Are all strings wound to the same thread angle?

[asberrys]

The angle of a thread for a screw is called the pitch. Does the pitch of a string affect the pitch of the tone? Bun intended. Does a steeper angle affect the timbre and tonal quality?
I wonder if this is the difference between a good and bad string mfg. or if there are also other variables like the materials used. I.e,higher quality tempered steel,purer nickel,etc,etc. Thanks in advance.

 

[251]

The angle of a thread for a screw is called the pitch. Does the pitch of a string affect the pitch of the tone? Bun intended. Does a steeper angle affect the timbre and tonal quality?
I wonder if this is the difference between a good and bad string mfg. or if there are also other variables like the materials used. I.e,higher quality tempered steel,purer nickel,etc,etc. Thanks in advance.

The "pitch" of the windings will vary with the diameter of the core wire & the winding material.

If there weren't differences in string manufacturers, there would not be so many string brands to try. To anticipate your next question; search TB & read opinions about strings until you can't read any more. You will run out of ambition before you run out of reading material. Then plan to try a different brand/model each time you change strings. Even if you find the strings you really like early on, you will try a bunch before you know.

FWIW, I change strings 1 or 2 times each year. YRMV. To anticipate your question again; I don't know of any shortcuts. This process takes time because it is such a personal choice.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Of course. You can have a manufacturer that makes a .105 string with a .055 core and wraps it with .025 wire. It will sound very different from the manufacturer that makes a .105 string with .035 core and wraps with .035 wire.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

It isn't the "thread pitch" per se that makes the difference. However, the angle is dependent on the size of the wrap wire, which has an important effect on the sound of the string.

So do the number of wraps, metallurgy, winding tension, hex vs round core wire, etc., etc. It's a complex subject, and something of a black art.

Manufacturer information is useful in terms of knowing which strings are brighter or darker within their range, but doesn't shed much light on brand-to-brand differences.

Other players opinions are interesting, but aren't really reliable because of the many, many other variables that affect our individual needs: Differences in our instruments (even between supposedly identical models), musical styles, venues, amplification systems, our physical approach to playing, and personal taste.

The only really reliable guide to string selection is your own experience...

 

[kalle74]

The angle of a thread for a screw is called the pitch.

Sorry, but no. "Pitch" is this:

"Screw pitch is the distance between two adjacent screw threads. This is also known as the "pitch of a screw"". Same goes for strings.

Everything else already mentioned above.

 

[dwm74]

Does a steeper angle affect the timbre and tonal quality?

Probably not. But I'm sure there are some here who claim they can tell a difference.

 

[asberrys]

Of course. You can have a manufacturer that makes a .105 string with a .055 core and wraps it with .025 wire. It will sound very different from the manufacturer that makes a .105 string with .035 core and wraps with .035 wire.

Thinner core will vibrate better,freer and have better tone and overtones but will not last as long correct? thanks