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Round core, hex core. What's your opinion?
- Thread starter Cut the middle
- Start date
I use both, depending on the bass and the tone and feel I want.
Not all hex cores are created equal; some are stiff, some are flexible.
Not all round cores are created equal; some are very flexible, some are firmer.
"Hex core vs. round core" = just one of the many factors involved in determining what works.
Not all hex cores are created equal; some are stiff, some are flexible.
Not all round cores are created equal; some are very flexible, some are firmer.
"Hex core vs. round core" = just one of the many factors involved in determining what works.
This. IME, you're not picking a string based on the inner construction, you pick it based on the sound and feel you want from the string which varies based on many factors.
i like 'floppy' --- so round core strings are generally appreciated. but i also like that 'piano zing' (hex core) so lighter gauge hex cores give me a little bit of both attributes.
but as michael_t and jeff62 have indicated: lots of variation between core types and an individual's actual playing experience!
what's your preference, if any?
my preference has always been rotosound swing bass. Whatever they are.i like 'floppy' --- so round core strings are generally appreciated. but i also like that 'piano zing' (hex core) so lighter gauge hex cores give me a little bit of both attributes.
but as michael_t and jeff62 have indicated: lots of variation between core types and an individual's actual playing experience!
what's your preference, if any?
My main goal is to understand especially the b string. I use a. 145 B to get enough tension. I'm good now with the floppiness, sustain, and buzzing issues I was trying to address, but it's definitely one chunk of a string I'd like to reduce the Dia of without affecting my other issues.
Thanks!
sounds like you prefer those hex cores. i'm sorry that i can't reflect on your B-string issues...4-bangers are all i have any real experience with.
some of the 5-string cats will offer some perspective, i'm sure.
I've had better luck with hex-core low B strings over round-core on my 34" scale Yamaha. The added stiffness of hex core seems to give it better clarity and definition. I like the low B between 125 and 130 to match up with a light set for E-G.
My Yamaha is currently wearing the light set of the GHS Pressurewound (40-54-76-96) along with a GHS Progressive 130B (exposed core).
Pretty storied issue but, to chime in, I just got my first round core and I love it. I've been so used to the garden variety Ernie Ball Slinky and D'Addario XL/NYXL/XT (NPS with hex cores) that I thought it was time for a change.
Went with DR Hi-Beams and couldn't be happier.
***I also bought DR Lo-Riders in case I want hex back, but no!***
Went with DR Hi-Beams and couldn't be happier.
***I also bought DR Lo-Riders in case I want hex back, but no!***
I like a soft feel, so when I found GHS Round Core Boomers, I was in heaven.
I prefer hex core strings as I like a relatively bright tone and the feel of strings of a thinner gauge (since it is possible to go thinner gauge with strings that has a hex core while maintaining proper tension).
I have tried to experiment with different string gauges, types and brands, and settled for D'Addario XL, which are hex steel core nickle plated roundwound strings : gauge .090 - .072 - .054 - .040 for F# standard tuning and gauge .100 - .080 - .060 - .045 for E standard tuning on my 28.6" scale Ibanez Mikro Bass, gauge .95 - .075 - .055 - .040 for E standard tuning on both 30" short scale basses and regular 34" scale basses, and gauge .100 - .080 - .060 - .045 again for D standard tuning on 34" basses.
I have tried to experiment with different string gauges, types and brands, and settled for D'Addario XL, which are hex steel core nickle plated roundwound strings : gauge .090 - .072 - .054 - .040 for F# standard tuning and gauge .100 - .080 - .060 - .045 for E standard tuning on my 28.6" scale Ibanez Mikro Bass, gauge .95 - .075 - .055 - .040 for E standard tuning on both 30" short scale basses and regular 34" scale basses, and gauge .100 - .080 - .060 - .045 again for D standard tuning on 34" basses.
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Don't you find the .100 a bit too loose in D compared to the other three?
F 045 - 34.0 lbs.
C 060 - 34.1
G 080 - 33.3
D 100 - 29.0
Or...
D 105 - 32.0
By the way, have you ever tried the EXL170BT (Balanced Tension) set (45-60-80-107)? The 107D should balance better with the rest at around 33-34 lbs.
Yeah, I actually did mean gauge .105 for D standard tuning for my 34" scale bass, but the gauge .100 was correct for the otherwise same set in E standard tuning for my 28.6" Mikro Bass, thing is the relatively to the other strings much thicker string on the short scale makes it feel a bit stiffer/less flexible despite it's lower tension, and not least sound much better, at least to my taste.
I assume that is why the low E string usually does have lower tension compared to the other strings in most stock sets, that it relatively to the other strings is much thicker, and that compromising on the tension balance using a bit thinner string gives a more balanced tone between the strings, but yes, for the D I would definitely want a gauge .105 string.
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As usual, michael_t hits the nail right on the head. Although, personally, I'd have to add that, without exception, all of my basses that always get played with a pick (but don't wear stiff-as-bridge-cable flats), have hex core strings. Coincidence, or...?
I use only flatwounds and my three favourites are all round-core - Pyramid Gold, TI Jazz Flats and Optima RB 4440. Round-core strings have a more flexible supple feel that feels great under the fingers and IMO they are easier to intonate and play better in tune all over the neck. On strings with thick hex cores the overtones sound sharp to my ears.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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The vast majority of strings in production are hex core. It holds the wraps better.
Unless stated otherwise, it's hex core.
I know I'm waking up an older thread, but I'm a bit confused. So, I put a set of DR Bootzillas (hex core steel) on my 5 string Ibanez and really liked the feel and the sound. I recently decided to try a set of DR Dragonskins (round core steel) on my 4 string Schecter, expecting them to feel softer than the Bootzillas. But they don't. Granted the Bootzillas have a few more hours of playtime on them, but why do the Dragonskins feel stiffer to me? Is it just a break-in issue or is there something else that's different? Both of my basses are 34" scale.
It may have to do with the core-to-wrap ratio. As a general rule, a hex core would feel stiffer than a round core, provided they're of the same diameter. But it's very possible a hex core of a small diameter can feel more flexible than a round core of a larger diameter.
For example, GHS Round Core Boomers 45-105 would feel stiffer than Dunlop Super Bright Nickels 45-105 (hex core) due to the difference in the core diameter.
