Tapewounds, Half Rounds & Pressurewounds

[Just Wrong]

My favourite strings in terms of tone, feel and tension/flexibility are D'Addario's Black Nylon Tapewounds.* Unfortunately, D'Addario doesn't make a six-string sets for medium-scale basses,* so I'm looking for something similar, the most important features being tension/flexibility and tone.

Custom set of Pyramid Black Nylon Tapewounds

I've contacted Pyramid, and they can make a custom-length tapewound set that is closer in gauges to D'Addario's tapewounds (.035, .055, .067, .086, .105 and .135).

This is probably my best bet?

But I've tried their 648/1 set twice before. I remember absolutely loving them the first time around and absolutely hating them the second time around. I think it was primarily due to the gauges, though (.055, .075, .095 and .112). They're also about US$105.

There's another potential issue.**

D'Addario Half Rounds

I've never tried Half Rounds, and I know they're not anything like tapewounds, but I'm thinking that, in theory, I might like them. Similar to tapes, they're not as bright and rough as rounds, but they're also not as dull as flats. I'm worried they might be way too stiff given Chromes feel like bridge cables, though. Reviews are also mixed. But they're cheap at US$40.

GHS Pressurewounds/Ken Smith Compressors

I've also never tried Pressurewounds, but I'm thinking I might like them for the same reasons as Half Rounds. They're a bit more expensive than Half Rounds at about US$60, but I assume -- maybe wrongly -- they can't be as stiff if I go the extra light route (.028, .040, .054, .076, 0.96 and .128), although the B string might feel stiff, and their tension seems similar to the Half Rounds...

* It is a 30.75-inch scale headless bass, so long-scale Pressurewounds and, presumably, Half Rounds are fine (I'd need to double-check on the latter).

** Tapes (and flats) need to be over 33 inches from ball-end to taper to go past the nut because the strings are strung through the body. But that's the other issue with the Pyramids. This particular headless system seems to tune by changing the length of the string? I measured my current B string (.135), and, when tuned, it's 32 11/16 from ball-end to taper, but the C string (.032) is 32 4/16. Is it safe to assume a different B string (different brand, gauge, etc.) will be need about the same length to tune? Because while taper needs to begin after 33 inches for my current set, it also needs to begin before 34 inches (there's an inch between the nut and the headpiece), ideally, so that I can trim the strings neatly just past the headpiece... It would be an expensive mistake to make.

Any thoughts? I guess the safer bet is the Pyramid, but with all the potential downsides, I'm wondering if I should try something else... I'm also opened to other brands/models!

Thanks!

 

[trothwell]

As far as tapewounds, I've never used Pyramid, but thought the Labella set seemed pretty close to D'Addario in terms of tone. The light Labellas are very light indeed; while the gauges are bigger, I think the regular Labellas (760N) "feel" more like the D'Addarios. I don't know what D'Addario does, but they do a very nice job of keeping the gauge fairly small without turning the strings into a loose-feeling mess. Really, of the types I've tried, my favorite tapewounds out there.

I've played various tapewounds for nearly 30 years. I don't know. If that's what you like, I'm not sure what else to recommend. Groundwounds and Pressurewounds, while both good in their own way, are pretty different. I would suggest, look at the GHS Brite Flats -- I think those sound markedly better than the D'Addario half rounds.

Have you looked at Thomastik Infeld flats? Might be closer to tapewound feel than the other non-tapewounds you're considering.

 

[Just Wrong]

As far as tapewounds, I've never used Pyramid, but thought the Labella set seemed pretty close to D'Addario in terms of tone. The light Labellas are very light indeed; while the gauges are bigger, I think the regular Labellas (760N) "feel" more like the D'Addarios. I don't know what D'Addario does, but they do a very nice job of keeping the gauge fairly small without turning the strings into a loose-feeling mess. Really, of the types I've tried, my favorite tapewounds out there.

I've played various tapewounds for nearly 30 years. I don't know. If that's what you like, I'm not sure what else to recommend. Groundwounds and Pressurewounds, while both good in their own way, are pretty different. I would suggest, look at the GHS Brite Flats -- I think those sound markedly better than the D'Addario half rounds.

Have you looked at Thomastik Infeld flats? Might be closer to tapewound feel than the other non-tapewounds you're considering.

I like La Bella's tapes, but they don't make B and C tapewound strings for medium-scale basses. No luck with Thomastik-Infeld either. I thought about trying their Jazz Rounds, but I've been told I'd have the same issue as with tapes and flats because they have a round core. They suggested I try their Infeld, but they were also around US$100.

GHS doesn't make a C Brite Flat, unfortunately.

