The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    I keep studying the differences and maybe just have not get into the real specifics. I am going to now with a change in strings. Does anyone notice a real difference between them, as round core should feel softer and less tension. Can anyone tell?

    I have a set of Pure Nickel .12-.52 on my 49 D'angelico that sound fine. I recently tried some Thomastik bebops 113 .13-53, on my Heritage Ghost Built Da. I like them they feel really great going to put a set on the 49. Can anyone tell immediately if they can feel the difference and the tone? My least favorite roundwounds are the brighter types like stainless steel. I don't use bronze even though they are acoustics too much jangle, but maybe I have not tried the right set that sound a bit more mellow.

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  3. #2

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    I found that I mostly gravitated to round core strings without realizing it. My electrics all have GHS Boomers or Thomastik Jazz Swings on them, depending on what I use them for. I really like Martin Retros (also round core) on acoustics after they have a little break in. The only hex core strings I use are Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanowebs. The coating seems to tame the over the top brightness of hex core bronze strings and they last a long time.

    I don’t have specifics of why I mostly prefer round core. I can just say that over time I found myself preferring strings with round cores overall.


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  4. #3

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    I have had a lot of trouble with my hands for years now.Going to roundcore strings has definitely made a difference.If you play rock or blues and bend strings,roundcore are much easier on the hands.Even when playing jazz,the roundcore to me just feel easier on my fingers and not as stiff as hexcore.The only hexcore i am still using is Labella Jazz Tapes and for whatever reason they just don't bother me as much as full metal hexcore strings.

  5. #4

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    Round core also has a lesser vibration field so you can lower the action.
    Round core has better sustain too.
    Always wait 48 hours before you clip off excess on a round core. The strings must be fully stretched before you clip them or the core can slip and the string can go dead.

    Round core lasts way longer also.

    I only use TI flats on everything. Finger squeak is nails on a blackboard to me.

  6. #5

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    It's hard to AB strings with small differences because it's hard to find a set of strings that are identical in all aspects besides the core. So I dunno if it's due to the round core or other construction attributes, but I will say my favorite electric strings have consistently been round core. I use D'Addario 12-52 when I run out (hex) when I run out of my favorites, which are Newtone strings, either the Archtop or their regular Nickel Plated Steel Electrics. I don't notice the D'A being that much more tension if at all. Setup feels roughly in the same ball park but the D'As sound a bit brighter.

  7. #6

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    I use a nickel wrapped titanium round core on one of my flat tops. The nickels fundamentals and the flexibility and low tension of the round cores makes bending a joy. The nickel means they last forever. Only changed them out to due boredom after 6 months. Put another set on this year.

  8. #7

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    There are so many variables in strings, but at this time four of the five metal strings I use are round core rather than hex core. They are:

    TI Swing Series (Pure Nickel Flats)
    DR Pure Blues (Pure Nickel Roundswounds)
    Argentines (Silvered Roundwounds)
    Dogal Nightclub (80/20 Flatwounds)

    I use D'Addario 80/20 roundwounds which are hex core on my vintage D'Angelicos. These strings were developed with imput from John D'Angelico and sound great on those guitars. I have tried round core 80/20 strings made by Curt Mangan and found that the D'Addarios were easier on my fingers. That leads me to the conclusion that round core alone does not mean an easier playing string. Other factors such as the size of the core, the smoothness of the windings etc. come into play.

    But overall, with 4 of my 5 choices being round core, it does seem that round core is my preference.

  9. #8

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    Big roundwound user here on both acoustic and electric guitars - mainly various TI (Swing, Bebop, Spectrum) and DR Pure Blues.

  10. #9

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    In terms of tension the round core strings are without a doubt easier to play. Tension has always been a thing with me so I've paid careful attention. My main reason for using them. I suspect you will lose any perception of less tension because of the different gauges. If I had to guess you might find the 13 bebops to feel a bit more tension.

  11. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stringswinger
    I have tried round core 80/20 strings made by Curt Mangan and found that the D'Addarios were easier on my fingers. That leads me to the conclusion that round core alone does not mean an easier playing string. Other factors such as the size of the core, the smoothness of the windings etc. come into play.
    100% agree. Core size makes a bigger difference than core shape.

  12. #11

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    I have Hex Core strings that sound like Round Core strings because what distinguishes them from most Hex Core strings is that they have damping materials between the Core & the Wrap Wire which cuts out the higher overtones, they're a Prototype "Helicore Guitar string set"

  13. #12

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    How about Flex-Hex Core strings? They're Hex Core strings that have a core wire that's half as thick & then they're compound wound like bowed instrument strings.

  14. #13

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    There's another one, the Octagonal Core strings by Mapes

  15. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by ThatRhythmMan
    I really like Martin Retros (also round core)
    Nope, not according to what I always read and just saw confirmed:

    Martin Monel strings have a tin-plated hex core with a nickel and copper alloy wrap wire that reduces the amount of string attack for a mellow, clear and consistent sound..

    I used Earthwood silk-and-steel strings, which are hex-core and sound really nice, until I discovered the TI Spectrum and Plectrum strings which are similar but with a round core wire and an even better sound. I wouldn't dare to claim that there's a relationship there, but it's tempting to draw that conclusion.

    I had Pyramid make me a set of round core, Monel-wrapped silk-and-steel strings. They do sound better than the other Monels I tried but still have that rough feeling under the fingers and string noise. I'd put up with that if I liked the sound, but I don't.

  16. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by RJVB
    Nope, not according to what I always read and just saw confirmed:

    Martin Monel strings have a tin-plated hex core with a nickel and copper alloy wrap wire that reduces the amount of string attack for a mellow, clear and consistent sound..

    I used Earthwood silk-and-steel strings, which are hex-core and sound really nice, until I discovered the TI Spectrum and Plectrum strings which are similar but with a round core wire and an even better sound. I wouldn't dare to claim that there's a relationship there, but it's tempting to draw that conclusion.

    I had Pyramid make me a set of round core, Monel-wrapped silk-and-steel strings. They do sound better than the other Monels I tried but still have that rough feeling under the fingers and string noise. I'd put up with that if I liked the sound, but I don't.
    I could have sworn that I had some info that said they were round core. I must have somehow crossed my round core and round wound wires. Thanks for the correction.


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  17. #16

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    noticed enough of a difference that ill never play a hex core string again.