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What gauge and brand of jazz strings do you guys use?
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01-04-2020 10:30 PM
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one of the conditions of joining this forum is that we all use roundwound 08-38!!!
only kidding
a popular string here is the thomastik jazz swing flatwounds...check'em out
welcome aboard
cheers
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What he said...
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Hello,
I would chose different string gauge for different scale length of course. The shorter the scale, the thicker strings can be, if you ask me...
I personal love the Gibson scale, which should be 24,75”, if I remember right. For that scale, I love a set of 12-50 (medium) / Thomastik Jazz Swing / Flatwounds. Next time when I have to change my strings, I’ll checkt out the Thomastik Jazz BeBop roundwounds, also 12-50
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It depends on the guitar. I use either .012 or .013 sets, mostly D'Addario, but also GHS, Martin Retro, and sometimes others. The quest for the perfect string is neverending, like the quest for the perfect guitar. It's possible to find something that's perfect for awhile, but there's always something new to try.
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Here is the jazzguitar.be survey about it:
The Best Jazz Guitar Strings (Top 30) + Best Gauges/Wound
btw if one simply googles the search term [jazzguitar string] the referred article above should in the first few, and even the infographic diagrams should shown in google first page. How cool is that! This site is great, and even google knows its value
Last edited by Gabor; 01-06-2020 at 12:04 AM.
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I wonder how old that survey is? Maybe needs a new kick-off?
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In Europe the Thomastiks are very easily available and they are cheaper than the D'Addario Chromes (Thomastik swings are round about 15 versus 20 Euros for the chromes). I still use the chromes because the set's gauges to me are better balanced – the low strings being bigger than in the Thomatik sets. When it's time for a change in a year or so I might just try the thomastiks again – only one gauge bigger.
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I started with Chromes, then tried almost all. Regarding flatwounds I prefer TI miles ahead Chromes.
Originally Posted by Lobomov
In respect of roundwounds I am very satisfied with the little known and few years old tiny market share D'Angelico Electrozinc. It is kinda you upgrade your PU or guitar... Material matters it seems.
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Hey Hobbs,
Welcome to the Forum!
I've been using Stringjoy for a while -- they sound good and last a long time!
They also have an interesting "tension calculator," which -- as others have mentioned above -- takes into account the scale length of your guitar. [I recommend watching the video, and then playing with the calculator!]
Good luck!
Marc
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Just what I was looking for... Thanks fellas! I’m bumping to to .012 gauge, and figured there was a group consensus on a preference. I’m gonna give the Thomasticks and/or Chromes a try.
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I used flatwound TI Swing 13's for years but now I'm mostly using roundwound Bebop 13's for my archtop. Flats with a HB are a bit lifeless for me and can be too dark through large speakers, but flats with a CC can sound pretty sweet. It comes down to the whole package though: your touch, your pick, your strings, your pickup, your guitar, your amp.
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I've just been trying these lately and all you say is correct. Originally Posted by marcwhy
That tension calculator is a really nice find...thank you!
Anyone mixing sets on a bolt on neck should note the foot pound differences between .010's and .013's!
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I'm using TI Bebop 11s now.
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just for info...tho d'addario chromes are more readily available stateside and cost much less...but they are stainless steel strings...thomastiks are european made with a double wrap of soft pure nickel on a round core...much much different design..and much more expensive to make
here's what indie handwound string maker gabriel tenorio - the Gabriel Tenorio String Company -says about the benefits of pure nickel
Pure Nickel
This is my new favorite thing. I’m exploring this pure metal wrap and thoroughly enjoying it. As a string maker, pure nickel is a joy to make for its feel, weight, and strength.
Pure nickel (99.96% Ni) has a 50% higher density weight than nickel plated steel (8% Ni)
Pure Nickel also costs about 4-5 times more than nickel steel.
Pure Nickel will produce a stronger signal
A pure metal wrap wire, as opposed to a plated wire, produces richer harmonics and well articulated overtones as well as fundamental
Nickel is durable, but will mellow with extended use/over time. This is where pure nickel tends to sit for the majority of its lifespan. The signal is not weakened in any way, only the higher frequencies are rolled off in the basses.
and heres what pickup and string company throbak has to say-
Although the pure Nickel wire raises our cost by more than 60% over Nickel plated steel, pure Nickel is the only way to produce the tone, feel and response of classic pure Nickel strings. Pure Nickel strings emphasize the fundamental of the picked note. Combined with a classic round core, pure Nickel electric guitar strings have a round, clear tone with a warm edge.
and both above are talking about vs. nickel plated steel!! which is still costlier than plain stainless steel! and warmer toned..due to the nickel coating
pure nickel has huge merits..but at a premium cost...only european makers thomastik and pyramid make pure nickel round inner core flats
cheersLast edited by neatomic; 01-05-2020 at 07:17 PM. Reason: sp-
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Great stuff! I’m looking to improve the acoustic sound of my archtop. I’ve got two kiddies under two, so my time plugging into the Hot Rod Deluxe is limited. Pure nickel sounds like a winner.
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I know nothing about the businesses quoted, but I'm always just a little bit skeptical about any claims made by anyone trying to sell a product. And they're obviously trying to sell. I used pure nickel strings for a long time, but on a whim I bought some nickel-plated steel strings, and found that I prefer the tone, which sounds somehow richer to me. I also get better string volume balance across my DeArmond pickup. String preference is very much a subjective subject.
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^ of course! trust your own ears..just trying to demystify some differences between strings for you all...
there are facts there however, do with them as you wish..hah
its design & cost, not speculation!
cheersLast edited by neatomic; 01-06-2020 at 01:40 AM. Reason: typo-
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just pounds, not foot-pounds ?. Originally Posted by WILSON 1
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Neatomic, do you know which are the lowest tension jazzstrings?
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try thomastiks...the flatwound jazz swings have thin inner round cores and double wrap of pure nickel...so very soft and tension free feeling...
their roundwound bebops are great too
cheers
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Thanks!
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Should I order tin or brass plated TI jazz swings ?
same price ....
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its just a very thin plating...no real difference in tone...more to do with corrosion and body chemistry... Originally Posted by pingu
tin is the most common...and it keeps the visual uniformity of the strings silver looking!! haha
some people say the brass is a bit brighter..but...even if..the plating wears quickly
maxima uses gold plating...and pyramids silver!
cheers
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IME the choice should be based on your preference for looks. The tone is the same. The plating is just to prevent rust and corrosion from contact with your fingers. So decide based on whether you prefer brass or silver colored plain strings.
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