Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: edwardofhuncote on October 12, 2016, 03:56:30 PM
-
I've played Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats for ages... love 'em. Don't really love forking over $135 a set, but the good news is I'm not hard on strings so it's not like that happens much.
Recently I got a set of Pyramid Golds from another Club member here, who they didn't work out for, and tried them on my (medium-scale) Distillate... they're different for sure. I really prefer rounds on the Distillate, since I'm mostly playing it with a pick. I tried a few different sets before settling on TI Jazz Rounds for it.
So I'm wondering now, about trying them either on my Persuader 5-string, or maybe on the new Custom Fretless. The Pyramids are only marginally cheaper, for what it's worth, price alone is not enough difference to be a deal-breaker.
Any of you tried these, specifically on a 32" scale Alembic? Any thoughts or opinions appreciated. Firsthand experience on fretless Alembics gets extra credit. ;)
-
I haven't tried them on an Alembic per se, but they sound fantastic on my Starfire with Series II pickups, etc., and I just put a 6 string set on my 1983 Modulus bass (which now has Alembic pickups).
I think Alembic pickups and electronics and Pyramid strings are a perfect match.
If you need a custom length or gauge, get in touch with Max at the factory.
My number one string is the DR Sunbeam, but these really rule the flat wound world for me.
-
Gregory,
For what it's worth I to like using nickel rounds on my Distillate.
I was searching in almost vain to get the right strings for my Series 1 short scale until a club member offered up his unused TI Jazz flats JF324. I can't see using anything else on this bass now.
Wouldn't mind trying the Pyramids but the TI's nailed it for me.
A lot of money could be spent trying to find the right strings!
Pete
-
I use Pyramid Gold Flats on my current Alembic (Series 1 LSB) and previous Alembics (Series 1 MSB and Orion). Every now and then I try a different brand, but always end up going back to Pyramid Flats, I just love the way they sound on Alembics, and on my '67 Starfire as well! Although I don't think you could go wrong using either TIs or Pyramids, they are both great sounding flatwound strings.
Try Strings and Beyond for decent pricing:
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/
-
Thanks Fellas. ;)
This is probably one of those situations where I can't go but so wrong... since I already sent a new set of the TI-JF's out to Mica for my new bass, might as well just stick with that plan. I like the feel of these Pyramid Golds, but as Pete pointed out, the Distillate seems to like those nickel rounds better. I may just put the 5-string set of Pyramids on the Persuader for a while.
Hey, you know... it'll be all the more fun trying different strings out on the new bass. It'll come with something familiar to start with, so I'll have a baseline to compare against.
-
Has anyone tried both the TI jazz rounds (or flats) and Pyramid flats and can offer a comparison of the string tension between the two brands? I tried the TI strings a few times and liked everything about them except the string tension which for me was just way too loose to get used to. Both brands are expensive enough that I am reluctant to experiment myself but I have been curious about the Pyramid strings for a long time.
-
I'll have you an apples-to-apples firsthand account in a couple days Stephen... my first impression was that the Pyramids are a *little* higher tension, but not much.
-
So I'm wondering now, about trying them either on my Persuader 5-string, or maybe on the new Custom Fretless. The Pyramids are only marginally cheaper, for what it's worth, price alone is not enough difference to be a deal-breaker.
I can't offer much on the Pyramids but on my fretless I went with D'Addario Chromes which are a flat wound string. They are pretty high tension so if you prefer slinky strings they might not be for you. I like them as not only are they good for the fretless mwah and growl but are also bright enough to get a decent slap tone. Just throwing it out there as a set won't max out the card.
-
I've currently got a set of the Chromes on my Signature 5'er, as well. Love 'em.
-
Got Chromes on my fretless Rogue 6, they sound and feel great.
-
Thanks Gregory! Definitely interested in a higher tension string than the TI. Sounds like you will have your new bass in your hands soon, must be exciting!
Have always heard good things about the Chromes.
-
Has anyone tried both the TI jazz rounds (or flats) and Pyramid flats and can offer a comparison of the string tension between the two brands? I tried the TI strings a few times and liked everything about them except the string tension which for me was just way too loose to get used to. Both brands are expensive enough that I am reluctant to experiment myself but I have been curious about the Pyramid strings for a long time.
I've used both on my Starfire. I was a long time T-I user. The Pyramids are definitely higher tension and, I think, higher mass. There's definitely more to dig in to. They aren't high tension like the classic La Bella's, etc., but not nearly as floppy as the T-I's. If you come by the Starry Plough on Saturday, you can try my basses.
-
Hey Edwin
Jen and I are definitely planning on stopping by tomorrow night. After I posted my question I realized that you would have the Modulus with the Pyramid strings with you. Guess you must have been able to pick up the Starfire yesterday. Have fun in Santa Cruz and see you tomorrow!
