Bright strings on my archtop - rockabilly, not jazz

[moosie]

Another round wound 12 set with a plain G is the Thomastik Infeld Bebop BB112: http://www.juststrings.com/toi-bb112.html

12 16 20p 28 36 50 Nickel!

Yeah, you guys make a good point that I might not care for the balance. Now I remember I did have that issue with some T-I Bebops, where the 3rd was crazy loud. But that was on a Collings City Limits (think Les Paul). I wasn't sure if it would be as much of an issue on the archtop. But I didn't want to risk another friggin $20 on a set.

They didn't work so well for me...

 

[BigDaddyLH]

They didn't work so well for me...

Okay. I'm a T-I flat wound guy. Right now I am rocking George Benson 14s on my T-style!

 

[Walter Broes]

Agreed on the P90's, but the "there were no roundwound strings in the 50's" is a myth. Flatwounds were the luxury novelty and came stock on a lot of guitars in the 50's, but Duane Eddy, Scotty Moore, Chet Atkins, Merle Travis all played rounds.

 

[overlock]

If it's bright you're after, I recommend Elixir Nanowebs. Brightened up my Epi Dot no end. Right after putting them on, they sounded harsh and unbalanced, but after a day or so they were great. And stayed great for ages.

 

[Nick Fanis]

Because when Moore recorded those songs with Elvis there simply were not roundwound strings (pardon the pun) around.

Roundwounds have been around since steel strings were invented (late 1800's). Flatwounds were developed for jazz players in the early to mid fifties because the jazz players wanted less String "zip" when moving their hands across the strings during fast chordal melody passages.

 

[Lobomov]

As long as you can adjust the saddle there is no reason for a wound g-string. I like flat, but I have replaced the g-string with a plain always. For a set of 12s, I'd go with either 12, 16, 20 or 12 15 19.

 

[screamin eagle]

Yep, you need to try Thomastik Infeld Bebop 12s. Don't let the price scare you, they last forever. I get around 8 months out of a set. Have gone more than a year on my tele with their flats.

 

[Paul in Colorado]

Off topic, but since we're talking about jazz boxes and strings it reminded me of this Stephen Stills quote. "The reason that Buffalo Springfield spent so much time tuning was because we were putting Super Sliinkies on our Gretsch's.

I'm happy with the DAD .011 set on my Gretsch. I used to play with a guy who had an ES-175. I can't remember what he used on it though. He mostly played rhythm, though.

 

[moosie]

Yep, you need to try Thomastik Infeld Bebop 12s. Don't let the price scare you, they last forever. I get around 8 months out of a set. Have gone more than a year on my tele with their flats.

Sigh...

Thanks for the input, as always, but as pointed out twice now up-thread... Been there, hated 'em. Crazy unbalanced third. Doesn't matter how long they last if they're in the trash.

 

[screamin eagle]

Sigh...

Thanks for the input, as always, but as pointed out twice now up-thread... Been there, hated 'em. Crazy unbalanced third. Doesn't matter how long they last if they're in the trash.

Sorry, missed that.

Have you tried Newtone Strings? They're pretty good.

 

[moosie]

Sorry, missed that.

Have you tried Newtone Strings? They're pretty good.

I'll have a look, thanks. Hmm, maybe their Nickel Masters...

 

[Tee1]

I'm interested in this issue too, moosie. I also have an archtop with one (neck) p90, that also came strung with EJ21 strings, w/ the wound 3rd. The bridge saddles are not adjustable. I find the output when plugged in to an amp, is too bassy/woofy and would like to get more of a middy, less bassy R 'n' R /rockabilly rhythm when strumming.

 

[Tee1]

I've been considering an EQ pedal, like the MXR 6 band, to reduce/dial back the bass frequencies a bit, but it would be nice to get it right on the actual guitar. Maybe go down a string gauge to 11s and/or raise the pole pieces on the p90? The pickup itself can't be raised or lowered.

 

[radiocaster]

I would think lower gauge strings are brighter.

 

[Tee1]

Just plugged into the 2nd input on my amp and I think that helps, along with the positioning of the amp (within the room space). It's sounding not as boomy.

 

[screamin eagle]

I'm interested in this issue too, moosie. I also have an archtop with one (neck) p90, that also came strung with EJ21 strings, w/ the wound 3rd. The bridge saddles are not adjustable. I find the output when plugged in to an amp, is too bassy/woofy and would like to get more of a middy, less bassy R 'n' R /rockabilly rhythm when strumming.

Tee1, if you want more mids and less bass then try the Martin Retro monel steel strings. I prefer them on my acoustic archtop with floating DeArmond, but they do lack in bass if you want to cut down on the boominess of a guitar.

 

[GigsbyBoyUK]

Ernie Ball 11's for me on my archtop - regular Power Slinkys. Flatwounds just sound too dull, even for when things get a bit jazzy.

 

[AndrewG]

I've used 10's on my archtops with great results and great tone. The idea that you NEED heavy strings on an archtop is BS IMO. And sometimes a wound G is no better for intonation with a wood bridge. Been there more than a few times.

I agree 100% if it's an electric archtop, but a pure acoustic archtop absolutely needs heavier strings to get the top responding. On my Gretschs I have used 9s which work just fine.

 

[KevinB]

So, I got this ES-175, and I slapped a ABR-1 on there, for some intonation.

Keep in mind that the original ABR-1 gave way to the Nashville because the latter has a wider range of intonation adjustment that suits modern string gauges a little better.

The ABR-1 "should" be okay - all the Gibson historics still use it - but it might be an issue.

 

[telemnemonics]

I'd really just try what works on the Gretch and not worry about internet mythology.
Gauge for scale length, as long as the bridge stays in place.
Unless part of your goal is to play the 175 unplugged?