Yeah, String Me Along

[Paddy1951]

There are a number of approaches to stringing a steel string guitar. Martin has theirs, Taylor, a bit different. Then, their are simpler versions of both of these.
I have tried both ways and the simpler ways as well. They all worked fine.

So, my question today, for those of you that regularly use ROUND core strings is which method works for you? I know round cores should not be cut until secured to the post. What else?
Any tricks or don't do's?
I have used round cores and find I am using them more frequently.

Your take, please.

[Paddy1951]

What, no takers?

Round core strings. They behave differently. They can sound different. I want to learn more about them.

[DesertTwang]

I never know the difference between round core and hex core strings because I don't pay attention to those things. I do remember, though, that I did use round core strings in the past, and because I wasn't aware of them being different at the time, I strung them up the usual way, including precutting (only way possible on a slothead), and had no issues whatsoever.

[Martie]

I use round core on my acoustic and electric and follow these basic rules:

Have 3 or 4 wraps around each post (fairly bog standard with any string

Tune to pitch, gently stretch, tune, repeat etc.

One they have 'settled' (some leave them overnight) I bend the strings to a 90° angle and then cut them.

I hope that helps

[DanleyJ]

Sunbeams by DR strings have a round core and instructions on the box (inside) say do not pre-cut string but rather cut excess off after you tune up to pitch. Round cores have a tendency to not hold well to wrapping on wound strings if you cut them first. That is the only thing I've ever heard about round core strings over hex core. I personally like the Martin Flex strings. I don't know for sure if they are round core (hence the additional "flex") but I can pre-cut them to length before I tune to pitch with no problem. I would be cautious if stringing with DR Sunbeams though.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Martie

I use round core on my acoustic and electric and follow these basic rules:

Have 3 or 4 wraps around each post (fairly bog standard with any string

Tune to pitch, gently stretch, tune, repeat etc.

One they have 'settled' (some leave them overnight) I bend the strings to a 90° angle and then cut them.

I hope that helps

This is it except the "overnight" part which is completely unnecessary.
After you wrap the strings and tune them to pitch, you can go ahead and cut them. Wrap them in whatever way you prefer.
I have used several brands of round cores. I like all of them. They are easier to fret and bend and the tone is just fine. It is said they aren't quite as loud as certain hex core strings, but in all honesty, it isn't something I really notice. YMMV.

[Nctom]

I agree completely with rokdog, nothing too exotic with round wound strings. I don't do anything in particular with windings, 2 to 3, stretching, or clipping after bringing up to pitch. The feel of them is subtle, but sublime.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

This is it except the "overnight" part which is completely unnecessary.

+1. Keep it simple. I use the Taylor method to decide where to put a 90 degree bend, wind the string, and then cut.

[Martie]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

This is it except the "overnight" part which is completely unnecessary.
After you wrap the strings and tune them to pitch, you can go ahead and cut them. Wrap them in whatever way you prefer.
I have used several brands of round cores. I like all of them. They are easier to fret and bend and the tone is just fine. It is said they aren't quite as loud as certain hex core strings, but in all honesty, it isn't something I really notice. YMMV.

Yes, I restrung with some (truly wonderful!) Newtone Heritage yesterday and the overnight thing is totally unnecessary - I've just heard some say they do it. I also noticed that my bend (which, of course, must be done before cutting) is as much as I can get, so more akin to 45°, which is probably none too important, but worth a mention.

I also got to thinking about how I string my Jazzmaster, which has the type of pegs where you have to pre-cut the string before winding round the peg. In this instance, I simply work out the required length, bend and then cut - and have never had any problems

[TBman]

I have a set of roundcores coming from Newtone. I don't use roundcores a lot, but when I put them on I just don't trim them until the strings settle in a little.

I'm just careful that I don't scratch up my guitar or draw blood,