Thomastik Swings volume balance (short video)

[Peter C]

I've just put back on a set of TI JS13s which I tried a couple of years ago and removed quite quickly because I found their tension "strange". They were stored "with care", and are in good condition. Anyway, as I'm not playing a lot at the moment (evidenced by the lack of precision in my fretting), I thought their lower tension could be an advantage, plus the fact that they are (or, at least, were) well-priced here in Europe. Oh, and I like the sound!

Now, before I go and order sets of these and maybe the Bebops for variety, I would like other ears to tell me if the volume balance sounds right, because maybe I'm hearing a rather strident tone from the E and, especially, B strings compared to the wounds. By the way, the pole screws have been "staggered" to accommodate this set. If there is a problem in string-to-string balance, I imagine this would be compounded by a non-adjustable replacement pickup that I'm considering right now for this guitar, so things to think about.

Thanks ahead for any comments.

[sgosnell]

That's pretty much what you get with flat-wound strings. The difference between the plain and wound strings is noticeable, moreso than with round wounds.

[neatomic]

don't know what the room sound is...but sounds pretty even via web..with all its compression!

try fooling with pup height as well as the polepiece stagger...(you can tilt the entire pup)

also make sure your individual bridge saddle heights match the fretboard radius

cheers

[Ronstuff]

Peter C, I also use the same TI Jazz 13's on my Guild archtop. I agree that that 2 top strings are louder, to me it's something that I get used to and I guess that I compensate for it without thinking too much about it. Sometimes I wonder if it would be less of a problem with D'Addario strings, but I just love the tone and feel of the TI's. Sometimes I go back to Roundwounds, but always end up missing the flats.

[vinnyv1k]

I always chuck the brass E&B on TI's and replace them with Elixirs. Makes them perfect. Yes costs more but worth the perfect balanced sound. The brass sounds too harsh plus they get sticky feeling.

[entresz]

I always chuck the brass E&B on TI's and replace them with Elixirs. Makes them perfect. Yes costs more but worth the perfect balanced sound. The brass sounds too harsh plus they get sticky feeling.

That's exactly what I do! No more sticky feeling - the Elixirs are slick and they last so much longer than most plain steel strings.

[kris]

I use TI 13- Swings about 20 years.In my opinion they are the best jazz strings on the market.
Your guitar sounds very jazzy and clean with these strings, and if you play these strings longer you will see that the sound will even out.
I wouldn't recommend replacing the first two strings, it annoys you, better to combine the pickup and bridge setup.

[Peter C]

I used Chromes for a long time in the past and the difference between plains and wounds was less obvious. Of course, they're made of stainless steel and thicker than TIs.

Tilting the pickup, ok, worth a try. Saddle heights have always felt ok.

Ronstuff, you could have a little "D'Addario adventure", but 95% sure you would return to the TIs

I've used Elixir Nanos a lot and never noticed that their plains were much different to any others.

Thanks for your comments, Kris, though not sure what you mean in the last sentence.

Thanks all.

[kris]

There are balance adjustment screws in the pick up.

[neatomic]

thomastik packs come in 2 forms...with brass plated plain strings or the more standard tin plated..its a buying option...have to read the packaging details!...all plain strings are essentially the same...carbon/swedish steel...the plating is super thin...brass or (mostly) tin...


cheers

[sgosnell]

I'm not sure the Elixir plain strings even have a coating other than tin. The few times I've tried them I couldn't tell that there was anything on them, they seemed to be just plain strings. But whatever people want to spend their money on is fine with me.

Edit: A quick look at their website FAQ page indicates that the coating is only on the wound strings, and the plain strings just have an anti-rust plating, pretty much what every other plain string available has. If one doesn't like a brass plating, TI does offer sets with tin plating, like most other manufacturers offer.

[neatomic]

^ hah! good sherlocking!

faq-

What makes your anti-rust strings special?

As you know, sets are made up of wound and plain steel strings. In addition to the NANOWEB and POLYWEB Coatings that protect all wound strings, Elixir Plain Steel Strings feature an innovative Anti-Rust Plating that prevents rust and corrosion and extends the life of plain steel strings.


cheers

[entresz]

From my experience I find the Elixir plain strings do feel slicker as they wear than the TI plain strings (tin plated or brass).
They both start out basically the same, but give them a month or two, they do feel different. The Elixirs stay slick and corrosion free, but the TIs feel sticky and show signs of corrosion.

Obviously this depends on how acidic your body chemistry is too.

I'm not sure what plating Elixir use but it seems more hard wearing than what TI use.