Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So I am going to put some flats on my 360.. . . Some very simple questions:

1) TI vs. Pyramid Golds - any opinions one way or the other? (This is a 6-string, not a 12)

2) Other than truss rod tweaks, would I need to make any adjustments to go up to .011's?

Thanks!

(And yes, I did a forum search before posting this)

I have not used Pyramids on my 6 string for some time. I have used TI flats for many years now and I would lean in that direction. The TIs feel smoother and are a more comfortable player (perhaps I am just a whimp). The TIs have always intonated better for me. I do not think you will have to make any changes to your nut with 11-47. I am not putting down Pyramids. I still have them on my bass and they continue to serve me well. I just found the tension and feel of the TIs to better suit my style and old connective tissue. I do understand that there may have been recent changes to the Pyramid golds so perhaps I should consider revisiting them next time there is a need to change strings. Bottom line - I do not think you will be disappointed with the Thomastik Infeld strings.

Do not use Pyramid Golds. There are many threads as to why, including comments from Mr. JH himself.

Go with the TI set from PTOR.

Hi John,
TI of course! I used them both, but TI felt much better!
Peter

TIs.
I've had both TIs and Pyramid Golds...the TIs were a billion times better in so many ways.

I've played guitars strung with Pyramids and TIs.

The Pyramids were extremely difficult to adapt to in many ways. The string tension was tight and even when playing open chords caused sore fingertips. With most string brands, sore fingertips happen from hours of playing, but with Pyramids, only happened after about 3-5 minutes. The neck was also bowed a bit, so playing barre chords, especially those higher up the neck were quite a challenge.

When I bought my beloved 360/12V64, it came to me with TIs and except for one instance when I switched to the excellent roundwound Curt Mangan strings, I've always used TIs. My guitar tech, Steve Staples at International Vintage Guitars, was very impressed with the TIs and said they blew Pyramids out the water. What Steve loved was that the tension was low and the strings were bright for flats.

JakeK wrote:My guitar tech, Steve Staples at International Vintage Guitars, was very impressed with the TIs and said they blew Pyramids out the water. What Steve loved was that the tension was low and the strings were bright for flats.

I will second that opinion wholeheartedly. It's seems the problem with Pyramids is "stiffness" more than anything which combined with construction that increases tension makes them very user unfriendly.

Stiffness and tension are related but not the same thing. Excess tension can make strings feel stiff but inherently stiff wire can make even fairly low tension strings hard on the fingers.

I also have used the P golds on my 360/12 and found out the tension was stiff and they didnt intonate that well. Tried a set ot TIs from pick of the rics and i love em. The tone is great the feel and the intonation is perfect. Also they been on the guitar for over a year now and they still sound and intonate great. Go with the TIs youll love em. Gary

Not familiar with TI or Pyramid gold.. who makes these?

bartyclue wrote:Not familiar with TI or Pyramid gold.. who makes these?

TI - Thomastik Infeld.
Pyramid gold strings are made by a company called Pyramid Strings.

Brian,

As far as I know, the only place to purchase TI Flats is Pick of the Ricks in Lindenwold, NJ. They cost about $36.00 a set. Speak to Chris Clayton, and he'll take care of you.

Robert

Cheers guys..

Thanks all!

Back when I had a 330, I had it set up with Pyramid .011's and loved it. Glad to know that they aren't the same.