The joy of flatwound strings on a solid body bridge

[Lionelsax]

When calculating string tension, does round-wound versus flat-wound make a difference?

No but generally flatwounds have more tension but not so much.
Maybe one or two pounds for each of the four strings, the plain ones are the same.

[Lionelsax]

The two calculators are not agreed, some gauges are missing but you can get an idea with, and understand if the string set is balanced.
It's interesting to see that for the G string, the stiffer plain string (0.024) has more tension than a wound one even if it's more flexible.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

When calculating string tension, does round-wound versus flat-wound make a difference?

Don’t calculate it - the string makers measure it. D’Addario has a series of tension charts for all of their strings HERE. As an example, a 0.052” Chrome (flat wound SS) is at 22.7 pounds when tuned to low E on a 25 1/2” scale, and a 0.052” nickel plated RW is at 22 pounds. A flat 20 at G is at 20.2 pounds and a RW nickel plated wrap 20 is 19.4 .

D’Addario includes the formulas for tension, but it’s pretty tedious. The charts are much easier.

[kris]

I think flatwound strings are great jazz strings... after all.

[Lionelsax]

OK, I made a chart based on a virtual string set.

[Lionelsax]

Another one...

[Lionelsax]

Another one... with a G plain steel...

[Lionelsax]

You will really love these string sets !
I won't comment ! Maybe you will !

[Lionelsax]

Hey ! You've got the blues, look at these !
They gave me a headache !

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

You will really love these string sets !
I won't comment ! Maybe you will !

Low E string is getting chubby!