Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

David, the Pyramids are good strings, but to me the Rick strings sound just as good on a 12. Some folks are more concerned about what kind of strings they're playin', than how they are playin'.
I don't have the Janglebox 2, but have been more than satisfied with the first Janglebox, I got at least three years ago. Steve has introduced a great little product.

Byrds1967 wrote:Honestly, I want to try the Pyramid strings but they are so expensive.

Try Chris Clayton and Pick of the Ricks' custom 12-string Thomastik Infeld 12-string flatwounds. (http://www.pickofthericks.com/store_pot ... 62200.html) They have a LOT less tension then the Pyramids (as someone here said, "It's like taking your fingers through a cheese grater") and are closer to the 60's sound. Jdog installed a set on my 360/12V64 before he sold it to me. They are the best strings for 12-strings. Period.

JakeK wrote:

Byrds1967 wrote:Honestly, I want to try the Pyramid strings but they are so expensive.

Try Chris Clayton and Pick of the Ricks' custom 12-string Thomastik Infeld 12-string flatwounds. (http://www.pickofthericks.com/store_pot ... 62200.html) They have a LOT less tension then the Pyramids (as someone here said, "It's like taking your fingers through a cheese grater") and are closer to the 60's sound. Jdog installed a set on my 360/12V64 before he sold it to me. They are the best strings for 12-strings. Period.

You haven't heard the news about Pyramids have you?

What is it, Nick?

The round-cores are coming! The round-cores are coming!

Thank you, Paul Revere. I take it that Pyramid's changing their string "formula"?

JakeK wrote:Thank you, Paul Revere. I take it that Pyramid's changing their string "formula"?

Indeed! They've apparently moved from hex core to 60's-spec round core on their flats. I'm gonna give 'em a try one of these days.

Welcome David, and thanks for stopping by. Please do hang out! Watch them Pyramids, they are very stiff, have higher tension, and are known to bend necks after not too long.

sloop_john_b wrote:

JakeK wrote:Thank you, Paul Revere. I take it that Pyramid's changing their string "formula"?

Indeed! They've apparently moved from hex core to 60's-spec round core on their flats. I'm gonna give 'em a try one of these days.

Don Butler, aka "Toneman" (and all-round guitarist extraordinaire), sent me some of the new Pyramid round cores for my 12-strings a few weeks ago, and they're sensational. Same great Pyramid sound and much less stiff. If these strings have the same long-lasting quality as the regular Pyramids (and so far they do), they'll be my new favorite strings, certainly for 12-string guitars. Don has had a long association with Pyramids and his knowledge regarding gear/tone/guitars, etc. is unassailable.

So the consensus is that Pyramid strings are stiff? And I see the gauge is heavy especially on the low end. So if (when) you guys use Pyramid strings do you tune the RIC down half a step? Personally this is a pain for me. I prefer to stay in standard tuning. Those other jazz strings someone mentioned seem like they would be cool. My main complaint with generic strings is that the low-G string is sometimes steel instead of wound. It throws off a whole different sound to me.

Anybody ever try these Curt Mangan stings, or these from POTR?
JimK

Byrds1967 wrote:So the consensus is that Pyramid strings are stiff? And I see the gauge is heavy especially on the low end. So if (when) you guys use Pyramid strings do you tune the RIC down half a step? Personally this is a pain for me. I prefer to stay in standard tuning. Those other jazz strings someone mentioned seem like they would be cool. My main complaint with generic strings is that the low-G string is sometimes steel instead of wound. It throws off a whole different sound to me.

Order the roundcore pyramid strings, they are not stiff at all. keep in mind, stiff =/= high tension. rather, stiffness is related to "compliance".

Hey those strings look like they are right on the money. And they are inexpensive too!

jimk wrote:Anybody ever try these Curt Mangan stings, or these from POTR?
JimK

Glad you could make it, David!!

Christian

Byrd brother Dave wrote:

"My main complaint with generic strings is that the low-G string is sometimes steel instead of wound. It throws off a whole different sound to me."

Oh yeah; never, EVER an unwrapped 3rd on a Ricky-12. No, no, no!!

During my heavy playing time in the 1980s, I would usually get the Ernie Ball 12 string electric set, (Not much else around then) and then just ad an .018w, or .020w to the purchase; usually around 3 or 4 of 'em, as they do tend to break easier than a plain 3rd as well.

The Rickenbacker set works pretty well for the "All around deal" for me. Never tried the Pyramids.

Christian