Which flatwounds are you using?

[Professor1]

I've been using D'Addario Chromes, and i wondered if there were better strings. Not that the D'Addarios are bad, they're not, they are also consistent between sets, but I wonder if there aren't better sounds to be had. What have you found out about flatwound strings.

[kawe]

I'm using the same strings as you, Prof - D'Addario Chromes (12s), but I replace E and H with a .013 and .017. In my opinion: A perfect string for the ES 175.
Some people are convinced, that Thomastik strings are better, but I didn't try them yet.

[jazzalta]

I use good old fashioned Fender flats: 52-12. They have that "earthy/woody" tone, much like the sound of early Joe Pass recordings. I use them on my ES-175 exclusively. I tried the D'Addario Chromes but they sounded a little weak next to the Fenders.

[kawe]

That's interesting! I even didn't know, that Fender has flatwounds. I think, I'll give them a try, if you say, that they sound better.

*edit*: I just checked out some string dealers on the net and it seems as if they are not available here.

[jazzalta]

I don't know if they sound better, just more traditional. If you have trouble getting them, I can send you a set. Just email me your address. Cheers.

[pinsk94]

I love the sound of Thomastik's. They are a bit expensive. They all so have coated high E and B strings to help those none adjustable floaters out there. They help the balance out a bit. www.thomastik.com/start/

[ashaffer]

Hi,

I am currently using the Thomastik-Infeld George Benson flatwounds (.014s) on both my Heritage Golden Eagle and the H-550. The really weird thing is that they feel very different on either guitar! I love them on the H-550 (laminated top, dual HBs mounted in the guitar). They are very smooth and give a great thud in the bass and are even across the fretboard. They feel thin on the Golden Eagle, almost like they were .012s instead of .014s. They do not seem as even tone wise either. I do not understand this at all. I am on my third set on the H-550 and as the Eagle is rather new to me they are the first strings that I have put on. One difference is that the Golden Eagle has a Benedetto tailpiece vs. the original metal tailpiece on the H-550. I do have a set of Pyramid Gold flatwounds (.013s) that I plan on using on one of my guitars in the near future. I have used .011s Pyramids (not flatwounds) on my Strat and LP and have a very good opinion of them. I previously used D'Adarrio .0105 on my "rock/blues" guitars. I keep going to bigger and bigger guage strings to get a solid tone that I like.

[L4sleeko]

Hey Y'all. New member here. I've been using Thomastik George Benson 13's and more recently 14's. I used to use D'addario chrome 13's on my Epi Emperor Regent (korean) before I traded 'er for my L4CES. I had good luck with them on the Epi so last week I tied them on the L4. Ya know, I like them better than the Thomastiks. I was having trouble with some buzzing on both guitars and the D'addarios seemed to solve the problem on both ( and they're cheaper too) . I prefer the tone also. The Thomastics are somewhat silky, while the D'addarios are louder (especially unplugged) without being brash. I like this forum. I usually post on the Gibson website, and in the past have asked a lot of similar questions seen here. We seem to have a lot in common. Well, chow-fur-now Comrades. ?;^)~ Steve