Hint for a Good Balance on Charlie Christian Pickup

**Sigmund451** · Yesterday, 11:55 AM

Ive been toying with this the last couple of afternoons.

The problem was worse than they typical B string being prominent. That part is managable.

The biggest problem was a wound G nearly vanished compared to the rest, and using a plain g was far too loud.

I had read posts from long ago. It was about a members third option for a G when using TI Bebops that included a plain G. He replaced a plain G with a flatwould G.

SO...with this idea in hand I went through my used string box and pulled out a flatwound G.

Its not as perfectly dialed in as you would get with pole pieces but in the absence of pole pieces its pretty much in the pocket.

On the G the winding is so small that the difference in a would vs a flat is pretty minimal on a set of strings that are broken in.

In any event, its far better than a weak note or one that sicks out like a sore thumb.

So what Ive found is that a Flat .021 is louder than a Roundwound .021. A Flat 021 is less loud than a 19 or 20 plain string.

**omphalopsychos** · Yesterday, 03:54 PM

Thank you for sharing the research. What you’re describing comes down to core to wrap ratio I think. You could use a flat wound from a brand that has a sufficiently large steel core for a G. You might also find a brand of round wounds that produce a similar outcome. This is part of the reason that when I order a custom set of acoustic or nickel strings I often get a slightly larger G string (for extra steel mass).

**Sigmund451** · Yesterday, 04:23 PM

Yes. Im going to experiment more. Im not sure I will find a round wound as loud without getting excessive in size difference.

Im not sure what strings have the most output or if there is a difference between brands and styles.

Ive done some more playing. Its still a hair low in volume but its in the ball park. When I buy some I may go a little heavier. This was a G from a TI set of Swing 12's so I think it is actually a .020

Its worth the trouble to experiment becuase I really am enjoying this pickup. Its in an Aria right now. Im having Elferink build an archtop for me. I think I will be putting a Dearmond 1100 in it. At that point I may move the CC to my Eastman 810ce.

The CC has a lush, soft and warm tone as compared to a P90 which tends to sound a little nasal to my ears. Its a "More Electric" tone than a Dearmond but its enjoyable and the chimey effect can be easily increased or decresed.

**garybaldy** · Yesterday, 04:24 PM

I've never tried a CC type pickup. Why are they so highly regarded if they are such a PITA?

**Sigmund451** · Yesterday, 04:38 PM

I think you would be hard pressed to coax the same tone a CC type pickup can deliver from something else. I guess it may be possible if you are a master knob twister.

A CC pickup just has its own vibe...as much as a P90 or a Dearmond.

There are plenty of pickups with no adjustable pole pieces. I personally wont buy them becuase there is no compelling reason to give up the ease of adjustment....but in this case I think its worth the effort.

I play TI 12's. They come with a plain G so I replace it anyway. Once I know exactly which string works with the set the work will be over. The flat single G is close but I think I can get closer. Its too bad strings dont have a dB rating