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  Flatwound strings

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Author Topic:   Flatwound strings
David Mason
Member

From: Cambridge, MD, USA

posted 03 June 2003 04:54 AM     profile     
Has anybody tried the semi-flatwound or "rollerwound" strings available from GHS and SIT? Opinions?
LARRY COLE
Member

From: COLUMBUS, OHIO, USA

posted 03 June 2003 02:43 PM     profile     
I have used GHS PF500's ever since I started playing about 25 years ago. I like them because they have almost no bar noise and have a full sound. I got Greg Zimmer using them and Al Saunders used them too.

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Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12, SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60

[This message was edited by LARRY COLE on 03 June 2003 at 02:45 PM.]

Ron Randall
Member

From: Dallas, Texas, USA

posted 03 June 2003 03:19 PM     profile     
I use the GHS rollerwound pure nickel on PSG, non-pedal Fenders, and reso guitars. Sound great on Strat,too. Keeps it simple for me.

You can snare a rabbit and make fishin' leader with the used ones, too.

Wayne Cox
Member

From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA

posted 13 June 2003 11:51 PM     profile     
The true flatwounds sound like rubber bands when they go dead. However, I used GHS "Semi-Flats" for years,and loved them. They had plenty of bite without so much bar noise. I especially favor the Semi-Flats for use on older non-pedal steels. Many of the older pickups seem to amplify that "scratchy" sound,so the semi-flats help a lot. IMHO
~~W.C.~~
Duane Reese
Member

From: Salt Lake County, Utah

posted 18 December 2005 11:38 PM     profile     
I guess I'll

BUMP

this one to the top and see if anyone else has anything to add, as I'm thinking about trying some out for a time. Is there anyone who sells a full set?

Randy Reeves
Member

From: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

posted 19 December 2005 06:11 AM     profile     
flat wounds have short sustain. they are popular with jazz guitarist because of those fast note runs they play.
the shorter sustain allows for clarity between the notes.
yes, palm muting and pick blocking could occur, but as I understand, that is a technique more suitable for steel guitar slide.

I use half rounds sometimes on my slide guitars.
very nice.

Charlie McDonald
Member

From: Lubbock, Texas, USA

posted 19 December 2005 06:16 AM     profile     
I like the half rounds. Harder to find for psg.
Any sources anybody? I like SIT's.
Lee Baucum
Member

From: McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) - The Final Frontier

posted 19 December 2005 06:41 AM     profile     
You might want to check with Frenchy. I believe he offers half-round strings for steel guitar.

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Lee, from South Texas
Down On The Rio Grande

Mullen U-12, Evans FET-500, Fender Steel King

Charlie McDonald
Member

From: Lubbock, Texas, USA

posted 19 December 2005 07:05 AM     profile     
Great. Thanks, Lee.
LARRY COLE
Member

From: COLUMBUS, OHIO, USA

posted 19 December 2005 08:02 AM     profile     
GHS PF500

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Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12,SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60,GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM,YAMAHA L-10A ACOUSTIC,ROLAND JW-50 KEYBOARD,G&L AND BC RICH BASS'S


Tom Quinn
Member

From: Sacramento

posted 19 December 2005 09:01 AM     profile     
There is a HUGE difference between true flatwounds and "semi-flat" ground - roundwounds in construction tone and availability.

True flatwounds are wrapped with a ribbon of metal, groundwounds are regular strings either rollered or gorund for smoothness. Flats sound dead from the get-go and put a huge amount of strain on a guitar neck to get them up to pitch...

Mike Perlowin
Member

From: Los Angeles CA

posted 19 December 2005 09:15 AM     profile     
At one time Black Diamond made gold flat wound strings for acoustic guitars. These actually worked extremely well for National Reso guitars. I don't know how well they worked for dobros.

I've been in contact with the company about these strings, and they are considering makeing them available again.

John McGann
Member

From: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

posted 19 December 2005 11:44 AM     profile     
If you want an eye/ear opener, track down a set of Pyramid Flatwounds (handmade in Germany) and try them on your 6 string- they made domestic flatwounds sound like fan belts- no lie- I am not THAT much of a gearhead, but these strings last forever and sound and feel amazing- like roundwounds with sustain, but that cool "thwonky" attack when picked, and the smooth feel of the flatwounds on your fingers with no noise is great!

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http://www.johnmcgann.com
Info for musicians, transcribers, technique tips and fun stuff. Joaquin Murphey transcription book, Rhythm Tuneup DVD and more...


Jody Sanders
Member

From: Magnolia,Texas

posted 19 December 2005 07:51 PM     profile     
Frenchy,s new Silent Series by S.I.T. are semi-flatwound. Available in nickel or stainless. Best strings I have found and I have been doing this for 62 years. Jody.

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