Hello all
I've been indulging in a bit of jazz. Or more precisely, I've dabbled with it for years but decided to spend more focus on it. I understand the theory (thx piano) but now having to get it to work on the guitar.
I've got an Ibanez George Benson semi which is perfect for the task. Running it through a Roland blues cube. I think I presently am using 10s, maybe 11s, in the NYXL range. But I'm wondering whether - as this is going to be a dedicated jazz guitar - I should (a) go to say 12s or 13s and/or (b) use flat wounds.
I've never used anything above 11s. I've never used flat wounds. So I'd love to hear from folks who are experienced with these things, in the jazz context.
Thanks in advance for any wisdom that is imparted.
Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
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Re: Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
I don't play jazz, but every hollow or semi hollow that I've owned got fitted with flat wounds.
They stopped the string squeak - a pet hate of mine & gave a warmer sound. My strings of choice - 11-50 D'Addario ECG24 chromes.
They stopped the string squeak - a pet hate of mine & gave a warmer sound. My strings of choice - 11-50 D'Addario ECG24 chromes.
Epiphone Riviera P93 & EJ200CE, Hagstrom Viking Bass, Doubleneck bass/guitar.
Rivera Clubster 45, Carvin AG100D, Ashton BSK158.
Rivera Clubster 45, Carvin AG100D, Ashton BSK158.
- Zaulkin
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Re: Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
If it gets you into 'jazz mode' then sure. I had 12s on my hollow body when I was at jazz school - super low action. It helped me to stop doing bends and vibrato and remember to play like a jazz player. The guitar was still a bit cumbersome to play all those big chords.
I personally didn't like flats because they were just too mellow sounding. Way easier to play though. Maybe I needed more time with them.
I personally didn't like flats because they were just too mellow sounding. Way easier to play though. Maybe I needed more time with them.
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Re: Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
Really? I find them ineffective.
No wisdom to impart, just dirty jokes.
- Litterick
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Re: Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
If you choose heavier strings, you probably would need a set up, which would include widening the nut slots. I would first try flatwounds of the same gauge as your roundwounds, just in case you do not like them. I once tried Pyramid flatwounds. They were good strings, but not right for the guitar.
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Re: Jazz, semis, flat vs round?
Depending on the sound you're after, it's generally roundwound monel for prewar jazz, swing and the start of bebop, then flatwounds from the mid 50s on.
Chromes are a relatively cheap way to start out with flats, but they are duller than other brands. Best I've found are GHS precision flats, but they're expensive. Music Planet carries them. Thomastik flats are probably the most popular among pros.
Chromes are a relatively cheap way to start out with flats, but they are duller than other brands. Best I've found are GHS precision flats, but they're expensive. Music Planet carries them. Thomastik flats are probably the most popular among pros.