Thomastik George Benson Roundwound Jazz Strings

**smp** · 08-11-2012, 06:36 AM

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have any experience of these strings or could shed any light on why the asking price is five times higher than regular strings?

I could imagine a slight increase just because of the GB endorsement but x 5 the price seems a lot. Surely there must be something else going on with these strings.

**balthazar** · 08-11-2012, 08:53 AM

Hi smp,

x 5 !!!

**Flyin' Brian** · 08-11-2012, 09:02 AM

I don't understand the question. They're much more expensive for sure but the only way for you to find out if the difference is worth it to you is to try a set.

**smp** · 08-11-2012, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Flyin' Brian

I don't understand the question. They're much more expensive for sure but the only way for you to find out if the difference is worth it to you is to try a set.

Just curious. Like I said, I can understand paying a bit extra but for the GB name but not that much so I was wondering if there's anything else special with these strings.

**coolvinny** · 08-11-2012, 03:24 PM

Comparing them to "regular" strings is unusual. Maybe compare them to other TI strings, and then the premium seems to vary from 50% to 100% depending on where you buy them. I've tried them once - they are OK but they didn't sound any better to me vs. other TI's, so I stick with the plain old TI Swings. But if they did knock my socks off then I'd buy them without hesitation, since who really cares about an extra $20/year to get a better sound? (TI strings last forever)

**smp** · 08-11-2012, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by coolvinny

Comparing them to "regular" strings is unusual. Maybe compare them to other TI strings

TI would explain the higher price but I thought they were regular nickel round wounds?

**MarkRhodes** · 08-11-2012, 05:35 PM

They're not "regular." They last an unusually long time (-which is not regular) and they seem to be easier to play then other strings the same size. (I'm not sure how that works.) O, and they sound really good.

**hot ford coupe** · 08-11-2012, 07:39 PM

I read somewhere (dang if I can remember where) that a brand (don't remember which one) had a different kind of round winding. The string was supposedly wound with 2 layers of a thinner guage wrapping to bring the string to the correct gauge. It was supposed to be a lot easier to play with less tension for a given note and have a lot less finger noise. Could that be the TI string we're talking about?

**coolvinny** · 08-11-2012, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by smp

TI would explain the higher price but I thought they were regular nickel round wounds?

"TI" as in Tomastik Infeld...not titanium.

**MarkRhodes** · 08-11-2012, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by hot ford coupe

I read somewhere (dang if I can remember where) that a brand (don't remember which one) had a different kind of round winding. The string was supposedly wound with 2 layers of a thinner guage wrapping to bring the string to the correct gauge. It was supposed to be a lot easier to play with less tension for a given note and have a lot less finger noise. Could that be the TI string we're talking about?

I don't know for sure but it sounds right.

**fumblefingers** · 08-11-2012, 10:08 PM

Benedetto makes similar strings, i'm not sure where they're made.

but if one were to assume that the Benedetto's were made in America (again, i'm not sure if that's true), then the TIs seem to be priced about right, the last time I checked the dollar/Euro exchange rate...

**hot ford coupe** · 08-11-2012, 11:00 PM

The Euro !! I forgot about the exchange rate. I hope it doesn't get too volatile.

**smp** · 08-12-2012, 02:20 AM

Originally Posted by coolvinny

"TI" as in Tomastik Infeld...not titanium.

Thanks for spotting that, I was sure the pack said Nickel. lol

It does sound as if there is more to them than just the endorsement and price hike. And if they last longer maybe they're not so expensive in the long run.

**fumblefingers** · 08-12-2012, 09:22 AM

yep, although the exchange rate is not as bad for the dollar today as it was the last time i checked. 1.2 to 1.

anyway, it doesn't explain everything.

you could always try the Benedettos if you don't want to pay the extra 7 bucks...

i love the TI/GBs, have used them since 2005

**cisco kid** · 08-12-2012, 10:40 AM

There are only - I believe - just a few guitar string manufacturers around making guitar strings. These manufactures make other string brands with that particular brand name on the package.
Thomastics make their own for many many years. I've tried them and they are my favorite flatwounds (Jazz Swing) compare to the others. They have a vintage sound and do last long.
I sometimes go for the Pure Nickel strings from D'Addario they have a mellow tone but not like flatwounds.
I frown at their price, also (T.I's) they are made in Vienna, Austria I believe distributed in the east coast by the Connally Company. But they sound better than the rest flatwounds and I have tried them all, in my personal opinion.

**cmajor9** · 08-15-2012, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by coolvinny

Comparing them to "regular" strings is unusual. Maybe compare them to other TI strings, and then the premium seems to vary from 50% to 100% depending on where you buy them. I've tried them once - they are OK but they didn't sound any better to me vs. other TI's, so I stick with the plain old TI Swings. But if they did knock my socks off then I'd buy them without hesitation, since who really cares about an extra $20/year to get a better sound? (TI strings last forever)

Thomastik (TI) strings in general are very good, balanced across the fretboard and with a bit "mellower" (less bright) sound than say, D'Addarios. The standard sets (Jazz Swing = flatwound; Bebop = roundwound) are both great for jazz guitar.

If you use the other TIs regularly, the Bensons seem to feel a bit better by comparison - its hard to say exactly how they're different. I'd suggest you try the Jazz Swings (typically half the price of Bensons) and see if you like them. If you do, try a set of Bensons and you may like them better.

I tend to use Swings and Bebops regularly, and put on a set of Bensons before a gig.

BTW, the Bensons are available in both flatwound and roundwound versions. Be sure to order the one you want.

**tonedeaf** · 08-18-2012, 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by markerhodes

They're not "regular." They last an unusually long time (-which is not regular) and they seem to be easier to play then other strings the same size. (I'm not sure how that works.) O, and they sound really good.

I tried the rounds and they were fine. I did go back to the GB flats because I like the tone better and I think they are nicer playing strings.

I agree about the string life -- sometimes I find myself wishing they would just wear out so I can put some new strings on (too cheap to not get all the use I can out of the strings).

**Chimera1to1** · 08-18-2012, 10:02 AM

I just replace the E and B strings with singles when they get old. The wound strings last forever. Can't remember when I last changed them. Got them on a strat and a tele too