Nylon (Tapewound) Strings and Fret Clicking

J

John D Knippa

Jul 15, 2020
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#1
I have read the threads on string clicking and understand the apparent causes and solutions. What I would like to know is clicking reduced by using nylon strings. Also, I would also like to know the pros and cons of using nylon strings. I currently use stainless flatwounds.

Thanks...John
 
#2
Yes I have encountered that, and found it rather annoying. I only use tapes on fretless basses. The only other con I have encountered is that on certain basses they can make a horrible hum that just cannot be ignored. This is caused by how the bass is grounded. You really do not know until you try them. As for the tapes I use I find them wonderful in their smoothness in their attack and laid back sound. They are also long lasting due to them beaing sealed due to the tape material. The original coated strings I suppose. I use Fender tapes on my 4 string fretless basses and GHS tapes on my 5 string fretless. Hope this helps. :D
 
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#3
John D Knippa said:
I would also like to know the pros and cons of using nylon strings.
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Aside from the potential grounding issue mentioned above, something you should know about tapewounds is most of them are roundwound under the nylon cover, GHS Tapes being an exception. And since the outer nylon cover does not contribute much to either stiffness or overall tension, a 50-105 set would feel more like roundwound of 40-95 or even 35-90 in terms of overall stiffness/flexibility. If you want a set of tapes that feel more like a typical 45-105 set in rounds, you would have to go up to larger gauges, such as 60-115, and that could mean having to widen the nut slots.
 
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#5
fretlessguy said:
Yes I have encountered that, and found it rather annoying. I only use tapes on fretless basses. The only other con I have encountered is that on certain basses they can make a horrible hum that just cannot be ignored. This is caused by how the bass is grounded. You really do not know until you try them. As for the tapes I use I find them wonderful in their smoothness in their attack and laid back sound. They are also long lasting due to them beaing sealed due to the tape material. The original coated strings I suppose. I use Fender tapes on my 4 string fretless basses and GHS tapes on my 5 string fretless. Hope this helps. :D
Click to expand...
 
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