-
Just to follow up, I tried these on my Persuader, but they just didn't do it for me... I gave 'em a few hours of play-in over the past week to see if they grew on me, but no dice.
The good and the not-so-good;
For starters, the G and D strings were nice and bright, I liked that to the point it was usable, but the E & B strings lacked the definition I like. Perhaps weirdly, the A string was the only one that sounded and felt 'right' to me. I can't help but imagine this is an intentional curve that one could get used to, and even prefer, but it's the opposite of what I like to hear. To me, TI's are a bit more dull on the treble side, and more focused on the bass end. The higher tension wasn't a problem, but the balance felt off. (in the sense that this string felt 'tighter' than that one at pitch)
I love the windings on these Pyramids... nice and uniform, easy to install. You have to be darn careful clipping and winding TI's or you could have a $135 slinky toy.
Oddly, the 4-string set of Pyramids I tried on my Distillate a while back left an altogether different opinion... I guess maybe the AXY's 'hear' them differently than the P/J activators on my Persuader? Both are 32" scale... yeah, I dunno on that. I may put them back on the Distillate. (another nice thing about Alembics - swapping strings is a five-minute job)
So ultimately, these didn't work out as well as I'd hoped. For now, I put them on a long-scale Tobias that desperately needed some new strings, and it actually seems to like them better. Same bias characteristics, but a better fit for that bass.
Guess I'm just a TI guy... anybody know how to score a string endorsement? ;D
-
Greg,
$135 for TIs seems too much, here they are $73
http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/thjaniflworo.html (http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/thjaniflworo.html)
-
Hey, thanks for the link Rob. The 5-string set is $103, but that's still cheaper than the best deal I've seen. Occasionally Best Bass Gear has them for $115.
-
Dug up this old thread for a purpose...
Just got a good deal on some new strings, so I'm going to give Pyramid Gold flats a shot on my Custom fretless "Chain-Links". I also have a new set of D'Addario Chromes to try.
The last set of Pyramids I had were .045 - .125, and I didn't care for them much at all on my Persuader, but this set is lighter gauge, (.040 - .120) so I'm hoping they'll feel a little bit softer. I tried them on my Distillate for a while, and heard them in a totally different, positive way... maybe AXY's respond differently to them than the P/J shaped activators? ??? My Custom has an AXY at the neck, and a FatBoy at the bridge, so maybe a winning combination.
Unless I hate 'em, I'll give them a couple months, then try the Chromes for a while. May well end up right back where I started with TI Jazz Flats, but we'll see. ;)
-
I've tried a lot of different strings with a lot of different Alembics over the years. TI-flats are definitely my choice, with Pyramid Golds #2. I tried D- Chromes on a number of different basses and they just seemed to lack bottom to me (especially on my Series basses). Nice tension (Yes the TI-Flats area bit floppy especially on the 6-string), but seemed to naturally have too much mid and not enough deep bass.
REALLY looking forward to getting home and actually playing one of my basses again. Been on the road again this time for 3-weeks doing work in Kiev, Zaporizhia, Pokrovs'ke, & Kharkiv, Ukraine. Great people, but it felt like it got a little sketchy as we were heading to Pokrovs'ke which is in the Donetsk/DonBass breakaway region and got caught up in a m[/size]ilitary convoy of 30 artillery pieces heading heading for the front.[/font]
[/size]
[/size]
-
For what it's worth, Gregory - I've been using Chromes on my 5-string for a little more than a year now (not the same set!) and I definitely like 'em a lot. They're certainly more affordable, and haven't had the bottom end problem that "hammer" refers to. I prefer the flat-sound, as the original Alembic Strings were just a bit more twangy than I found usable. Everyone's situation is different, though, not even to mention the whole amplifier variable.
-
I recently got to play another fretless Alembic strung with Chromes, and was quite impressed. That's kinda' what started me thinking about it. I'll definitely give them a shot too, Growly. ;)
I actually have D'Addario Chromes on my DeArmond Starfire II, and on an old Gibson Q-80... other than the higher tension I like them fine - no complaints, but those two basses are radically different, both from each other and my Alembics. (although that Q-80 has a very interesting quality about it... I swear it doesn't respond like a passive bass at all)
I'll post a few thoughts here after tryouts are done. Another nice thing about Alembics... changing out strings is a snap. 8)
-
I would definitely agree with Dan (Growlypants) that a lot depends on one's amp and speakers. I'm using Phil Jones cabs which are composed of a large number of 5 inch speakers (current cabs have 8 - top and bottom - 16) as opposed to 12s or 15s and this may be the difference between the sound I hear and what Dan hears coming out of his rig. I also prefer the TI flats because of their subjective "feel" and the light technique I find myself using.
