John Hall On Flat Wound Strings (from A.G.R)

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:01 pm

I found this comment made by John Hall on alt.guitar.rickenbacker today and I thought that it would be of interest to Rickenbacker owners. The comment is not presented here in the same context but, nontheless, I consider that these comments stand up on their own.

Quote:Previously, flat wound strings like our original sets had a very small core wire, which is a hard, stiff steel, and multiple outer wraps of softer nickel alloy. Many flat wound strings today have a large stiff core and only one outer winding, increasing the tension dramatically.

The German-made Rickenbacker strings were very low tension due to unique compound winding but the secret to making these and/or machinery went to the grave with the previous owner of Maxima (who produced the strings). One U.S. maker is currently analyzing our old sets both for construction and alloy, with the hope that these old flats could be made again.

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:05 pm

I have never used Maxima flats, however, it would seem likely that these strings are along the lines of the Thomastik Infelds which make a low tension flat. The Jazz Swing series would be one such example. For those who played Maxima, please let us know what you liked or disliked about them.

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Nov 18, 2002 5:18 pm

I liked the Maximas[set#483] for 12 string.They felt good, lasted a long time, and gave the 12 "That" sound. I've tried Thomastiks, they Feel great, but soundwise,mmm,not Quite there.Only the Pyramid flats come close, according to my fingers and ears.YMMV....
As for bass, I remember when new Rick basses came stock with the Maxima flats, and they were good, but then, I've Always played flats on my basses, though I certainly dig listening to Chris Squire
Not playing flats.Who's up next to report??

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Mon Nov 18, 2002 5:26 pm

Don: I concur that the Tomastiks feel great but do not have the "Vintage Sound" for which Rickenbacker enthusiasts are searching.

anonymous · Post by **anonymous** » Tue Nov 19, 2002 3:54 am

It's good that they are looking into it; sounds as though IF they bring the old flats back for the 12-strings, they will have plenty of customers; I would certainly put them on some of my 12's.

Don: I hear what you're saying when it comes to Rickenbacker basses and round-wounds...it is simply a different dimension of sound when a 4001 is strung with rounds. In the 23 years I have owned Rickenbacker basses I can't recall ever having flats on the two I have---I use a .40-.95 set (sometimes Rotosound but mainly GHS)....gotta have the GROWL.....

squirebass · Post by **squirebass** » Tue Apr 22, 2003 7:28 am

John,
I know what you are talking about there! I have one of my Ricks strung with TI flats, but the sound of Rotosounds is just music to my ears!
Peter,
Were you talking about TI flats not being "vintage" enough for 12 string guitars, right?
I've found that for bass, the TI flats are VERY "Vintage Sound" although they are a real pain to put on the bass for the first time, becuase they are so low tension and require such adjustment of the neck...
As a bass player it is hard for me to imagine ANY flatwound strings sounding good on a Rick 12, but I'd be willing to try them. My 660/12 is due for a string change anyway...