Round Core Strings

[fretless]

another string thread...
round core strings intrigue me, and i've been experimenting with them for the past year or so. Sunbeams, Newtones, Gabriel Tenorio, Curt Mangan. i really like them. any other fans? recommendations? thanks! it's been a while!

 

[GGJaguar]

I judge strings by their tone regardless of construction technique. The only round cores I use regularly are DR Pure Blues.

 

[Guildedagain]

Seems thx to the JS2 I've just learned about round vs hex core, so after a long search I have a set of DR Sunbeams Short Scale on the way for the JS2.

They're 33 3/4" from ball to taper, a spec that's harder to find on the others, so theoretically they should work as the nut is 33 1/2" from the ball end.

Should work.

Now looking at rethinking my guitar strings, round cores.

 

[General Dreedle]

I've really enjoyed the DR Rare Bluegrass on the JF30

 

[Westerly Wood]

I don't believe I have ever tried round core, or at least have no memory of trying them, I might have at some point. What is the difference between round and hex?

 

[Brucebubs]

OK so it's not a Guild and it's a relatively inexpensive laminate guitar but my Epiphone EJ-200 punches way above it's weight with round-core DR Sunbeam lights - incredibly good on this guitar, lifted it to a whole new level.
I even tried hex-core DR Rares to check the difference and straight away noticed the string separation changed, more blended together, so I went back to Sunbeams and enjoyed the better definition.

 

[dreadnut]

News to me - I thought they were all round core. I guess I play hex core strings.

 

[Brucebubs]

News to me - I thought they were all round core. I guess I play hex core strings.

Diagram illustrates the difference - care must be taken installing round-cores - no pre-cutting - install long and trim off excess when string is up to tension.

 

[sonic romp]

I’ve really enjoyed Thomastik-Infeld plectrums on my Guild 12-string.

 

[penname]

I discovered round core strings when Martin released their Titanium strings. Currently use Newtone Monel lights on all my guitars except the rosewoods and the Oxnard Guild M-20 that prefers Martin Retros.

 

[Dadzmad]

I use hex core bronze strings on acoustics but I go between pure nickel round wound sets and flat wounds on my two Telecasters. I've tried Stringjoy, DR and Pyramid and all are good. They have a mellow character and smooth out a jangly instrument like a tele. Almost kinda sorta like a little touch of compression. On the tele's their single coils provide the snap. On acoustic I prefer the sharp and punchier sound of the hex core string type. The round wounds are a subtle variation worth trying if you haven't.

 

[specie]

I have a Collings OM and the sound seemed to deteriorate over a year. Got turned on to Sunbeams, put on a set, and WOW - gorgeous! Haven't tried them on my Guild F212 yet... do they even make them for 12 strings?

 

[Brucebubs]

I have a Collings OM and the sound seemed to deteriorate over a year. Got turned on to Sunbeams, put on a set, and WOW - gorgeous! Haven't tried them on my Guild F212 yet... do they even make them for 12 strings?

I asked them about that .. no they don't.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I should give Sunbeams a try. I know GC carries them.

 

[Brucebubs]

I should give Sunbeams a try. I know GC carries them.

Just remember .. don't pre-cut them! Unlike hex-core strings where the outer wrap wire grips the points of the hex, the outer wrap wire has nothing to grip to with a round-core - cutting them before they're up to tension on the tuner post can cause them to unravel and sound completely dead.

 

[swiveltung]

So.... what's the tonal difference?

 

[MLBob]

Round core supposed to improve sustain and be lower tension. More difficult to wind than hex, so most major manufacturers are using hex to save $$ in production (all D'Addario strings for ex.}. I recently switched over to Curt Mangan round cores. Like 'em so far. Seem to be warmer / less bright, which I prefer.

Your mileage may vary. Play whatcha like.

 

[swiveltung]

Round core supposed to improve sustain and be lower tension. More difficult to wind than hex, so most major manufacturers are using hex to save $$ in production (all D'Addario strings for ex.}. I recently switched over to Curt Mangan round cores. Like 'em so far. Seem to be warmer / less bright, which I prefer.

Your mileage may vary. Play whatcha like.

Interesting, thanks! Very subtle. I kinda like the round core in this video maybe, they just seem to have touch softer attack. But that could be less desirable if he was playing with other instruments in the mix. I change strings every 2-3 gigs so will probably just keep playing good sounding lower price strings!