This is not an article about string brand, although some will be mentioned. You most likely use a very specific brand because you like the sound and feel that the string provides. Instead we’re just going to talk about hex-core and round-core, and why it matters when making your string choice.<\/p>\n
Hex-core is literally a hexagonal core shape, usually resulting in a stiffer overall tension when the string is tuned to pitch. Why? Mainly because the six edges of the core “bite” into the surrounding wrap.<\/p>\n
If you like a string with a lot of “pop”, “twang” or sound “piano-like”, hex-core is a good choice. And on many bass guitars, a hex-core string makes for easier intonation.<\/p>\n
The disadvantage of a string using hex-core is that it’s more difficult to bend due to the higher tension of the string, and the high-tension nature can cause pain both for plucking and fret hand. <\/p>\n
As a reference, all<\/em> D’Addario bass strings<\/a> as far as we’re aware have a hex-core. <\/p>\n As you probably guessed, round-core uses a literal round core. This core type has less tension when tuned to pitch, and fingers can bend it easier.<\/p>\n A round core string has a vibration when plucked that does not necessarily last as long as hex-core, but for some is more controllable<\/em> in sound to the ear. For example, a brand new set of hex-core strings will have a “bowwwww” sound to them no matter how lightly you pluck, whereas round-core can give some more control over the string’s sound just from plucking strength rather than having adjust a tone knob to get the desired sound you want.<\/p>\n As a reference, DR’s Hi-Beam, Sunbeam, Flat Wound Legend, and Rare models<\/a> use a round core.<\/p>\n This is where things can get confusing, but we’ll try to explain this as best we can.<\/p>\n Some strings have thin cores and thick wraps, while others have thick cores and thin wraps.<\/p>\n Thicker cores would be something such as Dunlop “Heavy Core” bass strings.<\/p>\n Thin cores are usually (but not always) reserved for more classical instruments, such as upright bass.<\/p>\n Thicker core strings<\/strong>, which is probably the one you’re more interesting in knowing about, are designed for use with very specific tunings<\/strong>. Namely, drop D and D standard, drop C and C standard and drop B and B standard.<\/p>\n Fortunately, which to go with for which tuning is fairly easy to figure out. A 45-105 set would be for D, 55-155 would be for C and a 55-120 would be for B. You don’t have to use those exact gauge measurements, but that’s pretty close if not exactly what you should use for each heavy-core tuning.<\/p>\n What happens if you use a really thick heavy-core set in standard E? That usually results in a string snapping fairly quickly, particularly on the thickest strings. Either that, or you may encounter some odd-sounding overtones.<\/p>\n What happens if you use a lighter heavy-core set dropped down to B? A lot of string “flop” and buzz happens, and not necessarily the kind you would like.<\/p>\n What are the advantages of thicker core strings?<\/strong><\/p>\n First, you should be able to play them the same way as you would a standard core size string in dropped tuning, meaning you shouldn’t have to change your whole playing style just to play lower.<\/p>\n Second, you should be able to achieve the same predictable tone with a thicker core as you would with normal core when dropped. What this means in basic terms is that a pluck of a thicker core drop C should react and sound the same way as it would on a normal core low E.<\/p>\n Third, the wear-in of heavy core strings in dropped tuning should be as predictable as they would be with normal-sized core. <\/p>\n For finger pluckers, roundwound round-core is a good choice. If seeking out something really easy on the fingers, flatwound round-core works great. Or, if seeking out something easy on the fingers with more tension in the string, flatwound hex-core works well.<\/p>\n For slap players, roundwound hex-core is usually what gets “that sound” more than any other – unless you like an easier-bending string, in which roundwound round-core may better suit you. For example, if you really like the current thickness of string you’re using now, but say to yourself, “I really wish this could bend just a little easier,” try a round-core set. You may have to adjust your playing style slightly, but if you’re looking for easier bends without<\/em> changing string thickness, try round-core.<\/p>\n Metal bass players that drop low need a string that can be struck that holds its tuning without wavering out-of-tune constantly. They also need something that really cuts through a mix.<\/p>\n Roundwound hex-core definitely does the job here, and for the super-low tuners out there, consider the heavier core string sets if you’re encountering issues with your thickest strings wavering out of tune when striking hard.<\/p>\n (Note: We do carry Dunlop strings<\/a>, but not the Heavy Core series. However, we can get them for you.<\/strong> Contact us and ask<\/a>.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This is not an article about string brand, although some will be mentioned. You most likely use a very specific brand because you like the sound and feel that the string provides. Instead we’re just going to talk about hex-core and round-core, and why it matters when making your string choice. Hex-core Hex-core is literally … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6103,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6104"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6103"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestbassgear.com\/ebass\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Round-core<\/h3>\n
Thicker vs. thinner core<\/h3>\n
What would be a good choice for “Classic Fender Tone?”<\/h3>\n
What’s good for the metalhead?<\/h3>\n