• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Half round / ground wound for five string

Fuzzbass

Fuzzbass

P5 with overdrive
Gold Supporting Member
Dec 13, 2001
22,590
28,578
Maryland, between DC and Bawlmer
#1
I like to keep one fiver strung with flats to get more thump for vintage R&B, but have had difficulty finding a set I've really liked. The B string can be the most problematic. My favorite flatwound set so far has been the TI Jazz flats, but it always takes me a little while to get used to their ultra-light tension.

I've tried LaBella nylon tapes, but the overall tone didn't really work for me.

A friend of mine has half-wounds on his four strings, and I really like them: I know they're not the same as true flats, but the sound is round enough, and they have the stiffness that my fingers are accustomed to. On top of that, I'm guessing I'll have better luck with the B string. I've just now pinged my friend to ask what brand he uses (I've forgotten), but figured I'd ask for recommendations here, especially because it doesn't look like many 5 string sets are available: f'r instance, it looks like JustStrings offers GHS and D'Addario only. I like the fact that D'Addario offers a single tapered half-round B, even though it's over $14.

My concern about the D'Addarios is that their roundwound XL strings seemed ultra-stiff to me, and reviews seem to indicate the half-rounds might be too. I guess I want moderate stiffness from my strings... but, overall tone and a good B string are the most important criteria.

Thoughts? Are there options I've missed? Thanks in advance.
 
#2
Half Rounds you can get:

D'Addario - Pure Nickel... 4, 5, and 6 string Pre-Packaged sets and Singles are available. Since singles are available you can make 5 string sets by combining your favorite 4 string set plus a Low B (Tapered or Non). These are different from the XL strings as these start as a Pure Nickel wrapped string rather than Nickel Plated Steel or Stainless Steel.

GHS Brite Flats (Nickel Iron Alloy) have both 4 and 5 string sets available and Singles are available as well so you can make a 6 string set and or custom 4 5 and 6 string sets.

Ken Smith Slick Rounds (Nickel Iron Alloy). 4 String sets available as well as a variety of Low-B strings and a High-C. Ken Smith offers a Tapered, and Shorter Low-B string.

SIT Power Flats (Pure Nickel) have a 4, 5, and 6 string set available. They also offer the lightest gauge B string .120. They are available as singles but they do not have many gauges available so the pre-packaged sets are the way to go.

La Bella Quarter Rounds are Stainless Steel and not shaved down as much as Half-Rounds. They do have a Low-B available as well.


Something to keep in mind about halfrounds in general is they start as a heavier gauged string so they have more mass. Once you shave the string down flat most of the mass still remains so a .050 Half-Round will be heavier feeling than a .050 Round Wound.
 
#6
Epac said:
D'Addario Half Rounds, at least the 4-string set, were ULTRA stiff to me...felt like I was fighting the bass when I had them on.
Click to expand...

I agree. Flats and these half round type strings are much stiffer than rounds at similar guages. For the D'Addario half wound sets go one notch ligher than the gauge of round wound strings you prefer i.e.; if you usually play 105 to .45 round wound sets try 100 to .40 for a half wound set.

I currently use D'addario half wounds, light guage, on a jazz bass. Previously I have used Tomastik Jazz Flats, Smith Slick rounds and D'addario XL nickel wounds on the same bass. There are things that I like about all of those strings but the D'Addario half wounds are a good compromise and versatile enough to get almost any style across authentically.
 
#7
FWIW:

D'Addario Strings:

XL ProSteel .045 @ G = 41.9lbs
XL Nickel .045 @ G = 42.8lbs
HalfRound .045 @ G = 45.2lbs
Chromes .045 @ G = 45.7lbs

XL ProSteel .040 @ G = 33.8lbs
XL Nickel .040 @ G = 33.7lbs
HalfRound .040 @ G = 38.4lbs
Chromes .040 @ G = 37.8lbs


XL ProSteel .105 @ E = 37.3lbs
XL Nickel .105 @ E = 40.3lbs
HalfRound .105 @ E = 41.7lbs
Chromes .105 @ E = 41.5lbs

XL ProSteel .100 @ E = 34.4lbs
XL Nickel .100 @ E = 38.5lbs
HalfRound .100 @ E = 37.8lbs
Chromes .100 @ E = 38.4lbs

So yes, if you usually play 45-105 in rounds, go to 40-100 in Half-Rounds or Flats (In most cases)
 
#11
madbassplaya said:
So...what are you going with?
Click to expand...

My friend got back to me, he uses D'Addario XLs, so I'll definitely get a set of those. I'm thinking of a custom set, .40 .60 .80 .100 plus the .130T B.

I will also get another set, haven't decided which. I'm leaning toward the SIT because of the .120 B string. Given that halfs and flats have more mass than the equivalent rounds, I don't believe the lighter gauge will hurt the B. Besides, some bassists prefer slimmer B strings even when using rounds.
 
#12
Fuzzbass said:
My friend got back to me, he uses D'Addario XLs, so I'll definitely get a set of those. I'm thinking of a custom set, .40 .60 .80 .100 plus the .130T B.

I will also get another set, haven't decided which. I'm leaning toward the SIT because of the .120 B string. Given that halfs and flats have more mass than the equivalent rounds, I don't believe the lighter gauge will hurt the B. Besides, some bassists prefer slimmer B strings even when using rounds.
Click to expand...

Have you tried the balanced set? They're pretty cool! Similar gauges as well.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back