PlayJazzGuitar.com Forum

[L de learner]

I'm a beginner, even less if posible, but probably who read this post will see himself at his beginnings, so don't laugh about me¡¡¡¡¡¡

well, you get this jazzy sound, as joe passs sounds, with a hollow body guitar and flatwounds strings, isn't it? but a guy told me that this strings are very dificult to play with, because they have a very high tension for a beginner. it's as he says or not???

another cuestion: he told me too that this kind of string are expensive....are them???

ok then, help me with your replies, please¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

thanks now for your replies later

[Nohands]

That will really depend on your Guitar. Most of the late Models such as Gibson, Ibenezs, Gretch and many others have been designed with such high tollerance that the "Action" (the distance between the string and fretboard) is not going to affect your ability to play using Flat/Ribbon Wound strings. Switching to a Flat/Ribbon Wound String will still be eaiser to play than your conventional Steel String Acoustic.

The only problem you may incounter is weather you need to have somebody set your Guitar up to occomidate a heavier string. Most Hollow body Archtops will allready be set up for heavier strings. But, Solid body and Semi Hollow body Guitars will be set up for lighter Round Wound strings. Things like tightning up the Trussrod, Raising or lowering the bridge if it has an adjustable bridge. Carving out the nut to allow for a fatter string and raising or lowering the Pickups to allow for the proper Headspace and Volume.

As a "Beginner" I would say stick with the strings that came with your Guitar (repalcing them regularly) Or, the strings that may have been recomended by sombody that knows what kind of guitar you have and your ability. Then when you are more comfortable with your playing ability and have a better understanding of your Guitars Parts and Functions you may want to explore other string options.

I may be wrong but I would guess that most of the people here did not come out of the gate playing Jazz. Most started playing on an Acoustic or cheep Electric they got as a Birthday or Christmas Present. And probably started playing Rock, Blues or Chirch Music then migrated into Jazz (speculation but a good guess none the less) So taking that in mind, the type of Guitar and Strings were not a big part of learning how to play but just another part of the learning process.
_________________
"Do not fear mistakes, there are none"
Miles Davis (1926 - 1991)
"First you imitate, then you innovate"
Miles Davis (1926 - 1991)

[ovul82jazz]

I think that you'll find playing with flatwounds a good experience. I've played with Thomastics and Daddarios versions and find that really slinky feel a big plus. The trick is to get your guitar properly set up for the guage of the strings and for your playing style. Any good luthier should be able to do a set up for you. Many times guitars come from the factory with their frets kind of round too - you might want to consider having them dressed with a proper crown. The combo is great and your fingers will slide with ease.

Happy playing.

[s.yetter]

I like the feel of flatwounds. Fun for gliding around.
But I have trouble getting the plain strings (trebles) to sound fluffy and lush without the bass strings getting pretty muddy.
D'addario Chromes seem pretty brite, but I've since gone back to Thomastik-Infeld "Be-Bops" (nickel roundwounds).
A lot depends on the bridge too.
A wood bridge can get pretty tubby sounding on an archtop with flatwounds, but sometimes a Fender Tele or Strat sounds cool with them.