 

[Clark W]

D'Addario Half Rounds

I've never tried Half Rounds, and I know they're not anything like tapewounds, but I'm thinking that, in theory, I might like them. Similar to tapes, they're not as bright and rough as rounds, but they're also not as dull as flats. I'm worried they might be way too stiff given Chromes feel like bridge cables, though. Reviews are also mixed. But they're cheap at US$40.

So I have D'Addario Tapewounds on a Fender American Performer PJ, and probably will never use anything else on that bass but tapes.

I had their half rounds on a Jazz bass and absolutely loved them on that bass. But after 3 years of owning that bass I sold it last September.

Also in September I picked up a custom bass I had built. At first I went with tapes, too loose & too dark. Swapped to half rounds, better tension, not as dark, but still not bright enough and I ended up using NYXL rounds.

So it all depends on the bass really. I suspect if you have been using tapewounds on a bass, and like them, half rounds are probably not going to be a ton different but they could be, it depends on how dark the bass is to begin with. Either way I think they will work well on a bass that you like tapewounds on too.

 

[NKBassman]

My favourite strings in terms of tone, feel and tension/flexibility are D'Addario's Black Nylon Tapewounds.* Unfortunately, D'Addario doesn't make a six-string sets for medium-scale basses,* so I'm looking for something similar, the most important features being tension/flexibility and tone.

Custom set of Pyramid Black Nylon Tapewounds

I've contacted Pyramid, and they can make a custom-length tapewound set that is closer in gauges to D'Addario's tapewounds (.035, .055, .067, .086, .105 and .135).

This is probably my best bet?

But I've tried their 648/1 set twice before. I remember absolutely loving them the first time around and absolutely hating them the second time around. I think it was primarily due to the gauges, though (.055, .075, .095 and .112). They're also about US$105.

There's another potential issue.**

D'Addario Half Rounds

I've never tried Half Rounds, and I know they're not anything like tapewounds, but I'm thinking that, in theory, I might like them. Similar to tapes, they're not as bright and rough as rounds, but they're also not as dull as flats. I'm worried they might be way too stiff given Chromes feel like bridge cables, though. Reviews are also mixed. But they're cheap at US$40.

GHS Pressurewounds/Ken Smith Compressors

I've also never tried Pressurewounds, but I'm thinking I might like them for the same reasons as Half Rounds. They're a bit more expensive than Half Rounds at about US$60, but I assume -- maybe wrongly -- they can't be as stiff if I go the extra light route (.028, .040, .054, .076, 0.96 and .128), although the B string might feel stiff, and their tension seems similar to the Half Rounds...

* It is a 30.75-inch scale headless bass, so long-scale Pressurewounds and, presumably, Half Rounds are fine (I'd need to double-check on the latter).

** Tapes (and flats) need to be over 33 inches from ball-end to taper to go past the nut because the strings are strung through the body. But that's the other issue with the Pyramids. This particular headless system seems to tune by changing the length of the string? I measured my current B string (.135), and, when tuned, it's 32 11/16 from ball-end to taper, but the C string (.032) is 32 4/16. Is it safe to assume a different B string (different brand, gauge, etc.) will be need about the same length to tune? Because while taper needs to begin after 33 inches for my current set, it also needs to begin before 34 inches (there's an inch between the nut and the headpiece), ideally, so that I can trim the strings neatly just past the headpiece... It would be an expensive mistake to make.

Any thoughts? I guess the safer bet is the Pyramid, but with all the potential downsides, I'm wondering if I should try something else... I'm also opened to other brands/models!

Thanks!

D'Addario Half Rounds are the worst sounding set of strings I have ever played. They are all the worst parts of rounds and flats combined into one convenient package. I put a set on a bass and took them off the same day, then put them away in the closet for 10 years before I decided to give them another try.... same result. The Worst. lol

GHS Pressurewounds, on the other hand, are one of my favorite string sets. The overall character of the sound is definitely more Round than Flat, but punchier than typical rounds, and less zingy.

I have a set of GHS black nylon tapes in the closet somewhere too, which I just haven't got around to trying on anything yet.

My $0.02

 

[enjoi1018]

Half Rounds are super stiff for their gauges… on paper, they are about perfect, but as others have said, they really struggle (for me!*) for everything I wanted them to do. They are stiff, struggle with sustain, require a lot of tension, and are grippy. They don’t ring like a bell, but they aren’t smooth and deep like a great flat.

I’m a huge Mike Gordon fan, and my favorite tones/eras of his tone has one of the most percussive and deep sounds I’ve ever heard. Strings like Ken Smith Slickwounds (which are just GHS halfs with a different logo) are a huge part of the sauce. But even chasing that sound isn’t worth all of the trade offs, again, for me.

