Round Core Strings do it for me...

[madbassplaya]

I've always thought of myself as a hex core guy; I like higher tension, I said. For some reason though every round core string that I get, I really dig.

My favorite right now:

 

[Gorn]

My favorite too. I just put a set on my SG.

 

[tylerwylie]

Told you

Also, tension could be higher on round core strings but core construction leads to a more flexible string.

 

[madbassplaya]

Told you

Also, tension could be higher on round core strings but core construction leads to a more flexible string.

You did...

I got a fretless that had Sunbeams on them and I forgot how great they felt/sounded. Used to use them all the time. Ordered a set for my 5er; bliss!

I've always associated flexibility with core/tension. I am curious what the tension is now.

 

[tylerwylie]

You did...

I got a fretless that had Sunbeams on them and I forgot how great they felt/sounded. Used to use them all the time. Ordered a set for my 5er; bliss!

I've always associated flexibility with core/tension. I am curious what the tension is now.

I'm actually about to try some hex-core strings on my fretless to see how they work. Might have to leave it with Hi Beams or Sunbeams but hopin the D'Addarios work out.

 

[Lorenzini]

I'm actually about to try some hex-core strings on my fretless to see how they work. Might have to leave it with Hi Beams or Sunbeams but hopin the D'Addarios work out.

D'Addarios are snappy, bright and with some beautiful mids.

Very cool string... but a different flavor than the DRs.

 

[Jaco Taco]

Totally agree. Round core is where it's at! It's a shame there are so few to choose from.

 

[Mystic Michael]

It really depends upon one's style of playing, the types of music one plays, etc.

I use - and love - FatBeams on all my fretless basses. And the set of Hi-Beams I have on my Carvin SB5000 is working out just fine. But I play all those instruments strictly fingerstyle. And I don't really play rock on any of them.

For rock, I still prefer a good set of hex-core stainless steel strings, set up with low playing action. If necessary, I'll go to a lighter gauge set than usual. And while I still play mostly fingerstyle, I reserve the option of playing with a pick.

Either way, the hex-core construction allows me to hit a bit harder than I would otherwise. The hex-cores interact with the frets more musically - because they're set a bit lower. They therefore tend to generate a bit more harmonically rich overtones.

Stainless steel Lo-Riders do the trick for modern rock, IMO. But as usual, different tools are optimized for different tasks...

MM

 

[Duckwater]

I like my strings to be very, very stiff personally. I like being able to have low action and have the option to play aggressively over my neck pickup without any unintentional buzz/clank/choked notes. I thought Circle Ks were great strings but even in the huge gauge that I ordered I still ended up smacking them into my frets when I didn't want to.

 

[hotbass57]

The Dean Markley Super Rounds that Jason has at BSOL are round core. They remind me a lot of Sunbeams, but are mellow SS. They are only $14/set. Definitely worth a try.