Author Topic: Strings Shootout! (Read 353 times)

sonicus · « **Reply #15 on:** September 07, 2012, 07:48:04 PM »

Sparechange/ Syd , Yes .40 .55 .70 .100

sparechaynge · « **Reply #16 on:** September 08, 2012, 06:57:08 AM »

ok, that seems like it makes more sense than the regular set, balanced-tension wise. I know you have had a lot of experience with pyramids, do you have any advice for someone with less?

JimmyJ · « **Reply #17 on:** September 08, 2012, 08:12:43 AM »

One of us ought to get one of these:
http://www.tensitron.com/fine_wire.html
Probably not a cheep device ... but it might yield some interesting numbers on different strings, the effect of bridge/nut angle and overall string length, etc...
Jimmy J

sonicus · « **Reply #18 on:** September 08, 2012, 08:18:43 AM »

HI , sparechaynge. My first experience with Pyramid Gold strings was back in the early 1970's to use with my Guild Starfire Bass . At the time there were also Guild Flat wounds and Framus Flat wounds that seemed to have a similar vibe about them. Pyramid Gold flat wounds seemed to stand out among those choices . At the time I believe Alembic was also stringing the Pyramids on their Bass's when I was hanging around occasionally at the old 60 Brady St location . I very fondly remember the Alembic Instruments hanging on the wall there and even more fondly remember being allowed to check a few out from time to time. 60 Bradey was where my first Starfire had the Alembic bridge with brass block and tail piece modification done.

My advice regarding the Pyramid flats is to experiment to find what feels right for you to get the sound that you are searching for. Since the 1970's it is my experience that the Pyramids seem to perhaps have changed somewhat . Specifically I find that the E string on both the thicker gauge and lighter gauges feel and sound differently. Be very careful with the G strings because they still could have the propensity to break under heavy attack. The G strings also still seem to ping like they did in the 1970's.

I use other types of strings to match the sound I want . For round wounds I like Dean Markley Blue Steel XL #2670 40-95
Other flat wounds for electric bass that I have used are the D'addario Chromes which I liked for their thud snap for playing Salsa . In comparison to the Pyramids I would say that the Pyramids have a wider spectral response but also feel loser to your touch due to lower tension.

sonicus · « **Reply #19 on:** September 08, 2012, 08:25:25 AM »

jmmyj,
Thanks for the link to the cool tension measuring device.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #20 on:** September 08, 2012, 03:09:01 PM »

thanks for the input, Jimmy and Wolf. The tension tool looks really interesting. If I decide to go deeper into the guitar science/building field I will certainly look into it more.

Wolf, I understand your point about picking what's right for me. I think at this point I will use Pyramids for the shortie and maybe try TI's on my long scale, if I find that I can adjust to the lower tension.

Anyone with thoughts about guitar strings from these two brands?