our drummer worked at a music store, so I was lucky enough to either get samples or pay cost for just about every string made during those times, and the multicores were lightyears ahead of the competition, at least on the Plexi...
They lasted considerably longer, stayed bright, and played great.. The only issue I could find was that even with my discount, they were more than most of the other brands at retail...
I do remember they were $37.50 a set, in '71, and I'm sure they went up at some point...
Wished they were still made, but I'm sure they would be too expensive, as previously mentioned..
I think I still have a couple of used sets somewhere, will have to look for them when I get the Plexi back together!!!
They were the best string I could find for my Dan Armstrong PlexiBass..
Our drummer worked at a music store, so I was lucky enough to either get samples or pay cost for just about every string made during those times, and the multicores were lightyears ahead of the competition, at least on the Plexi...
They lasted considerably longer, stayed bright, and played great.. The only issue I could find was that even with my discount, they were more than most of the other brands at retail...
I do remember they were $37.50 a set, in '71, and I'm sure they went up at some point...
Wished they were still made, but I'm sure they would be too expensive, as previously mentioned..
I think I still have a couple of used sets somewhere, will have to look for them when I get the Plexi back together!!!
