Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Something I've wondered about, but haven't seemed to be any able to find any information on is what kind of strings the lads used. I've read many times that they used Pyramid flatwound/tapewound sets on their 12-string Ricks, but not much else is out there.

Does anybody know? I'd be interested in trying something new stringwise and I thought that this might be fun. I had heard they used Black Diamond flatwounds from a local shop owner, but I don't know how truthful he was. He didn't seem to know much else about their guitars or be able to pronounce Rickenbacker. (Ricky-bocker!) So I just doubted his knowledge on it.

Also, are Pyramids any better than Ric strings? Or just different? Or not as good? I'd appreciate any input on this front as well.

In the Beatles own words, they used "long, skinny ones". I don't believe they were brand (or type) conscious in the early days.

They started using these in Hamburg. It's also where they got their name.

shamustwin wrote:

beatles_string.jpg

They started using these in Hamburg. It's also where they got their name.

Anyone an expert in this area ? ...i heard that these (and others?) Selmer/Hofner strings were actually made by Pyramid

It was McCartney who said he used "Long SHINY ones" in response to a strings question in a Bassplayer interview. Whatever they used on guitar,they were flatwounds. It's part of their early sound.