G String: Wound or Plain?

[JeffOlson]

Wound

vs.

Plain

Wound G strings seem to have better tone, better tuning stability, and better intonation. On the other hand, plain (unwound) G strings bend easier. Which do you prefer, and why?

Personally, I prefer wound G strings--except when I need to bend! To get around the bending problem, I have taken to sliding a lot more than I used to (especially since I have largely switched to flat-wounds).

 

[chervokas]

I like a wound G for better intonation and tuning stability, but higher gauge wound Gs on a Fender scale length can be a pain to bend. However something like the 10-44 TI flats have a relatively light gauge, low tension wound G though that bends with ease.

 

[JeffOlson]

I like a wound G for better intonation and tuning stability, but higher gauge wound Gs on a Fender scale length can be a pain to bend. However something like the 10-44 TI flats have a relatively light gauge, low tension wound G though that bends with ease.

Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swings rule! (I use 11s on one Tele and 12s on the other.)

 

[guitarslinger21]

I can't bend a wound G.

plain all the way

 

[kimock]

Plain for bending up, wound for bending down.

 

[nikkibikini]

i use a plain .022

heavy for a G but still unwound. perfect balance.

 

[stratguy23]

Plain for me!

 

[walterw]

plain-G vs. wound might as well be two different instruments!

 

[durbanpoison]

Wound, for the reasons listed by the OP. Personally, I don't find the wound G to be that much of an impediment to bending. Oh, they have a little more resistance, but nothing drastic. I use Curt Mangan 10-50s and the G is a 20, in the average 10-46 set the G is usually around 17, so, like I said, not a real big difference.

 

[zztomato]

Can't stand wound G's. To me they sound dead and fuzzy. They usually end up being too quiet as well because of their smaller core.