Plain String

"Plain strings sound the higher pitch notes. Plain string is unwound. Made of specially tempered tin plated high carbon steel, but its shape is round, not hex. Used on electric and acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins -- not classic guitars. One end has a brass grommet, called a ball, which is secured by a special lock twist. The ball is for attaching the string to an instrument.

Electric Strings

Wound strings sound the lower pitch notes. They consist of wrap wire lightly coiled around a core wire. Nickel plated steel, the most popular, produces a well balanced all around good sound. Stainless steel provides a brighter sound. Pure nickel, which some believe gives a richer, fuller sound.

Plain strings sound the higher pitch notes. They are made of a specially tempered high carbon steel wire. They are used as first, second, and often third strings.

Core Wire

Core wire is the center of a wound string. It is of specially tempered high carbon steel. The crosscut end view reveals a shape that is not round, but hex shaped. The points of the hex shape help hold the wrap wire securely in place. Hex core wire is used for the wound strings of both electric and acoustic guitars, banjos, and mandolins - but not classic guitars."