Warwick Tapewounds

[underwhelmist]

My son wanted to try some tapewounds so we got a set of Warwick Black Label from Thomann.

We didn’t want to spend too much in case he didn’t like them so we just got a 4 string set, £30 including shipping from Thomann. They’re installed on a lowly Ibanez GSR180. These things are great! Since fitting the TWs I’ve been picking this bass up more than any other!

 

[trothwell]

I have never even heard of these. Any idea how they differ (in sound? in construction) from other tapewound sets?

 

[iiipopes]

Or gauge, thickness of the black tape, etc.?

 

[underwhelmist]

I have never even heard of these. Any idea how they differ (in sound? in construction) from other tapewound sets?

No idea I’m afraid, they’re the first tapewounds I’ve encountered. I’m keen to maybe try another make on one of my basses if you have any recommendations?

 

[trothwell]

No idea I’m afraid, they’re the first tapewounds I’ve encountered. I’m keen to maybe try another make on one of my basses if you have any recommendations?

I personally like Labella tapewounds for a good general-purpose tapewound, and Rotosound 88 for getting somewhat closer to an upright double-bass sort of sound.

I used old Fender-brand tapewounds for years, but what they currently make isn't the same thing that they used to make. :-(

 

[trothwell]

https://shop.warwick.de/en/strings/...lack-nylon-tape-wound-bass-string-sets?c=3218

These, I suppose?

 

[underwhelmist]

Yep, they look like the ones. Photo of the front and back if the pack, it’s a bit tricky to photograph...

 

[michael_t]

https://shop.warwick.de/en/strings/...lack-nylon-tape-wound-bass-string-sets?c=3218

According to the spec info on their website, these are "stainless steel roundwound on a hex core" under the tape. But it also has the word "bronze". What exactly makes them "bronze"?

 

[iiipopes]

According to the spec info on their website, these are "stainless steel roundwound on a hex core" under the tape. But it also has the word "bronze". What exactly makes them "bronze"?

Two different sets. The stainless tapewound set is for electric basses. The bronze tapewound set is for acoustic-electric basses.

 

[HaphAsSard]

According to the spec info on their website, these are "stainless steel roundwound on a hex core" under the tape. But it also has the word "bronze". What exactly makes them "bronze"?

What I read at that link is "stainless steel hexagonal core".

Two different sets. The stainless tapewound set is for electric basses. The bronze tapewound set is for acoustic-electric basses.

Acoustic/electric bronze black nylon is all the Warwick-branded tapewounds that exist: there aren't two types.

I have never even heard of these. Any idea how they differ (in sound? in construction) from other tapewound sets?

Or gauge, thickness of the black tape, etc.?

Going for what I know about other bronze or copper strings, by other makes, that are suitable for electric basses, I've guessed
Warwick Black Nylon Tapewound Bronze Acoustic/Electric (long, med. scale) sets+singles (incl. B, C)
that only the outermost metal round windage, directly under the nylon, is bronze. So I'd expect them to have a somewhat reduced output, an interesting tone, and verrrrry little tension: the 40/60/80/100 is the thinnest there is.
In fact, a BEAD set of medium-scale singles (125/100/80/60),
Warwick Black Nylon Tapewound Bronze Acoustic/Electric (long, med. scale) sets+singles (incl. B, C)
up-tuned to standard EADG on a Beatle bass might turn out to be the Beas kneas! Sounds like a plan! (...For another time...)

 

[michael_t]

What I read at that link is "stainless steel hexagonal core".

Warwick Black Nylon Tapewound Acoustic / Electric - Bass String Set, 4-String, Medium, .045"-.105", Long Scale

• acoustic / electric bass strings
• 4-string set
• medium
• .045", .065", .085", .105"
• suitable for both acoustic and electric basses
• smooth feel combined with warm and deep tone
• upright bass sound with precise intonation
• 34" long scale
• bronze
• roundwound
• wound with black nylon tape
• stainless steel hexagonal core
• 36" winding
• additional high and low single strings for creation of 5- and 6-string sets available separately

 

[HaphAsSard]

Warwick Black Nylon Tapewound Acoustic / Electric - Bass String Set, 4-String, Medium, .045"-.105", Long Scale

• acoustic / electric bass strings
• 4-string set
• medium
• .045", .065", .085", .105"
• suitable for both acoustic and electric basses
• smooth feel combined with warm and deep tone
• upright bass sound with precise intonation
• 34" long scale
• bronze
• roundwound
• wound with black nylon tape
• stainless steel hexagonal core
• 36" winding
• additional high and low single strings for creation of 5- and 6-string sets available separately

...Yes. That's what I wrote. We're on the same page. And it also says "suitable for both acoustic and electric basses". So my guess is: steel core (I don't think the core is stainless); inner layer(s) made of something magnetically-active (probably SS); outer (metal) layer bronze; black nylon final wrap.

 

[GwenOnBass]

You mean these? These medium scale at 35.5 inches are too long for my 31 inch scale and too short for my through-body full scale. Still in the package.

 

[Claymore]

No idea I’m afraid, they’re the first tapewounds I’ve encountered. I’m keen to maybe try another make on one of my basses if you have any recommendations?

Labella Copper White Tapewounds. They are musical and amazing. If you're looking for muted thud, check out Labella black tapes.

 

[BOOG]

No idea I’m afraid, they’re the first tapewounds I’ve encountered. I’m keen to maybe try another make on one of my basses if you have any recommendations?

La Bella Black Tapewounds live on my Aerodyne. Beautiful sound and playability for that bass.

 

[Iristone]

I'm not a fan of MIK Red Label Warwick strings. Their "proper" strings shouldn't have a problem.
My Rotosound 88 used to have intonation problems and lots of inharmonicity on my Viola bass (not surprisingly, since Sir Macca's Hofner allegedly wasn't always in tune either!). I changed to GHS Precision flats and it helps with that.
For an upright sound, well any strings on my SG Bass can have a big upright vibe with a soloed neck pickup. That said, I find tapewounds a good middle ground between rounds and flats (on a properly intonated bass!).

 

[Wesley R]

I surely do love Tapewounds!

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

I wish someone could compare these to Roto Tru Bass nylon wrapped. I'd really like to know the difference.

 

[PWRL]

I wonder how many people actually put Warwick tapes on Warwick basses. I love tapes on my P bass, but the time I tried them on my Streamer, they really didn't do it any justice. It was a very non-sounding sound, and a very short experiment. I suppose it might work for some people, though, depending on what you're after.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

I use tape wounds on all of my fretless basses. So far using both LaBellas and Rotos. Just trying to get an idea where these Warwick ones fit in.