Pyramid Strings

[elreydlp]

These came up on another forum, and I have some questions. I know that the Pyramid Flat Wound 12-string sets were the hot setup for Rick 12's. I still have most of a case of GHS Boomer 12-string sets to go through before I switch.
I'm wondering about the Nickle Round Wounds. I've heard good things about them. It seems most of the reviews have been for the 9-42 guage. I'm interested in the 10-48 set. They also have 10-46's, but I'm interested in the Fatter low "E". Has anyone tried them? I have a new (to me) guitar to set up and thought I'd try them on it.

[tracy]

What you really need is a set of the 10-48 MAXIMA flats (nickel wound, orange silk dressing). The Pyramid set of the same is very okay also. Nothing like MAXIMAS though. Rounds are too lively for toasters; might work alright with higains which have diminished harmonic spectrum.

[JakeK]

Tomastik-Infeld flats are the best flatwound strings around. If you are looking for that vintage chime, you can't get any better than these:
http://www.pickofthericks.com/brands/Th ... nfeld.html

Their 12-string set is pretty good as well:
http://www.pickofthericks.com/products/ ... tring.html


BTW, TI's are the closest thing to Maximas there are. A lot of people use them, and I'm planning to get 6-string and 12-string sets next string purchase I make. Rounds are okay with 12k toasters, but they're too harsh on a 12-string, makes everything too bright.

[teb]

"Rounds are okay with 12k toasters, but they're too harsh on a 12-string, makes everything too bright."

I think that's why they put knobs on your guitars, stomp boxes, amps, and the sliders and knobs on the control boards. Though I generally use TI Flats on my twelves (currently a 370/12WB and a stereo-wired 340/12 as well as my first 360/12 and a 660/12 that I had for a while - each with at least two toasters singing away in stereo) and really love them, I'll occasionally put a set of RIC rounds on one for a little different flavor and a bit more twang. I don't believe anyone would call the sound that comes out the least bit harsh. The attack is a bit different and the balance between the sound of the primary strings and octave strings is different (flats usually have duller primary strings that showcase the octaves more) but both the sound of good flats or good rounds on a toaster-equipped twelve is pretty darned nice if you take some time to dial it in.

As for Pyramids, I've had them on twelves, sixes and basses. They didn't offer anything that I can't get with other strings and their high tension was not something that seemed very good for either the guitars' necks or my fingers.

[miltric]

I've been thinking about flatwounds for my 660/12. Are they easier on your fingers than rounds?

[teb]

It depends more on the tension and stiffness than the covering (plus, a heck of a lot of the strings on a twelve aren't wound at all). Some brands will simply bend better than others (both side to side and up and down). I get the feeling that a wound string's core has more to do with those issues than anything else, but I don't know much about building strings.

[RonLovesRic12strings]

I'll put my vote in for the TI flats for RIC 12's. Some think the Pyramids have too stiff a feel...I've never tried them on my 12er's. I'll tell you what....those TI's sure make my 370/12 RM and 360/12 C63 chime clear and bright!!! They're expensive but worth every penny. They last a long time and probably won't put as much wear and tear on the frets as round wounds.

[steverok]

Did y'all find the need to make a truss rod adjustment when first switching from rounds to the TIs on your 12-string ? I have been wanting to try those on my toaster-equipped 360-12.

[whojamfan]

Did y'all find the need to make a truss rod adjustment when first switching from rounds to the TIs on your 12-string ? I have been wanting to try those on my toaster-equipped 360-12.

Rounds to TI's-no
Rounds to Pyramids-oh yeah-big difference in playability and tension. I also had to widen the slot on the nut and bridge saddle to accomodate the Pyramid low E. It doesn't need to be cut deeper, just a little wider or else the string will just lay on top of the slots.
I found none of the three types exhibited anything "harsh" in their application, only varying degrees of attack and the octave differences Teb stated. I have tried these 3 different types of 12 string sets with toasters, both button top and adjustable pole hi-gains, and HB-1s.
I finally settled for toasters and TI flats(POTR set)as the final configuration for my 360/12FG.

[RonLovesRic12strings]

When I changed from RIC compressed round wounds to TI flats on my RIC 12's, I did not have to do a truss rod adjustment. Funny thing is that the intonation improved, especially on the lowest E string (12th string)! So it's TI's all the way.

[elreydlp]

I should have been clearer. I've heard nothing but good things about the 12-string flats. The guitar I'm looking to try the roundwounds on is not a Ric. It's a G & L S-500 with hot single coils. I want something with a heavier low E so I can beat the **** out of it ala Dick Dale. The 46 on my 10's ain't cuttin' it. I'm looking at 48-52 on the Low E.

[Ric-O-Buc]

The GHS Eric Johnson set might be a good choice for you. They are pure Nickel and go 52-10. They sound great on my Tele.