-
I have TI flats on my Buckeye Rogue 5 and really like them. I put a set of gold flats on my Fodera 5 and really liked them but I ended up putting round wounds back on it to get a brighter sound. For the money I think they are pretty close to TI flats.
-
Love flats :)
-
Just got the Pyramid Gold flats in the mail yesterday... (Thanks Chicago Music Exchange!)
Took a little time this evening to install a new battery, slick up the fingerboard and put the new strings on, just in time for a double-header with Harwell-Grice Band and New River Bound tomorrow...
Does anybody know why Pyramid strings are so dirty right outta' the package? I wonder if it's some kind of grease to prevent tarnish or corrosion. I used a little acetone to clean the scunge off before trimming and winding.
So "Chain-Links" is wearing purple silk now. ;D
-
Looks great! I noticed the residue on the new pyramid flats too. I wonder if it’s residue from the “polishing” process and they don’t wipe them down before packaging. It wears off pretty quickly though.
-
Good Lord, that's a magnificent bass.
-
I definitely get black fingertips after installing a new set, but considering that it goes away in an hour or two and I change my strings every 5 years, it's a tiny part of their life!
-
Greg, please let us know what your thoughts on them?
-
Greg, please let us know what your thoughts on them?
Initially, positive feelings Darrell. I played it for two (75 minute) sets with Harwell-Grice Band Saturday afternoon, and my left hand was quite tired from the extra effort required to play 'clean' notes. The bias on Pyramids vs. TI's is interesting. Pyramid Golds are much brighter on the trebles, but much more dull on the basses. That isn't meant to say they lack definition... in fact, I believe the lowest notes may have more clear fundamentals. TI's are opposite this, to my ears... the low end is almost too zingy, and the trebles seem to impart a little less sparkle. With either one, there is a response curve thst can be used advantageously. I'd almost like to mix a set, with Pyramid Gold B, E, A, and Thomastik-Infeld D, and G strings. Might do that later, but for now;
I'm still adjusting the action to compensate for the higher tension. I took some relief out of the neck, then raised the bridge just a smidge to get rid of some slap. I'll be working on some Christmas music this evening, and tomorrow, so I'll get some playing time in with the adjusted setup.
-
Greg, please let us know what your thoughts on them?
Initially, positive feelings Darrell. I played it for two (75 minute) sets with Harwell-Grice Band Saturday afternoon, and my left hand was quite tired from the extra effort required to play 'clean' notes. The bias on Pyramids vs. TI's is interesting. Pyramid Golds are much brighter on the trebles, but much more dull on the basses. That isn't meant to say they lack definition... in fact, I believe the lowest notes may have more clear fundamentals. TI's are opposite this, to my ears... the low end is almost too zingy, and the trebles seem to impart a little less sparkle. With either one, there is a response curve thst can be used advantageously. I'd almost like to mix a set, with Pyramid Gold B, E, A, and Thomastik-Infeld D, and G strings. Might do that later, but for now;
I'm still adjusting the action to compensate for the higher tension. I took some relief out of the neck, then raised the bridge just a smidge to get rid of some slap. I'll be working on some Christmas music this evening, and tomorrow, so I'll get some playing time in with the adjusted setup.
You'll need to go through the break in period. The strings start clearing up, especially the low end. They lose the dull sound after a bit.
-
Greg, I agree with Edwin they will get better as they break in, the low notes will really start to thump!
-
I'm liking these, enough that I'm going to order a second set for the Persuader 5-string too... it just feels too weird switching between them. I tried again yesterday, and I think I'm actually preferring the sound enough now to outweigh the playability difference... the thumpier bottom end is kinda' growing on me. :D
-
I use Pyramid Flats on my Spoiler and Guild Starfire II bass.
-
Perhaps oddly, I'm digging the D'Addario Chromes on the fretless Distillate now. I was one string short of having a full set of Pyramids to put on it, but had a new set of Chromes.
Nice to know there are other options out there... I still prefer TI Jazz Flats, and will probably return to them eventually, but I'm fine with either of the current options currently in testing. ;)
-
I use them on my Alembic modded Guild which I affectionately called Stardust, and on small body Alembic serial number 33. There is something quite special about the thump that pyramid flats give filtered (no pun intended) through the punchy, high end clarity of the Alembic pickups and electronics.
-
Though they sound okay, I just have not bonded with the Pyramid Gold flats on my fretless Alembics. :-\ Might give them a shot on the fretted ones for a while.
In the meantime, I recently tried a set of D'Addario Chromes... they worked out so well on the Distillate fretless, "Doc" that I thought I'd try them on "Chain-Links" for a while... :)
We've got a jam scheduled for New Year's Eve. :D