I keep coming back to Pressurewounds. They are just incredible. The lights are super supple and flexible and the mediums are tighter and ring very well. They aren’t harsh, but are PLENTY bright for anything but really sizzling metal or ultra bright stainless tones. Every time I move on, I come back, and have finally told myself they they are to never stay off my main Modulus. They are as close to perfect as I’ve found for that bass. My perfect 5-string set is a custom set I’ve put together. D and G from the Light set, E and A from the Medium-Light set, and the only B they offer. The plus side of them is that you can order singles of all of them from the GHS website.

YMMV, my $0.02, etc

 

[Root 5]

My favourite strings in terms of tone, feel and tension/flexibility are D'Addario's Black Nylon Tapewounds.* Unfortunately, D'Addario doesn't make a six-string sets for medium-scale basses,* so I'm looking for something similar, the most important features being tension/flexibility and tone.

Custom set of Pyramid Black Nylon Tapewounds

I've contacted Pyramid, and they can make a custom-length tapewound set that is closer in gauges to D'Addario's tapewounds (.035, .055, .067, .086, .105 and .135).

This is probably my best bet?

But I've tried their 648/1 set twice before. I remember absolutely loving them the first time around and absolutely hating them the second time around. I think it was primarily due to the gauges, though (.055, .075, .095 and .112). They're also about US$105.

There's another potential issue.**

D'Addario Half Rounds

I've never tried Half Rounds, and I know they're not anything like tapewounds, but I'm thinking that, in theory, I might like them. Similar to tapes, they're not as bright and rough as rounds, but they're also not as dull as flats. I'm worried they might be way too stiff given Chromes feel like bridge cables, though. Reviews are also mixed. But they're cheap at US$40.

GHS Pressurewounds/Ken Smith Compressors

I've also never tried Pressurewounds, but I'm thinking I might like them for the same reasons as Half Rounds. They're a bit more expensive than Half Rounds at about US$60, but I assume -- maybe wrongly -- they can't be as stiff if I go the extra light route (.028, .040, .054, .076, 0.96 and .128), although the B string might feel stiff, and their tension seems similar to the Half Rounds...

* It is a 30.75-inch scale headless bass, so long-scale Pressurewounds and, presumably, Half Rounds are fine (I'd need to double-check on the latter).

** Tapes (and flats) need to be over 33 inches from ball-end to taper to go past the nut because the strings are strung through the body. But that's the other issue with the Pyramids. This particular headless system seems to tune by changing the length of the string? I measured my current B string (.135), and, when tuned, it's 32 11/16 from ball-end to taper, but the C string (.032) is 32 4/16. Is it safe to assume a different B string (different brand, gauge, etc.) will be need about the same length to tune? Because while taper needs to begin after 33 inches for my current set, it also needs to begin before 34 inches (there's an inch between the nut and the headpiece), ideally, so that I can trim the strings neatly just past the headpiece... It would be an expensive mistake to make.

Any thoughts? I guess the safer bet is the Pyramid, but with all the potential downsides, I'm wondering if I should try something else... I'm also opened to other brands/models!

Thanks!

I don’t get the ‘hate’ I hear about D’Addario Half Rounds. If you give them a wipe with rubbing alcohol, they're as slick as slick can be. And they feel smooth, almost like flat wounds.

 

[enjoi1018]

I don’t get the ‘hate’ I hear about D’Addario Half Rounds. If you give them a wipe with rubbing alcohol, they're as slick as slick can be. And they feel smooth, almost like flat wounds.

I have read this and found that I’m clearly one of the odd ones out… I have for exactly this and can still feel the grind or ridges between wraps. I’m not THAT picky, but it’s definitely a thing for me. I also have extremely corrosive sweat, so they only last a few weeks before they are dead as a hammer. Just doesn’t work for me… but man, I wish they would!

Definitely not trying to steer anyone in any direction, just providing my experiences.

 

[Clark W]

I don’t get the ‘hate’ I hear about D’Addario Half Rounds. If you give them a wipe with rubbing alcohol, they're as slick as slick can be. And they feel smooth, almost like flat wounds.

I liked them on a Jazz I used to own. I have tapes on a PJ that I like. Then on my custom bass I have NYXL that half rounds and tapes just don't work for me on.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I tried the half wounds on my 6 and the low B and E strings were dead right out of the package. I complained and was sent another set. Again, the low B was dead out of the package. The low E and the A string died an hour later. Put rounds back on it and have had no problems since. I decided after the issue with the half wounds, I wouldn't waste the time or money on the pressure wounds. I've never tried tapes except way back in the 1970s and they were pure mud. Since strings are pretty costly for a 6, I'll stick with my rounds.

