Best Strings for Jazz

**Milton** · 06-30-2011, 04:44 PM

For that classic Joe Pass/Jim Hall sound, what do you consider to be the best strings for an arch top?

**fws6** · 06-30-2011, 05:23 PM

Jim Hall is known to play a fairly light set of 011 flatwounds (DAquisto strings; probably also because he endorsed DAquisto guitars)

Joe Pass 013 flatwounds

Strings are a matter of personal preference though. And "an archtop" can be a gazillion different guitars.

People on this site are raving on Thomastik but I didnt like them. I have roundwound EJ22s on acoustic archtops with floating pickups, bronze Martin's on acoustic archtops with no pickup, and DAddario Chromes on the electrics.

**Kuz** · 06-30-2011, 09:59 PM

Yea, I am one who LOVES the Thomastik George Benson flatwounds. When I put them on my archtops, I was literally BLOWN AWAY!!!!!

I broke a string when changing a new set, e-mailed them stating I was disappointed because their strings are expensive and my back-up string set was now missing a string (wound 3rd). They sent me a replacement string and a whole new set!!!! I was most impressed that they asked for the broken string to research where & why it broke. I told them that normally I would send it back to them, but it went out with the trash the day before. THEY STILL TOOK MY WORD and sent the replacement 3rd and a new set.

I am a life long Thomastik player now!!! That is what I call customer service!!!!

**Milton** · 06-30-2011, 10:11 PM

Thanks. I have only used Thomastik strings on my violin. Didn't know they made strings for electric guitar. I've been using D'Addario Jazz Light Gauge strings EJ21 (.012-.052), round wound. I have no problems with them.

**djelley** · 06-30-2011, 10:38 PM

I have been a big fan of the D'Addario Chromes, but my latest acquisition came with a set of Thomastik Bensons and I REALLY love them. Too bad they are SO expensive.

**Jake Hanlon** · 06-30-2011, 11:26 PM

go for Thomastiks they're amazing...

no i don't just say that because I'm endorsed... seriously you won't regret it.

**mangotango** · 07-01-2011, 07:55 AM

Thomastiks for me too, on my jazz guitars. Can tell the difference straight away. Yes they're expensive but they last me a while, so it all evens out.

**jorgemg1984** · 07-01-2011, 05:32 PM

For that sound its hard to beat Thomastik flatwounds - I have had them and chromes and the thomastik are great for that specific sound, but they are too expensive in my opinion. I think you might find that sound on benedetto or sadowsky strings (made by la bella, so trying la bella flats is also an option)

I have since converted to roundwounds (La Bella Jazz on my 335 and John Pearse Jazz on my Archtop, both 13-56) and am very happy, but they dont produce the sound you are looking for.

**Billnc** · 07-01-2011, 10:34 PM

Thomastik George Benson set. Thomastik are all I use on my basses and guitar. Rather than weeks or days the strings last years. Wonderful sound.

and yes, other people hate them. If ever there was an area of personal preference strings are it, they are the connection to the instrument and probably the most important sound generator.

guitarguy77 · 07-02-2011, 01:07 AM

I use Thomastik JS113's on my Eastman 910 CE Archtop, and Thomastik JS112's on my Ibanez AS200, the tension is super light and I just love the tone and feel. Have tried the D'addario Chromes and im not a fan. The thing that most people complain about is the price. But think about what you actually spend your money on. If you have a serious love for your instrument then $10 is not a big deal. Plus they last longer and keep their tone longer than the Chromes, in my opinion. I think the Thomastik's are the way to go, I am more than pleased with them.

**larry graves** · 07-02-2011, 08:56 AM

I have Ti's GB 14s on my 335, GB 12s on my LP, Ti's Plectrum 11s on my acoustic. Just bought a Taylor solid body, I think I'll string it with GB 12s round wound. I think I've tried about string out there in the last 56 yrs of playing. I'm home, nuff said .L.G..

guitarguy77 · 07-02-2011, 01:40 PM

Larry, i'm going to have to try those Benson's, is there any major difference you can pinpoint between the Jazz Swing and the George Benson Thomastiks ?

