changing my sound

vs2313 · #1 07-03-2010, 09:36 PM

I want to get a better "jazz tone" on my guitar so i thought the first place would be to start with the smaller stuff like strings and picks.

1. What string should I use?
I am currently using ernie ball 10s on my epihpione les paul.
What guage and what brands are good.
I was thinking to go to either 11s or 12s. If i go higher do 'I have to anything with the action?

2.What picks?
I was thinking use dunlop jazz III
I currently use dunlop torex .88

3. What settings on my amp
I use a fender blues jr and my Eq is at rasing the mid and bass (more on the mid side) and rolling back the eq.

I would like to get a sound like George benson or charlie Christian if that helps. I know i wont be able to get it to be exact because of my gutiar and amp

RonD · #2 07-03-2010, 10:01 PM

Hi vs2313,

If you haven't tried flatwounds, that might be a good start. D'addario Chromes aren't bad and are readily available. Don't go too heavy to start, 10s are OK, 11s would be better.
I use 11s on my Tele and swap out the G string for a plain .20 as I still like to bend once in a while.
If you change guages, have your guitar set up!

vs2313 · #3 07-03-2010, 10:08 PM

Thanks for the help Ron

I just took a look at the Daddario They seem good from the reviews. i think ill give the a try

When you say "Have to get your guitar set up"
is it somthing i can do or do i have to take it to the shop?

RonD · #4 07-03-2010, 10:14 PM

If you've done set ups before, go for it. If not you should let a repair person do it. By set up I mean adjusting the truss rod, setting the intonation and action and possibly adjusting the nut slots.
If you stick with 10's none of this should be necessary.
Cheers, Ron

Tom Karol · #5 07-04-2010, 07:37 AM

Definitely try 11's and other picks. You might need to just tweak the truss rod (clockwise - only 1/8 turn at a time - then wait a day to see how the neck sets), slightly lower the action and adjust the intonation at the bridge. I use roundwound 11's with a plain 3rd (D'Aquisto #340) and red Jazz III's on all my electrics; my tone target is Charlie Christian. As far as amps are concerned, I like to start with the gain (if there is one) set as high as possible without producing any distortion, all the amp's tone controls at midpoint, then adjust the guitar's controls for 'best' tone, and then adjust the tone controls on the amp as required (varies with the acoustical environment).

Jake Hanlon · #6 07-04-2010, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vs2313

I want to get a better "jazz tone" on my guitar so i thought the first place would be to start with the smaller stuff like strings and picks.

1. What string should I use?
I am currently using ernie ball 10s on my epihpione les paul.
What guage and what brands are good.
I was thinking to go to either 11s or 12s. If i go higher do 'I have to anything with the action?

10s no good. At least 11s and 12s really are the best balance. I use 13s but I use Thomastik strings, harder and more expensive.

2.What picks?
I was thinking use dunlop jazz III
I currently use dunlop torex .88

You need a thicker pick, prefer'd with a rounded edge not a straight edge. I play with the corner of the fat end not the tip, it gives you better grip, control and a thicker sound. Not for everyone.

3. What settings on my amp
I use a fender blues jr and my Eq is at rasing the mid and bass (more on the mid side) and rolling back the eq.

Amps are all different, there is no 1 EQ setting for every room in every venue on every guitar for every player. You have to experiment with this yourself. Basically, Mid-Range is where it's at, not bass

I would like to get a sound like George benson or charlie Christian if that helps. I know i wont be able to get it to be exact because of my gutiar and amp

best of luck

bluemood · #7 07-04-2010, 12:06 PM

I use Gibson pure nickel RI 10's are just fine Gibson gauge is heavier than some 11's that I have tried with round core...I don't like low action sounds dead to me...As for pick D'Andera picks sound very good, but again I just use Fender 351 classic celluliod medium if I want a round tone I use the back or side point and roll of the tone control...I don't like the clickety clackaty of hard fat pick when I doing rhythm or picking close to a pickup.

vs2313 · #8 07-04-2010, 12:25 PM

Thanks for te help guys. I think I'll try 11s first. What brand so you guys use? I crrently use Ernie ball