 

[getBAK]

Maybe SIT?

Silencer Nickel Semi-Flat Bass Strings - S.I.T. Strings

The S.I.T. Strings Silencer Nickel semi-flat bass strings are designed to give you a silky feel which is easier on your fingers and frets, yet powerful in tone and response. The exclusive process of Inverse String Winding compresses the outermost part of the nickel plated cover wrap while...

sitstrings.com

 

[Empap]

Rotosound has a set of Tapes and Flats for 6 strings, but long scale only. Magma strings also has a set of stainless steel flats for 6 strings, with different gauges available (extra light, light medium, ...), but only for 34'' as well.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Galli Black Nylon for 6 string
Gauges are 35 55 75 100 115 130.
The D A and E are the same gauge as Trubass 88 but less tension. The GDAE are all bigger than D’addario tapes, whilst the Dad B tape is bigger than the Galli.
You can select Medium scale when ordering the 6 string set direct from Galli.
Galli appears to have revised the tension specs of their tapes down and they now appear ridiculously lower in tension. So take the data with a grain of salt

Galli site G77-6 Bass 6 strings

LOTS in the Netherlands

Galli G77-6M Medium Scale Black Nylon Tapewound Bass Electric 6 string

Medium scale ( 34" ball-end to taper suitable for most 32" scale basses ) Black nylon tapewound on the stainless ste...

lordofthestrings.com

 

[ambidex]

I keep coming back to Pressurewounds.

My perfect 5-string set is a custom set I’ve put together. D and G from the Light set, E and A from the Medium-Light set, and the only B they offer. The plus side of them is that you can order singles of all of them from the GHS website.

YMMV, my $0.02, etc

@enjoi1018 , I wish I'd read your comment before I bought the set of Medium Light Pressurewounds I'm about to install (after some fret work). I went back and forth, kind of preferring the gauges used on the Ken Smith Compressors, which are basically GHS Pressurewounds, as GHS makes them for Ken Smith. The only difference I know of is that the KS CR have Silk windings on both ends, unlike the PWs. I believe, other than gauge changes between sets, they are otherwise identical.
[Excluding the GHS PWs using 37.25" winding length and the KS CRs using 38" Winding Length To Silk ( +/- 1/2"), but this is above the nut so shouldn't have a true impact]

You may want to consider the Ken Smith CRL-Light Set next time ( .040 .058 .080 .102 ). Which would swap your D .054 to a D .058 but that leaves a tension mix closer to most sets (E and G with lower tension than A and D).

Had I seen your comment prior then this is what I would have done. I also have to add a High C (.028) since I use an EADGC Tenor Bass 5 string set up.

Using GHS Tension guide in pounds I get these differences at 34" in scale.

GHS Pressurewound custom Mix used by enjoi1018
G .040 @37.2 (from Light set)
D .054 @36.5 (from Light set)
A .080 @44.6 (from Med LIght set)
E .102 @39.5 (from Med Light set)

Ken Smith Compressors (with GHS published tensions at the same gauge)
CRL-Light Set ( .040 .058 .080 .102 )
G .040 @37.2
D .058 @41.9
A .080 @44.6
E .102 @39.5

 

[ATLbassist]

I used to be a Half-Rounds guy, but at some point it seemed like the wrap formulation changed. They felt sticky right out of the package, Yuck.

Then someone here hipped me to Pressurewounds, and they've been my go-to string ever since. Great bite without ton of extra clanky high-end, and smooth lows. They sound great on many types of basses.

I hear you on the Tapewounds, too - they're surprising bright but can get mellow flatwound tones with simple knob adjustments.

 

[michael_t]

CRL-Light Set ( .040 .058 .080 .102 )
G .040 @37.2
D .058 @41.9
A .080 @44.6
E .102 @39.5

I do use this set and like it a lot. I like those specific gauges because they match exactly the gauges I also use for GHS Bassics and Super Steels.

 

[dannylectro]

I tried the half wounds on my 6 and the low B and E strings were dead right out of the package. I complained and was sent another set. Again, the low B was dead out of the package. The low E and the A string died an hour later. Put rounds back on it and have had no problems since. I decided after the issue with the half wounds, I wouldn't waste the time or money on the pressure wounds. I've never tried tapes except way back in the 1970s and they were pure mud. Since strings are pretty costly for a 6, I'll stick with my rounds.

Same exact thing happened to me with a set of fives… out of the package, the B and E both sound like dead flatwounds and the other strings are okay.
I was looking for something in between rounds & flats—the D’Addario Half-rounds aren’t it.