Hey Strum! A new thread on Strings

[luvmyshiner]

Strummy's favorite subject. Normally I wouldn't post this because we've all seen strings discussed till we're ready to blow chunks. But this is a new one on me. Last month I picked up some flat wound jazz strings at the Guitar Center while we were visiting our son. Guy swore these were the best things since sliced bread. I'd never heard of the brand, so I thought I'd give them a shot even though they were $18.



I installed them today. What freaked me out is that on the wound strings, the last four inches or so are wound in nylon. I tried to get a couple of pics so y'all could see what I'm talking about.





I've never seen anything like that before. I don't know if there is supposed to be some sort of advantage to this, or if the manufacturer is just trying to save a little coin. Have y'all ever seen anything like this before?

[street music]

That's weird Shiner, how do they sound and feel. I have never tried a flat wound string???

[just strum]

Well, the subject doesn't get overdone here like it did at the other forum.

I only want to say that we've been on forums together going on two years and I can remember when you use to cry about how 9's hurt your fingers (as did I) and now you are using 12's? You've grown into a man and it won't be long before you are using 13's like Drake. Let's hope you don't end in the same cell.

[luvmyshiner]

. . . it won't be long before you are using 13's like Drake. Let's hope you don't end in the same cell.

Snarf. It's probably getting pretty close to time for him to get out. Everyone better start keeping your Washburns under lock and key.

I really don't like the larger gauges Strum, but this was the smallest they had. I'm going to try ordering some extra light flat wounds to see what I think. I'll probably have to plug her in a little more often, but my fingers will thank me.

Street, I'm not ready to give an opinion on these yet, but I love flat wounds in general. They cut down on the nasty finger noise that comes from dragging your fingers across the strings when you change chords, but more than that, I think they have a deeper, mellower sound. A little stronger on the bass perhaps. If you want to try something in the middle, the D'addario flat tops are good start. They're not flat wound exactly, but they're polished down after they're wound, and they sound very similar to flat wounds.

[just strum]

It looks like you gutted Robert and strung the guitar with his veins.

[marnold***]

I don't know what the benefit is, but that wrapping at the end is relatively typical with bass strings (at least back in my previous life as a bass player).

[street music]

Thanks Shiner, I may order a set of those to try on my Takamine, I usually play the EJ15s and like them very much.