Odd idea.

[curbowkid]

M not sure if these exist but oval shaped strings as opposed to round? Possible unique sound

 

[ixlramp]

Interesting ... i sometimes consider flat ribbon type strings (oval with long flat sides).

 

[FunkMetalBass]

They would probably vibrate inconsistently (strings vibrate in a circle), be hard to pluck correctly, and are probably more prone to twisting when stringing. I don't really see any benefit to the design.

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Pressure wounds outer windings are oval shaped, but the string is still overall round.

 

[curbowkid]

If strung up right it could be interesting, and I'm talking a more extreme oval. It was just a random thought. Would be interesting is all

 

[curbowkid]

Interesting ... i sometimes consider flat ribbon type strings (oval with long flat sides).

ME TOO!

 

[ixlramp]

Perhaps the way to test the tones created is to buy some thin plain steel extrusions in various shapes ... they are available.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Perhaps the way to test the tones created is to buy some thin plain steel extrusions in various shapes ... they are available.

Source? I've only ever found steel wire in huge (thousands of dollars worth) rolls; nothing small enough for the average me (Joe).

 

[ixlramp]

You got me on that ... i don't know of a source for small quantities (haven't even searched).
Just realised if you strip the wrap wire off a hex-core string you then have a hex shaped plain steel string ... which may sound a little different to a round plain steel string.

 

[darkstorm]

Lol. Lets see you get every one of the four oval strings correctly installed on the bass so same side wether the wider part of oval, or narrower end is facing fretboard all the way down the fretboard.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Lol. Lets see you get every one of the four oval strings correctly installed on the bass so same side wether the wider part of oval, or narrower end is facing fretboard all the way down the fretboard.

That's easy enough. An ellipse is most stable on its minor axis (the wide side down). It would also bend easier over the saddles that way.

 

[lowfreq33]

Yeah, but when it gets to the tuner the flatter side is going to want to lay against the post, and it will twist. It could work with a double ball end system, like Steinberger uses. But I can't really see the point.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Yeah, but when it gets to the tuner the flatter side is going to want to lay against the post, and it will twist. It could work with a double ball end system, like Steinberger uses. But I can't really see the point.

It might also work with a string bar if you put it close enough to the nut. The downward force should be enough to keep the flatter side down in the nut.

 

[curbowkid]

It might also work with a string bar if you put it close enough to the nut. The downward force should be enough to keep the flatter side down in the nut.

Or a modded nut that's filed for the string I really wanna try this but I'm not sure on how to make a string, let alone an oval string

 

[ixlramp]

The SLAPEROO

 

[Jay2U]

Double bass style tuners would suit those strings. In my opinion such strings would tend to only vibrate in one plane. This'll be from and towards the fretboard, causing a lot of buzz.