Tuning Stability - Round Core vs Hex Core

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Has anyone noticed a difference in tuning stability between round core and hex core strings?

Do round core strings hold tune longer/better than hex core?

I ask because I found Martin Titanium strings extremely stable and I'm having the same experience now with DR Sunbeams.

Both are round core and both required very minimum tuning tweaks from day 1.

Different guitars - one has Grover Rotomatic tuners the other has Grover Sta-Tites.

Both guitars are on stands in my non humidified living room - not in cases.

As long as your stringing technique is good, and the strings are stretched adequately there is no reason the core shape should make any difference. Nor does whatever tuners are on your guitar make any difference to tuning stability. I can't count the number of times people have asked for suggestions for replacement tuners because they think theirs are at fault and 'slipping', when in fact the fault lies in how they are stringing their instrument. The worm gear arrangement in modern tuners cannot slip in reverse when under load, irrespective of how badly worn it may be; that's why it is used in elevator safety mechanisms, for example.
https://www.motioncontroltips.com/wh...s-this-useful/

[Paddy1951]

By reputation, round cores aren't supposed to be quite as tuning stable as hex cores. If that is true, I have never experienced it. I have used or tried several round core brands.

I suspect modern round core strings are much better than those made years ago.

[AcousticDreams]

Originally Posted by ntotoro

I thought you were supposed to “stretch” round-core strings by playing them, not the typical method you would used with hex-core strings.

Nick

Yes that is correct. I probably should have made that a bit more clear. Here is what I said.

"More interestingly, I find that you don't need to stretch them like you do with Hex cores. They are reasonably stabilized after just a few minutes, and nearly stabilized usually after letting them sit for just an hour or two. Of course, I check with a mirror to make sure each ball end is snug up against the plate before winding."

I should have clarified my statement more. You Don't need to stretch them at all, in my experience. I just bring them to tune. Retune them a couple of times over a 10 minute period. And again after an hour or so.

However, a key factor is checking to make sure the ball end is totally up against the plate. I have a telescoping mirror to check that. Sometimes I have to reseat the ball end a few times before it is totally up against the plate. It is only then, that I will start winding them to tension.

[ballynally]

My Newtone round core PBs were good for a few months although the low E sounded dull from the start. After 4 months they all went dull except of course the unwrapped strings. I put on Retros and my Martin OM came to life.. The Retros seem to last a long time. I still have them on a few guitars and sound good after a year. I have ordered some Newtone Monels and see how i fare.

[CharlieBman]

Been trying out a lot of different strings lately. Tuning stability between core types is not something I've noticed.

[Mandobart]

Just like the "round vs hex dead string" thread, same reply for me. I mostly use round core, but have some instruments with hex.

I've noticed no difference in tuning stability. I keep all my 24 stringed instruments out in my climate controlled music room. When temperature and humidity stay constant, everything stays in tune. When these change, most of the instruments respond. The fiddles are the most stable. The nylon string ukulele is the least stable. The steel stringed mandolins and guitars change the same when they change.

I've never subscribed to the "string stretching" camp - pulling/yanking on new strings to stretch them. They get all the stretching they need tuning them up to pitch.