Guitar Pusher Weekly Newsletter | Bass Strings: Tapered And Non Tapered

TONE TALK Bass: Tapered and Standard Strings

Once you have finally gone through the difficult task of choosing the right bass, the last thing you want is to have to worry about yet another element to choose, such as strings. Have you ever purchased a new set of strings and wondered why the action was drastically different compared to your last set of strings? The B-string was much lower or higher? Chances are it's the strings by the ball end are either tapered or not. In this issue, we'll help you choose the right bass strings.

Standard or Full Wound Strings

“Standard” means “conventional construction”, which means “round wound” (or “full contact”) string. The string is the full thickness of its size the entire length of the string. The string will get thinner for the tuning posts. These strings are the most common ones in the market and they are the ones installed on your bass when you purchase one.

Tapered Strings

A tapered bass string when the first string is thinner than the full thickness of the string. This “Tapered” length will vary depending on the manufacturer. On the B-string which is usually made up of 3 winding layers, the tapered section will be as thick as one winding and become the full thickness of the string. Tapered strings are usually indicated with a “T” after the size. However, it is not typical to see a tapered string in the .070 or lower size as these are usually constructed of one wrap wire the entire length of the string.

Taper-Core

Taper-Core is where the outer wrap ends at the bridge, leaving only the inner wrap left, and that inner wrap is what passes over the bridge saddles. (The term “Taper-Core” is a bit misleading, as you’re technically not passing any exposed core over the saddle. A more appropriate term would be “Taper-Wrap”, but everyone knows it as “core”, so that’s what it’s called.)

Exposed-Core is similar to Taper-Core, except only the core passes over the bridge saddles.

The only way to know which strings would fit your playing style best is to try them out. Some strings may not sound as good as you would expect and some would just make your guitar shine. You also have to consider having your bass set up as you change gauges and string types.

FEATURED GUITAR TAGIMA TJB-5 JAZZ BASS

The Tagima TJB-5 gives you a taste of Brazilian craftsmanship. Don't let the price tag fool you, This jazz bass has everything a musician needs to cover small gigs up to the big stages.

Equipped with 2 Alnico Pickups and 2 master volumes and 1 tone knob, everything you need to make good music with. Block inlays, black neck binding, classic tuners, and turquoise pickguards. You won't just sound good, you'll look good as well.

SPECIFICATIONS
Strings: 5 Strings
Neck Material: Maple
Body Material: Ash
Fingerboard: Maple with 20 frets and black blocks
Nut Dimension: 45mm
Pickups: 2 Alnico Single Coils
Controls: 2 Master Volume, 1 Tone
Bridge: Chrome TL Standard
Machine Heads: Chrome
Color: Natural, Black, Alpine White, Sunburst
Pickguard: Black, Tortoise

FEATURED GEAR Gruv Gear Fump

Finding it difficult to palm mute a whole song? Or maybe you're just after that beautiful staccato sound? Well here's GruvGear's Fump for you. Just simply slide the strings between the Fump and push it against the bridge, then enjoy. A simple and easy way to change the sound of your axe.