Types of Bass Strings
The type of bass strings you buy for your bass guitar will ultimately be your choice, but you will get the best strings if you first consider your preferred string design and gauge, as well as the way you "attack" the strings when playing.
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The Strings
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Bass guitar strings come in many gauges and string styles, including round-wound, flat-wound and ground-wound. Strings are sold individually or in packs of corresponding gauges that range from extra light, light, medium and heavy.
Round-Wound Type
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The round-wound type of strings has a center core string with an outer round wire that wraps around the string tightly. This type of string gives up a bright punchy sound and creates a good sustain.
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Flat-Wound Type
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The flat-wound type of strings has a center core string with an outer flat string that wraps around the string tightly. This type of string feels smooth to the fingers, and gives up a muddy sound that ranges close to a midrange frequency level with no sustain.
Ground-Wound Type
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The ground-wound type of strings has a center core string with an outer round string that wraps around the string tightly. Grounding of the outer wire to mimic the flat-wound gives it a feel and sound that ranges between the muddy sound of the flat-wound strings and the bright sound of the round-wound strings.
Coated Strings
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Coated strings last longer because you can easily wipe them off after each playing session; doing so removes the grease and dead skin that rubs off from your fingers. Some bass string manufacturers now make color-coated strings that add to the appearance of your bass.
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References
- Photo Credit Hannah L. Scott
