Tone Difference between wound and unwound strings

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

I have often noticed the tone difference between wound and unwound strings. (while playing the same pitch, an unwound string will be brighter than a wound string) Most of the time it doesn't bother me,
But sometimes when I am recording and the melody jumps to a different register, The darker sound of the wound strings makes the solos tone seem inconsistent.

I have sometimes compensated for this by picking closer to the bridge when playing the lower (wound strings)

Sometimes I opt for a single string melody rather than harmomize at a higher fret with the wound strings...

Anyone else hear this in their playing? (it also happens on other stringed instruments, not just steel guitars.)

Dom
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Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Jerry used UNWOUND strings on the first four string positions.......in fact, second strings were used in place of a normal 1,2,3 strings and a third string would suffice for the 4th string slot.

All were UNWOUND..........
Listen to Jerry's early records from `1949-50. See what you think.

I've used them for decades now and find that combination to be unbeatable.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

Often, when I am able, I substitute a heavier plain string for a wound string. Especially if it's to be used for a melody note.

G Strout · From: Carabelle, Florida

I am with Ray on this one. I use plain strings 1 - 3 (4th if I can find one) and my 5,6 are wound. It makes a huge difference in my presented attack and tonality. I currently use a Zookie thumb and butterfly finger picks (2) Playing through a Bad Cat.

Nate Hofer · From: Overland Park, Kansas

I think I remember Paul Franklin posting years ago that he used unwounds on his G# and B strings in the middle of his E9 tuning and this was significant because some string set manufacturers made that G# string wound. The reason he preferred this was that he very often picked both of those string together. He wanted that tonal consistency of two unwounds.

Frank James Pracher · From: Michigan, USA

For the folks who like an unwound 4th string (G on C6th)..... What gauge are you using? I use a plain 20 for my A, anything heavier and they seem to sound dead to me.
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Chris Templeton · From: The Green Mountain State

Jerry also used flat wound strings for the wound strings. maybe they're called round wound, possibly half wounds. I'm not sure.
When I got his Excel double neck from him, those were the kind of strings that we re on it.
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i think it's always been obvious that there is a tone difference.

Peter Jacobs · From: Northern Virginia

Besides the tone differences, I've noticed the volume difference between the largest unwound and the smallest wound string -- I've made gauge adjustments over the years to compensate. Since my pickup pole pieces aren't staggered or adjustable, there's only a little I can do to balance the volume otherwise.

Anyone else feel that a large plain string gets a little "zingy" sounding, for lack of a better word?
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Frank James Pracher · From: Michigan, USA

In my post I said they sound dead... but zingy might work. On some of my steels .022 works but usually I like .020 for my A string
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"Don't be mad honey, but I bought another one"

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

When performing live, I never really notice the wound string tone changes. I figure the higher volume, and ambient room sounds just make all the notes blend together.

However when recording and listening to the playback much more critically, sometimes it bothers me so much I have to change my arrangement and find the notes on different strings. (using single strings, different harmonies, slants, open strings etc. to avoid the wound string contrast)

Thanks for all the input, It's nice to know others have addressed the issue before.
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Jean-Sebastien Gauthier · From: Quebec, Canada

I use the same gauge, 022, for both my A and G strings (C6). I prefer the tone of plain G and it make it easier for bending behind the bar like Kayton Roberts.

Alan Brookes · From: Brummy living in Southern California

Ray is right. Use unwound strings, even if they are working below recommended tension.
One thing to remember is that the recommended tension for strings is usually calculated after taking into consideration the pull-down onto the frets. On a fretted instrument, tuning down can produce rattle. We don't have that problem, since we use tone bars. Those who use pedals have their own problems, created by the geometry of what happens when you pull and push strings. On non-pedal there are none of those concerns, and I myself prefer a down-tuned instrument with slack strings. It helps a lot in vibrato and tone.
But then, I'm not an expert steel player like Ray is....

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