Author Topic: Flatwounds on a T5/12  (Read 1034 times)

theonemanband

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Flatwounds on a T5/12
« on: December 11, 2015, 01:57:10 PM »
Some Rickenbacker 12 string players enthuse how chrome flatwound strings give much more of that "60's jangle" (Byrds/Beatles etc).
I have recently tried a set (Pyramid Chrome Flatwounds 10-46.5) on my own Ric 620/12 and have to say I'm not that impressed; the wound strings are positively dull and to my ears don't sound anywhere near as good as the more common nickel roundwound.
My question is, has anyone ever tried any flatwounds (perhaps NOT Pyramids) on their T5/12 and if so, what are your opinions on the result.
I would like to try some but given the results on my Ric I'm a bit reluctant, and at £XX a set, it's an expensive experiment.

Anyone ????

$
« Last Edit: December 12, 2015, 05:14:08 AM by theonemanband »
Taylor T5z-12 Classic
Danelectro DC59-12 (open G)
Avalon S32-12
Takamine EGMINI

Earl

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Re: Flatwounds on a T5/12
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2015, 04:40:35 PM »
Flat wound strings are generally considered to be more mellow with fewer overtones, and are most often used on jazz guitars playing closed chord positions.  The "60's jangle" seems like the opposite of that.  I would choose flat wounds to tame jangle, not to encourage it.  I don't have a T5-12, so take my comment with the appropriate grain of NaCl.
Taylors:  424-LTD (all koa) and a 114ce that lives with friends in Alaska.  Low maintenance carbon fiber guitars are my "thing" these days, but I will always keep the koa 424.  Several ukulele and bass guitars too. 
*Gone but not forgotten:  a 2001 414ce, 410, 354-LTD twelve string, 314-N, 416-LTD baritone, T5 Classic, 615ce, 2006 GS-K, 1996 (first year) Baby

theonemanband

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Re: Flatwounds on a T5/12
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2015, 05:18:37 AM »
Yes Earl, that exactly it!
I cannot understand how a string that sounds dull, almost to the point of being rubber band like can be claimed to make an instrument sound brighter.................perhaps I'm missing something.. :-\
Taylor T5z-12 Classic
Danelectro DC59-12 (open G)
Avalon S32-12
Takamine EGMINI