I've got D'Adarrio Light Chrome Flatwounds on my X170 now. I like the consistancy of the gauge jump from one string to the next. I'd like to go to a .012 and have read these rave reviews about the T-I's and would like to try a set out but the gauge differences between strings seem kinda funky. For example the D'A's- .011,.015,.O22,.030,.040,.050 T-I's- .012,.016,.020,.027,.037,.050. Think I could ever get used to 'em?
Thomastik Med.Light Flats, inconsistant gauges?
- Thread starter Ravon
- Start date
die Bullen
Junior Member
I use flat JS111's- .011, .015, .019, .025, .035, .047
Once I switched to these strings I was absolutely HOOKED. I don't just use them on my Guild archtops, I even use them on a telecaster...
Once I switched to these strings I was absolutely HOOKED. I don't just use them on my Guild archtops, I even use them on a telecaster...
I switched from chromes too... TIs are MUCH better strings and they last twice as long. Try them and see what you think.Ravon said:
There are a variety of guages:
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html
Jazz/swing (10, 11, 12 or 13) are flats. The George Benson (12 or 14s) come in flat and roundwound. The Jazz be-bops are roundwound. The Benson 12 flats are heaven to me! The tinplated steel sounds the same but lasts longer.
jte
Member
T/I has always had "unusual" gauges for strings. They're going for a more balanced tension instead of numerical consistency. Their flatwound bass strings are very very very highly regarded, despite the fact that they only come in one gauge and it's 43/56/70/100 compared to a typical medium gauge set's gauges of 45/65/85/105 or a light gauge set of 43/60/82/104.
John
John
Well, ya'll sold me. Think I'll just spend a little more then and give'm a try. Like all of us, just looking for that balance of tone and comfort. The bass strings on most flats I've tried seem a bit dead to my ears. If the T-I's seem too "jumpy" in the gauges I might keep their bass strings on and maybe experiment with the trebles as I have quite a collection of strings. Hopefully the balanced tension as mentioned negates any inconsistancy in the "feel"
teleharmonium
Member
Other than the high E which is heavier, the largest difference represented in the other strings is 3/1000 of an inch... it's negligible.
T-I are much more compliant and just better strings than Chromes. I've never heard of anyone not being pleased with the switch. If you like the lighter high E, most plain streel strings from any brand are pretty much the same thing, and they're only a dollar apiece or so at your local music store if you want to switch it out.
The wound strings will outlast the plain steel strings in your set several times over anyway, so you may as well plan on getting singles for those strings.
T-I are much more compliant and just better strings than Chromes. I've never heard of anyone not being pleased with the switch. If you like the lighter high E, most plain streel strings from any brand are pretty much the same thing, and they're only a dollar apiece or so at your local music store if you want to switch it out.
The wound strings will outlast the plain steel strings in your set several times over anyway, so you may as well plan on getting singles for those strings.