**larry graves** · 07-02-2011, 03:05 PM

Hi. The GBs are twice the price as the swings, you would expect them to be better, and they are believe me. I find the 12s suit me the best, good place to start. I've had them on a year now and they have'nt changed a bit. Try a set and you'll thank the guys on this site (who swear by them)
forever! .L.G..

**Frank67** · 07-02-2011, 03:29 PM

That is an interesting discussion. I wasn't aware that TI GB's are considered that superior. Have to give them a try. So far, i liked Thomastik Jazz swing flats 12 or 13 best on my Godin Kingpin and the Multiac Jazz (on both guitars the chromes just didn't sound right to me) but was very very happy with the fat sound of the Chrome 12's on my ES175 copy and my Epiphone Elitist Byrdland.

**tuxtux** · 07-02-2011, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by guitarguy77

I use Thomastik JS113's on my Eastman 910 CE Archtop, and Thomastik JS112's on my Ibanez AS200, the tension is super light and I just love the tone and feel. Have tried the D'addario Chromes and im not a fan. The thing that most people complain about is the price. But think about what you actually spend your money on. If you have a serious love for your instrument then $10 is not a big deal. Plus they last longer and keep their tone longer than the Chromes, in my opinion. I think the Thomastik's are the way to go, I am more than pleased with them.

Thomastik JS113 my favorites too
Regards
Clavan

**flashjazzcat** · 07-04-2011, 09:28 AM

Thomastik GB112s on a GB10. Despite the price premium on these strings, I can't live with anything less!

**ncs** · 07-05-2011, 09:28 PM

I'm not often trying other strings but when I tried I always came back to LaBella strings and I'm using them for 20 years now (at least).
On a L-5 I use LaBella 20PH flatwound: 15 - 19 - 25W - 33 - 44 - 56
(yes, they are very heavy and you cannot draw them much - nothing for Jimi Hendrix epigones!)

On other guitars I sometimes use the lighter version 20PS:
13 - 17 - 23W - 31 - 42 - 53

They produce a great Montgomery-like warm sound and are really perfectly balanced (as their advertising says).

And no: I am not payed by LaBella

**jorgemg1984** · 07-06-2011, 04:54 AM

I am also enjoying La Bella a lot (using rounds though), for some things I like John Pearse even better. Its a surprise for me more people dont use La Bella, they make both Sadowsky and Benedetto strings.

**medblues** · 07-06-2011, 05:17 AM

My current favorites:
LaBella's for tape wounds
Thomastik for flat wounds
Rotosound Roto Grey (13s) for round wounds
D'Addario EJ45C for nylon strings

**Thomas S.** · 07-06-2011, 11:07 AM

Hi all

a couple of days ago I got a strong recommendation for Rollerwound-strings. Does anybody have experience with them?

Thomas

**pineapple** · 07-06-2011, 06:28 PM

Try Dogal flatwound set R40/A (.012-.016-.024-.032-.042-.052). Expensive and very difficult to find. Great strings from Italy.

**cargoshorts** · 07-09-2011, 01:05 PM

I've been playing Webstrings for some time now, currently 13 Flats on my 17" Bodies and 11's on my 16" Bodies.
I love their service and their incredible same-day shipping.
Being way up in The White Mountains this is really the way to go.
Their quality will shock everyone that uses "name brand top shelf" Strings.
I can't go back now to anything else as I'd be dissatisfied.

**mrblues** · 07-12-2011, 12:59 AM

+1 on Thomastik Infeld. I use 12 flatwounds. Not gb but bebop strings on my 1st and swing strings on my 2nd guitar. Now my instruments sing...

**Thomas S.** · 07-12-2011, 03:32 AM

I put "GHS R+R 1315 Nickel Rockers Rollerwound" on my Guild X-180 and I´m exited by the sound ... she sings beautiful

**vinlander** · 07-12-2011, 05:59 AM

I use D'Addario Chromes 13-56 on my Regent and they are not bad and pretty cheap too.
At some point I had put Labella nylon tape wound on my Joe Pass and they were really smooth and great. I might try again these black nylon tape on the Regent this time.
I am so much into Bucky Pizzarelli tone, only missing is the 20K Benedetto but my playing level would not justify it