Tapered vs. exposed core

I've read some on here about tapered and exposed core strings (though not near as much as the usual rounds and flats), and they're often talked about together. For those to whom the distinction might matter, though, I was wondering if we could, in one place, distinguish what are tapered strings and what are exposed cores. Rotosound's Piano String Design strings are exposed core. DR's Longnecks are tapered, I believe. Anyone else want to add?

Brian

P.S. This wasn't intended to be a thread actually talking about the sonic differences between the two, but feel free to share your experiences... Though I wouldn't be surprised if there were more differences just from manufacturer to manufacturer than between the two string types.

P.P.S. Here's what we've got so far...

Tapered:
DR Longnecks [hex]
La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels (E and B only)
La Bella Slappers (all but G)
Dean Markley SR2000's
Ken Smith Taperwounds
Sadowsky (B only)
Dingwall (all but G)
Pedulla (all but G)

Exposed core:
Rotosound Piano String Design [hex]
Superwounds [hex?]
La Bella Super Steps
GHS Contact Core Super Steels (all but G)

 

Anyone else? I did some searching... It seems La Bella Hard Rockin' Steels have tapered E and B strings. The La Bella Slappers are all tapered except for the G. The La Bella Super Steps and Dean Markley SR2000's are exposed core strings, according to what I found on here (but on DM's website, it said the SR2000's are tapered... can anyone confirm this?). Anyone else have any info/opinions to add?

Brian

 

I've added a list to my original post that I'll keep updating as more is added...

Brian

 

So, counting the manufacturer, we've got, regarding the SR2000's...

Tapered: 3
Exposed core: 0

For now, I'm going with the manufacturer...

Brian

 

Okay, now I'm even wondering about the Super Steps... Tapered or exposed? This looks like they're tapered, but it is just a picture of the box...

Brian

 

Well, I thought I'd bump this thread again and offer my review of the Rotosound Piano String Designs (finally!). In short, I love 'em! I was worried about the installation, and while it was a pretty involved process and did strip my fingers bone dry by the end, it's in no way what I would call really difficult. As for the sound, they're bright but not overly clacky (as I was worried they might be on my maple Jazz). And they have great growl (which is exactly what I want out of my bass). The only problem I had was when detuning on the E string. Because they're exposed core, they sit lower on the bridge saddles. While I was able to dial out almost all the fret buzz with a decent (I think... first time trying) self-setup, I still got some when I would drop down to D (which we do on only two or three songs... and one of them is covered up with some pretty hefty breakup, so it's not too big a deal). Anyway, my first experience with exposed core strings has thus far been a good one (and an intense one... we played seven sets in four days).

Brian

 

Questions... Since my experience with them so far is with the Rotosounds (which are adustable... so you can determine how far the exposed core extends past the bridge saddle), what's your experience with those that aren't adjustable? Are the exposed cores/tapered windings just set to a length that's pretty standard for most bridges, usually giving good results, or is it just hit and miss? The Rotosounds would work well for thru-body or thru-bridge... I'm guessing the non-adjustable choices wouldn't... more of an either/or thing. The only complaint I have with the Rotosounds is that the wound part of the string, between the exposed core and colored wrap, is 36 inches. So even if I didn't extend the core past the bridge saddle at all (and it's not like it extends very far), the string is too long for my 34" scale Jazz... The actual wound part of the E string wraps around the tuning post. Other than the fact that it just doesn't look right, I haven't noticed any adverse effect on sound, but it does annoy me. Unfortunately, Rotosound only makes the PSD's in one scale length. Does anyone know if I would have this same problem with some other other exposed core/tapered strings?

Brian