Choosing Bass Strings
Bass Guitar String Basics
Choosing bass strings may be confusing, yet a little knowledge goes along way. Strings create a process of trial and error yet knowing the most basic information will cut that trail and error down, while saving you money in the long run. Remember tone will be the most important factor when choosing your strings. The audience does not care how easy those strings are to play. Finding a balance between playability and sound is essential.
More Basics
Roundwound and Flatwound are your two basic bass string types. Halfwound and groundwound fall between these two. All bass guitar strings are really two strings in one, which are the winding string and the core string layered upon each other. The core bass string is the thickest while the winding wraps around the larger core. The core is usually steel, though synthetics are sometimes used. A beginner should definitely purchase strings with steel cores as this sounds more natural. Winding string greatly affects tone as it adds brilliance to the core sound.
Scale is simply the length from the bridge to the nut on your bass guitar. Knowing your scale is crucial because the length of your bass will determine what strings to purchase.
Roundwound Bass Strings
Roundwound bass strings are round shaped along a core. The string has more grooves so the handling is noticeably rougher. These grooves also cause more finger noise then other strings. Often, they are the brightest sounding of bass strings available. Most players use roundwound strings for their versatility in most styles while almost by there very nature are essential for those who use slap technique.
Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings
Flatwound bass strings have a winding like ribbons which wraps around the core string. Often more mellow in tone and sound, these bass strings have less finger noise, yet have a distinctive squeak. Since they have less cracks and grooves for dirt, grime and other bad things to get into, the strings have a longer life span then other types. These bass strings are critical for reggae and jazz!
Those Bass Strings Between
Halfwound strings defined by their winding, oval wrap around the core. Groundwound strings are basically a shaved down roundwound. Strings are wrapped around a roundwound core first then grinded and or polished. What is the reason for this? Well, these strings create a cross between round and flat, which keep the tonality of roundwound while keeping the light squeaking of flatwound away.
Hexwound String Style
These bass strings are comprised of a hexagonal core and a tight winding that also fits a hexagonal pattern. These strings often hold windings stronger to the core then your typical bass strings. Some believe this style improves tone, while other players swear that these strings are harder to play!
Bass String Gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the bass string. The larger a number is, then larger the gauge will be. A light gauge is recommended for slap style players or those with weak fingers. A lighter gauge has brighter sound and allows easier play yet will break easy and do not fulfill tone possibilities. Heavier strings will have a full complete tone yet will demand more from the player. With time and practice, one can use these with ease! Beware the fact that different companies have different gauge systems! Talk to your local music store and they will be able to help you!
That Deep Low Bass String Sound
With this very basic information, you should be ready and prepared to get the bass strings right for you. Remember to experiment between brands and styles and you’ll be on your way to a master bass player
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