Round core wound strings.......

[onewilyfool]

I have some Heritage Master class strings which has a round core instead of a hex core on my J-45.....only problem, they are pretty pricey. I'm really liking them, although I am looking forward to seeing how long they last. Any of you use round core strings from other manufacturers? Any input will be appreciated!

[dchristo]

I havent used any of them, do they play or sound different

[EuroAussie]

Yep, DR Sunbeams. Overall my favourite strings for mahogany and maple guitars.

[onewilyfool]

I havent used any of them, do they play or sound different

I've only read that most round core strings are hand wound to assure quality, that you cant cut off the excess string length until they are tuned to pitch (they can unwind), that the round core lasts longer because dirt can't get inside like a hex core string, AND that they pull less tension at pitch than hex core strings....BUT that is only what I read, I like the sound so far, and I use those low tension Heritage Newtone strings on my vintage parlors. So far I like the sound, and hopefully they will last a little longer than the hex cores....

[dchristo]

thanks OWF I'll have to give them a try

[pschaafs]

Are you talking about Newtones? They have a heritage masterclass, among other offerings, and I have used these for years and like them a lot. They became more pricey a few years back and I haven't bought them as much. If you like these, you'd really like their doublewound strings (more pricy, but very nice)...

I've also tried Pyramids (nice) and DR Dragonskins (~), in the round-core category. I think they are easier to play with the lower tension....

[rar]

I've only read that most round core strings are hand wound to assure quality,

Well, that's one way of looking at it. I think it's true that hex core caught on because it's easier to get a good wind with it. So it might very well be the case that the quality of round-core strings is more consistent if they're hand-wound, at least if the winders are experienced. But the idea that hand-wound strings are generally higher quality is controversial, at best. (In fact, I believe Professor String used DRs as his example in a discussion of inconsistency in number of winds per inch.)

 

that you cant cut off the excess string length until they are tuned to pitch (they can unwind),

I've heard that too. But a lot of people have reported that cutting them is no problem if you put a sharp bend in and cut just beyond that. I don't care to risk wasting a set of strings trying my luck, though.

 

that the round core lasts longer because dirt can't get inside like a hex core string,

DR Sunbeams do last a very long time, IME.

 

AND that they pull less tension at pitch than hex core strings....

They're easier to fret, so they feel as if the tension is lower. But whether the core is round or hex can't directly affect the actual tension exerted on the instrument, which is determined by the area of the core's cross section and mass per unit length of the string (core plus wrap).

 

-- Bob R

[michaeljohnr]

I love the DR Sunbeams.

 

They feel as though they have less tension, although their gauges run differently than most are used to.

 

They also have a nice "on instrument" lifetime.

 

Gauges:

RCA-10 Light 10-14-22-30-38-48

RCA-11 Medium Light 11-15-22-30-40-50

RCA-12 Medium 12 16 24w 32 42 54

RCA-13 Heavy 13-56

[Paul E]

I've been using DR Sunbeams for about 3 years, great on mahogany guitars.

[j45nick]

Yep, DR Sunbeams. Overall my favourite strings for mahogany and maple guitars.

 

I bought one set of these as an experiment, and am trying to decide whether to put them on my J-45, or my L-OO. Got an opinion? Both are due for a string change. I'm tempted to put my default MB premiums on the L-OO to establish a baseline to evaluate from. I already have that baseline for the J-45, as I normally use either MB's or J-200's on it.

[EuroAussie]

The Sunbeams will work very well on the J-45. They are ideal for mahogany and maple.

 

I bought one set of these as an experiment, and am trying to decide whether to put them on my J-45, or my L-OO. Got an opinion? Both are due for a string change. I'm tempted to put my default MB premiums on the L-OO to establish a baseline to evaluate from. I already have that baseline for the J-45, as I normally use either MB's or J-200's on it.