Selecting your Strings
The strings you choose will have a direct effect
on the sound you get. Below, we have included a list of strings and
the type of tone that will be delivered by selecting a particular string.
80/20 Bronze: (Brass)80% Copper, 20% tin;
gold colour; Very full low end and extremely bright top end. Tends to "mellow" more quickly than Phosphor Bronze. 85/15 Bronze: A more even sounding string.
Phosphor Bronze: This copper-coloured
string is made from a durable, long lasting steel widely used in machinery
for bushings and bearings. The strings are bright, although not as bright
as 80/20 Bronze, and they retain their brilliance longer than other
brass and brass alloys. Nickel Plated Roundwound: Developed in
the sixities by D'Addario, nickel-plated strings offer more brilliance
and flexibility than traditional pure nickel wrap wire. Pure Nickel Roundwound: A darker, smoother
sound than nickel-plated strings, preferred by those who seek the warmest
sound possible. Stainless Steel: Even brighter than nickel-plated
strings with a longer-lasting brilliance. Flat Wound: Flat (ribbon) wire is wound
over a round core to produce a smooth string surface which virtually
eliminates flingernoise and produces fret wear. This is preferred by
Jazz players for their slick feel and warm tone. Half Round: Starts life as an oversize
round wound string. It is then ground to its final dimension producing
a string that has a tone in between and roundwound and a flatwound.
Nylon: (Classical) StringsThe top 3 treble
strings are either extrusion molded or centerless ground to precise
diameters and tensions. Gut is no longer commercially available. The
wound basses are usually siver-plated copper although 80/20 Bronze is
also available. The various processes produce strings with slightsly
different tactile response, tone and intonation.
