Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all,

My 330 came with the factory fitted 95403s (10-13-17-26-34-42) and it's time to replace them. When I asked the luthier at my local dealer for advice he started raving about the 95105s (10-13-18W-26-36-46).

Has anybody used these strings and if so, what are your thoughts?

I especially like the idea of the wound G-string (as distinct from a frilly lace one!!). It's never been my favourite string because it can often sound too 'twangy' when you don't want it to and the winding may change this.

I have bought a set (haven't put them on yet) and now I find that they are discontinued. What do I do if I like them?

I dont know about those, but I just received my Pyramid flatwounds (about $20 a set on ebay). I'll replace the current flatwounds on my 360/6 and let you know if they were worth the price.

Have you had experience with the Pyramids? From what I can tell they are the choice for all those seriously into recreating the Beatle sound (of which I'm not).... big fan yes, strict imitator, no.

Speaking of which, the drummer in my band is also the drummer for a local "Beatle Band". They're fun enough to go see but (IMHO) have played themselves right into a corner.... their repetoir is pre-ordained and the sound that they shoot for is by definition written in stone. The best they can hope for is to be like something that has already been done. Pretty limiting for a musician/performer if you ask me.

Dont get me wrong, I go bannanas for a REAL good Beatles band. I used to (1979-82) go see "1964 as the Beatles" in around the Boston/NH area. (They were GREAT and there was one night in Concord where the crowd got into recreating Beatlemania and I swear that all you needed to do was squint your eyes and you were THERE back in one of those small theaters the fabs took by storm in '62-63.)

But for a more casual weekend warrior musician who cant begin to go for THAT kind of exact authenticity (even if I wanted to), I much prefer to open things up and just do Beatle covers what/when I feel like. (for instance we do a killer "I'll Be On My Way" and a rockin fast "One After 909" inspired by the early version and we dont get hung up about sounding exactly like the fabs)......

But I digress. What was this thread about? strings?

No experience with the Pyramids, Kent. I tried flatwounds back in the 60s and didn't like them much so I haven't tried them since taking up playing again. I felt they lacked 'feel'.

Having said that, I'll probably give them a try at some stage.

I've never been one to worry about the exact sound when imitating.

At a Weekend Warrior gig last year there was a band that did Smoke on the Water and Still Got The Blues For You (amongst others) and they were nothing like the original sound - but they were very good musicians and it sounded freakin' brilliant!!

I'd certainly be interested to hear how the Pyramids go, as well as many others on the forum.

Thanks for your response, Kent.

Cheers

I sort of did the same.... went away from them and only in the last year or so am using them again.... and now I'm a total convert. IMHO, "the feel" is one of the great things, but I agree it does take a bit of getting used to.

There is also a sort of semi-flat wound. I forget what its called, but my understanding is that instead of winding a ribbon shaped metal the round metal winding is shaved down so as to give it somewhat of a flat top. Never tried it.

I have noticed that the flats last longer. I'm told that its because they dont pick up all the oils and skin particles the way a normal ridged string does.

Anyways, I've been using the pure nickel Gibson flatwounds on my 360/6 and it sounds great. I'll probably put on the Pyramids next week and see if there is a difference.

I'm gonna pipe in in favor of the pyramids.

Yes, they cost a lot, but last eons. The most durable string I;ve ever tried. They also sound great - trebly/chimy but not scratchy/harsh. I found that switching to pyramids eliminated some of the less pleasant harmonics and "buzz" and left sweetness. Great strings.

Thanks, John. I'll buy a set anyway and maybe flip a coin between them and the Rick strings as to which first!

Howard, I use both Pyramids and Ric strings (also D'Addrio's as well). I find the Pyramids more durable and I only use round-wound. Tad bit more expensive but longer mileage, I think

BTW, Howard, here are two of the 48 Lone Stars I owe you.

Thanks Stan. Even though it's 8am over here I've opened the bottle (beer's always better out of glass IMO) and....... can I have a hip flask of Jack Daniels in lieu of the rest??

I'm only here for the 'gear'...

Beer, gear, fear, leer, dear, seer, jeer....... just stay here, Dane!!

I tried Pyramid flats & they were on my gtr for two days! I hated the sound. They might last longer, but my main gig gtrs strings are changed every 3 to 7 days, otherwise they go dull, break (OK...I'm an aggressive player) & give me tuning problems. I can't stand the thought of strings that are weeks old (bass strings excepted). All that grime!!
We're all different though...