First fling with flat strings

[LowNloud1]

Sorry if I sound a little frustrated.

I have looked at some of the FAQ's for this section and not really seen what I want to know so please either point me in the right direction or to a post that will tell me the purpose of a helix winding and what is the typical type of music it would be used on. Also, are there any advantage/disadvantages to using them.

Thanks.

 

[Doner Designs]

I think those are more like rounds with a smoother feel.

For a trial fling with flats, try GHS Precision Flats for vintage tone and Ernie Ball, Daddario or Roto for brighter tone.

Many other choices, but those are a good intro at a reasonable price.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

What do you mean by "helix winding"? All windings are helical by definition. Do you mean a hex (agonal) core?

 

[LowNloud1]

What do you mean by "helix winding"? All windings are helical by definition. Do you mean a hex (agonal) core?

I was looking at the Dean Markley Helix strings. The string is wound the same way as a roundwound except the wire around the core is elliptical allowing for more winds per inch.

Now that I understand that, I am not too concerned about some of my other questions. I suspect it will still sound like a roundwound but with less noise. I also suspect a flat wound will be quieter to play but that it may lose sustain.

 

[mmbongo]

Those are definitely not flats, they are similar feeling to other compression wound strings like DR or Fodera.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Should note that Dr and fodera do not change the shape of the outer windings but use smaller diameter windings. So does elrick.

 

[Toptube]

I put a set of the Helix Stainless Steels on my Jaguar about a month ago. They are definitely a roundwound variant.

Straight out of the package, they aren't particularly bright. However, they are very articulate, with a certain sweetness to the midrange (possibly due to the increased amount of wraps). Warm for a stainless string, but a different warmth than rotos. Lows are tight and fairly throaty.

For a stainless, they feel relatively smooth. But I wouldn't say they are smooth feeling strings.

They also feel quite balanced in tension. Overall I'm pretty happy with them, but the novel winding doesn't seem to increase their life. 3 or 4 weeks of moderate use and I feel like its already time for a new string. Rotos last longer than this, for me.