Author Topic: PYRAMID Strings (Read 1001 times)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #30 on:** September 30, 2012, 09:13:51 AM »

Obviously from the same session, but the YouTube labels give Mann's Fate as 1969 & Hesitation Blues as 1970; I knew these guys did long sets back then, but wow! (Seen both before, but always glad to start the day right - thanks.)

Peter

sparechaynge · « **Reply #31 on:** September 30, 2012, 11:45:40 AM »

LOL! Wish I could have spent a year with those guys! I never noticed the year labels, but it has to be '69 because Jack's Yggdrasil was stolen shortly after Woodstock. I used these vids as a reference because Jack used this bass during the 1968 Bless it's Pointed Little Head/Crown of Creation tour, my favorite Airplane era.

Glad I could help Peter!

sonicus · « **Reply #32 on:** September 30, 2012, 02:02:46 PM »

Bless it's Pointed Little Head should be required listening for any electric bass player, in my opinion. I think Jack was so on it in every way !
Every cut on that recording ! I also LOVE_____ Grace on Bear Melt ,____WOW !
I was very influenced by that recording, I was also very influenced by Phil from Live Dead as well. That version of Dark Star in particular. Pyramid Gold Flat Wounds , _____could get you there.

(Message edited by sonicus on September 30, 2012)

hieronymous · « **Reply #33 on:** September 30, 2012, 02:26:43 PM »

I have never tried the Pyramid flats. Been using LaBellas on my Guilds, D'Addario Chromes on my Stanley Clarke. I will say that the LaBell James Jamerson set has EXTREMELY high tension - totally unlike their regular strings. That could be what the person who said they would damage a neck was talking about. TI Jazz Flats on the other hand I could never really get into too much, though I have them on my doubleneck and they actually feel pretty nice.

One of these days maybe I should give Pyramids a try...

Oh yeah, and I definitely am Team Phil - the Airplane just doesn't do it for me, I think it's the singing voices...

sonicus · « **Reply #34 on:** September 30, 2012, 05:08:52 PM »

The Airplane album Bless it's Pointed Head ALSO had incredible drumming ! Spencer Dryden was incredible together with Jack on that live recording. Spencer Dryden was an incredible drummer in my opinion in general. One of my faves!

sparechaynge · « **Reply #35 on:** September 30, 2012, 05:44:49 PM »

+100000000. Jack, Jorma, Paul and Spencer were never more ON then they were on that album. It is THE sound I hear in my head when someone says electric bass.

Speaking of team Phil, does anyone have a guess as to what the skinny pickup is near the bridge at 7:10 in this clip?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PODPgBaiFI4&feature=related

It's right in between the bridge and bridge pickup. It's definitely a plastic cover, not wood.
It looks like a humcanceller, but why there?

(Message edited by Sparechaynge on September 30, 2012)

edwin · « **Reply #36 on:** September 30, 2012, 07:25:06 PM »

I think it was used for a frequency detection circuit. I recall reading an interview where he discussed a circuit that would measure the frequency so that his filters could be tuned around the note that was being played, sort of like a shiftable formant setup.

Back to Pyramids:

I really liked them last night. The G string is still a bit twangy and tends to stand out if I'm not careful. They are also a lot more work to play than the TIs that were on there. I had been using a Dunlop Graphite big Stubby pick but shifting to a Fender heavy made life a little easier. I'm going to have to start practicing a bit more to stay in shape to use these on a regular basis.

sonicus · « **Reply #37 on:** September 30, 2012, 08:40:12 PM »

I am glad that they worked out for you Edwin. That G string Ping Twang can be smoothed out a bit with the filters. both on board and out board.

gleech · « **Reply #38 on:** September 30, 2012, 09:38:15 PM »

very glad to hear that someone else shares my opinion on 'Bless It's Pointed Little Head'. I had to buy a second copy because I wore my first one out, then had to get the reissue CD. Keep in in my car at all times. Learned so much from Jack and Spencer, and how to play as a band. Yes, when I hear Jack's bass on that recording, that is the way an electric bass is supposed to sound. Still looking to do that for myself.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #39 on:** October 01, 2012, 05:23:42 AM »

Oooh, a part of the OO I didn't know about!

I too am glad that the Pyramids are working out. Are they more work because of the balance issues or the tension?

Gleech, that is one of my favorite albums EVER. I wish that there was more material live available from that period of the Airplane. The quality recording itself is very good, especially for the rhythm section. Not at all like live Cream or other live albums from that time.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #40 on:** October 01, 2012, 07:43:25 AM »

Sorry for the weird grammar in my previous post, I hadn't had any caffeine yet.

Just a thought: Would using a nylon tape wound G instead of the stock string make a difference in the balance of the set?

edwin · « **Reply #41 on:** October 01, 2012, 09:39:58 AM »

It's more work because of the tension. I wouldn't think a tape wound G would be better, but maybe using a G from the TI set. I'm going to leave it as is for now and just try to get more practice time in.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #42 on:** October 11, 2012, 12:10:11 PM »

Bump! Any update Edwin?

edwin · « **Reply #43 on:** October 11, 2012, 03:50:15 PM »

Well, I have to say that I like them. They are higher tension, so I tightened the truss rod on my Starfire. I used them for the shows last weekend, but I had some amp trouble, so I was too distracted to really be able to make an objective call. However, I am done with crappy DIs, etc., and am waiting on a Grace Design M103 to be the center of my rig. I don't get quite enough gain from my F2B to drive the power amp, plus I want some compression before it hits the power. But I digress. The Pyramids are staying on for the foreseeable future. Now the question is how long they last.

Also, big props to Strings and Beyond. They sent me a new E string which does not have the defect that the original one had and it got to me within a couple of days. Good folks.

sparechaynge · « **Reply #44 on:** October 12, 2012, 05:52:46 AM »

Great! Not the rig problems, the other stuff. I'm glad they were worth it. I have heard they last forever, but that remains to be seen.