Why doesn't George Benson's friend play his strings?

[Marty Grass]

Toty Viola is a superb guitarist and an old friend of George Benson. Our departed forum friend RhoadsScholar got to know Toty. Rhoads gave me a pack of strings Toty uses. They are GHS Pat Martino's mediums with a couple of string changes on the top to lighten them a little. Sets - Pat Martino Flatwounds - GHS Strings

The strings are heavy but the action is low, so it works out.

I mention this because it shows that good friends can disagree and remain friends. The world can be a good place.

Here's a fairly recent video of Toty. Also here's a pic of Toty playing George's guitar and George playing Toty's.

[AllanAllen]

I can't say I've ever cared what gauge strings my friends like. We don't even like the same kind of guitars, let alone strings.

[callouscallus]

Because they are 12.99 and he doesn't have a string endorsement dealer.

let me know if you have any other questions. Peace>>

[citizenk74]

The fingers like what the fingers like. That said, I've never had problem with GHS strings of any type. Very well made, and the only brand I've used that didn't leave a black trail on the cloth I always use to de-gunk each string before I put it on my guitar. Always clean as a whistle - Brite Flats, flats, Boomers, Rockers, whatever - totally gunkless, and long lasting. I use other brands as well, but I have found GHS products to be distinctive in that regard. YMMV.

Also, friends is friends. Always.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Friends don't let friends play coated strings.

[MarkRhodes]

I've never had problem with GHS strings of any type. Very well made, and the only brand I've used that didn't leave a black trail on the cloth I always use to de-gunk each string before I put it on my guitar. Always clean as a whistle - Brite Flats, flats, Boomers, Rockers, whatever - totally gunkless, and long lasting. I use other brands as well, but I have found GHS products to be distinctive in that regard. YMMV.

Neatomic suggested I try GHS .009 flatwounds for my Tele and I love them. Can't recall how long ago I put them on but it's been awhile and they still sound good. I expect I'll use them again when this sets needs changing.

I never tried the Brite Flats. Don't know about them. My main thing is I Hate Squeaking. Can't have that. Flats don't allow it. (Momma don't allow no string squeakin' 'round here!) I'm using the Precision Flatwounds.

[marcwhy]

[I bought a used tele-style a while ago, and I liked the feel of the strings that came with it. I asked the Seller what they were, and he said, "Ernie Ball Super Slinky!"
Haven't used those for 30 years!!]

[neatomic]

Neatomic suggested I try GHS .009 flatwounds for my Tele and I love them. Can't recall how long ago I put them on but it's been awhile and they still sound good. I expect I'll use them again when this sets needs changing.

so glad you are digging them...

nice and easy on your fingers, yet gives you that classic tele snap on the light plain strings with the added lushness & warmth of flats on the wounds

as per op...ghs is also a local michigan company...been around for decades (1964)...make some great strings

cheers

[Litterick]

Maybe Pat Martino is also his friend.

[citizenk74]

Neatomic suggested I try GHS .009 flatwounds for my Tele and I love them. Can't recall how long ago I put them on but it's been awhile and they still sound good. I expect I'll use them again when this sets needs changing.

I never tried the Brite Flats. Don't know about them. My main thing is I Hate Squeaking. Can't have that. Flats don't allow it. (Momma don't allow no string squeakin' 'round here!) I'm using the Precision Flatwounds.

Brite Flats* are (quoting the package) "Roundwound on the inside, smooth on the outside, for RICH, LOUD TONE." I can testify.

11s and 12s come with a wound G; 9s and 10s with a plain G.

* I don't know exactly how they do it, whether they are rolled or ground,** to achieve smoothness; but they are highly polished. Squeak, they will not.

** Or some proprietary combination thereof....

[2bornot2bop]

“I mention this because it shows that good friends can disagree and remain friends. The world can be a good place.”

That’s an important point and worth reading again. We can choose to disagree without being disagreeable. It’s a choice that I’ve not always practiced here. Time to begin doing better.

Thanks for the reminder Mark!

[Marty Grass]

Brite Flats are not that smooth. A few strokes with steel wool prior to installing make a big difference. A StewMac fretboard protector placed under the strings with a few strokes with light sandpaper also helps.

I do this with Brite Flats and Round Wounds. It gets rid of the squeaks and keeps the brightness.

[2bornot2bop]

Brite Flats are not that smooth. A few strokes with steel wool prior to installing make a big difference. A StewMac fretboard protector placed under the strings with a few strokes with light sandpaper also helps.

I do this with Brite Flats and Round Wounds. It gets rid of the squeaks and keeps the brightness.

Thanks for the tip Mark. I just sampled SW on the install of Bebop .14 rounds.