Thomastik-Infeld 12-String Sets [Interest Check]

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 4:28 pm

Five sets for me, and maybe more depending on price.....

fatcat · Post by **fatcat** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:17 pm

With the resounding interest shown here and there, we could hopefully see the set become a permanent item in T-I's catalogue.Available at places like NCM and Rhoads Music.

shackleton · Post by **shackleton** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:19 pm

Why are these better than Rick stings?

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:26 pm

These would be flatwounds, Eric - Like the old Rickenbacker strings that were made by Maxima.

shackleton · Post by **shackleton** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:27 pm

I see like the tape wound strings Pete Townsend used?

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:14 am

Yes Eric. I will be most interested in the price. I have to say I find the RIC strings suit me fine at present.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:18 am

The ideal solution, of course, would be for Maxima to rediscover "the lost formula" and devote a bit more time to guitar string making rather than fishing line.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:54 am

...Good thing it isn't Dupont 'Stren', LOL....

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:47 am

Just a quick update... Thomastik will be sending a few test sets to Mike this week.

A price has not been set as of yet, but I have a feeling we're nearing that point. I have been relaying the interest on this thread to Mike, and even a conservative estimate has us near 60 sets already between VT and RR.

Mike is officially taking 'committed' orders at VT, but I know that everyone is waiting for a ballpark on the actual price per unit, so I'd like to wait to see if Mike hears anything in his forthcoming correspondence with TI. Either way, I will relay official order instructions as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and interest. I truly hope this is Step 1 for a permanent 12-string offering from TI. Keep your fingers crossed.

curtisongs · Post by **curtisongs** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:25 pm

I've been using Rickenbacker 12 String Sets.
Tried Pyramids but they were just to stiff.
How will the TI's compare?
Will we be able to try a set without having to make truss rod adjustments?

markos · Post by **markos** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:55 pm

HI Curtis;
I was using the Ric strings; tried the Pyramids too, but they were too stiff.
So, I've been making up my own TI sets, and they are much lower tension than the Pyramids. Still, I adjusted the truss rod a little.

BTW, count me in too on a few sets of the new TI's!!

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:25 am

Russell: The Thomastik Infelds have a much softer feel with lower tension. It has been a while since I have used them but my memory is that they were not as bright as the RIC strings or the Pyramids. They are a well constructed string with a nice feel. Perhpas others would discuss their jangle compared to the RIC strings.

shackleton · Post by **shackleton** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:43 am

I havent restrung a 360/12 I got two weeks ago. Any change these could be something we could get soon?

mikeschindler · Post by **mikeschindler** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:29 pm

HI guys! I'm the Mike who is trying to kickstart this effort in getting a decent flatwound nickle 12 string set from TI. It started off about a year and a half ago when I went "shopping" for a flatwound 12 string set for my Ric 360/12v64. The ones I got(not mentioning names) were terrible. Too stiff , poor intonation etc. I really wasn't happy. I finally put togethor a TI set. I have been very happy with these strings.

I am kind of technical with guitars so it is important to me to have a guitar in tune. I also "set up" guitars and basses and have been doing this for 18 years. I have been formally trained in music(piano) and guitar. I also play in a live band part time. I play bass in the band as well as guitar and keyboards(once in a great while) I am 42 and have a family and a professional career. I am not looking to make any type of money here. This kind of snowballed because of my love for my hobbie. I don't mind doing this as it is nice to make some type of contribution for something we all share. Its important.

I emailed TI a series of letters which were answered by Heinz Kovacs-Research/Development and Elisabeth Pohl-Export. In the letter I explained what I observed in the area of vintage and reissue instruments accessories and what I felt was a need for this particular set. They stated they were willing to put together a special set but I needed twelve per special order. These strings will be produced from their current line. I was always surprised that TI never made an electric 12 string set. The response I got from TI was very exciting and promising. Of course I would love to see a permanent 12 string set in their line up as well. This could help! I posted on VT and had a great response. Stuart also expressed interest and agreed to come here and post to check interest here. He has been very helpful. Thanks Stuart! On VT we put out the question and asked for opinions on gauges. We decided, with the help of John Hall, that the gauges would be as close to the original Maxima set due to feel , sound and response. Mr. Hall provided us with the Maxima gauges . He also stated he also talked to TI export about a 12 string flatwound set. Thanks Mr. Hall. We are very excited. Stuart then told me that a Karl Tetan had an idea to change two of the strings. We looked at the gauges again. I talked to a couple others and agreed that the set can benefit from those small changes. Thanks to Karl Tetan. They will also be very close to standard Ric gauges. For those who do not like flats there is nothing wrong with current Ric strings. I love them. I also use Daddario and TIs rounds. Compressed Ric strings are very high quality strings. This effort is to get a flatwound 60s type set for enthusiasts.
At this point I am waiting for test sets to come in. I am dealing with an Austrian company so please be patient. Hopefully Ill get a good price. I am trying to bargain with the number of sets I will be ordering. The more the better. I asked them for a price but as of yet have not received one. I am now keeping a master list of potential orders. No money yet. Just name and # of sets. When the time comes I want to have a count that is accurate. I am one guy so I would like to do this now because I have some time off. It will save me alot of rushing around later. If you do not like the price when I do get one, you can back out prior to any order. Again ,I will post all the updates here and VT.

For those of you familiar with TI strings. They are a true nickel flatwound with steel round core. Very true strings with excellent timbre and feel. They are excellent for a Ric as I put togethor a set for my Ric(different gauges) about 6 months ago. They have not broken and sound fantastic. They are not as stiff as a board and intonate well.

In closing I would like to thank everyone here for their interest. Its nice to get together and make things happen. Anyone now interested can email me at [email protected]. You will give me your name and # of sets for now. I will in turn provide you with verification and my info so you are comfortable. I am hoping these strings will be great but order responsibly. Don't leave yourself without food for the month.LOL I will also report to you guys how the test sets worked out. I will ask for shipping address and money when the time comes. If it does. Keep your fingers crossed.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:36 pm

Welcome Gino! Email sent.