Question about Gibson flatwounds

chad3006

Joined: Aug 21, 2006
Posts: 76
USA

Posted on Sep 09 2006 03:21 PM

I've always used roundwound strings, but I've decided to try some flatwounds. My question is has anyone used Gibson's L5 flatwounds for surf? I would imagine they are fine strings, but I don't know if they'd surf.

Last edited: Sep 09, 2006 16:16:52

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WaimeaBay

Joined: Jul 05, 2006
Posts: 969
United States

Posted on Sep 09 2006 04:09 PM

could not tell ya, I have been using Fender Stainless Flats, and have not found reason to swtich. But I am not the kinda person that tries new things often, so let us know how they sound, and what gauge you decide to string.

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skeeter

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 2063
Virginia, USA
United States

Posted on Sep 09 2006 07:05 PM

Dan from the Nebulas uses the Gibby's. He recommended them to me once. I haven't had a chance to try them yet though, still have too many packs of D'Addarios lying around to switch yet.

—

Paul
Atomic Mosquitos
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SurfBandBill

Joined: Mar 15, 2006
Posts: 1487
San Francisco
1 News Pin

Posted on Sep 09 2006 07:38 PM

I haven't tried them personally, either (also bought a buttload of chromes a while back and will NEVER make it through all of them), but I know Andy from the Hypnotic IV used to swear by them, and that is recommendation enough for me.

~B~

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WR

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3832
netherlands
2 Link Pins

Posted on Sep 10 2006 03:02 AM

skeeter
Dan from the Nebulas uses the Gibby's. He recommended them to me once. I haven't had a chance to try them yet though, still have too many packs of D'Addarios lying around to switch yet.

Im pretty sure Dano (at least used to) use(s) Gibson flats, though, not L5's, which have the opposite idea (gibson flats: steel flatwound) L5 (nickel roundwound)

if you want to use nickel rounds, Id say forget the gibsons and go straight to rotos.

WR

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chad3006

Joined: Aug 21, 2006
Posts: 76
USA

Posted on Sep 10 2006 09:39 AM

The L5's are roundwounds? This jazz-guy I do repairs for told me they were flatwound. I thought he'd know. Oh well.

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WR

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 3832
netherlands
2 Link Pins

Posted on Sep 10 2006 03:46 PM

chad3006
The L5's are roundwounds? This jazz-guy I do repairs for told me they were flatwound. I thought he'd know. Oh well.

maybe he just got things mixed up, L5 is after all the most famous model jazz guitar. anyway this is what www.gibson.com says about it, to be totally clear, I only assume from this text that they're rounds, never used them personally.
my underlining:

L-5

Nickel Wound
L-5 Pure Nickel Wound Jazz Electric strings are intended for players who want a heavier, jazzier feel to their guitars, <u>but still want the crisp attack of a round wound string</u>. The nickel wrap gives these strings a warm tone, and the combination of gauges let you enjoy a superior balance of feel and volume. Vacuum sealed for freshness.

Style Model No. Gauge E-1st B-2nd G-3rd D-4th A-5th E-6th
L-5 Electric SEG-900L Light .010 .013 .018w .026w .036w .046w
SEG-900ML Medium Light .011 .014 .019w .030w .041w .052w
SEG-900M Medium .012 .016 .025w .034w .044w .056w

Flat Wires

Stainless Steel Flatwound
Flat Wires combine the silky smooth feel of our highly polished flatwound wrapping with the long lasting performance of stainless steel. The sound is focused, not dull, and has the perfect balance of tone and magnetic response for jazz playing with total clarity and definition.

Style Model No. Gauge E-1st B-2nd G-3rd D-4th A-5th E-6th
Flat Wires SEG-1040ML Medium Light .011 .015 .021w .028w .037w .051w
SEG-1040M Medium .012 .016 .023w .031w .042w .054w

—

Rules to live by #314:
"When in Italy, if the menu says something's grilled, don't assume it is."

https://www.facebook.com/The-Malbehavers-286429584796173/

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IvanP

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10331
southern Michigan
United States

Posted on Sep 10 2006 04:29 PM

WR
maybe he just got things mixed up, L5 is after all the most famous model jazz guitar. anyway this is what www.gibson.com says about it, to be totally clear, I only assume from this text that they're rounds, never used them personally.

Wannes is right. I use L5s on one of my three Strats, and have for several years now. Gibson has been making these strings for many decades (though they stopped for a while before resuming again a few years ago). Originally they were called Sonomatics, and my understanding is that they were the favorite of a certain Hank Marvin in the sixties. Having compared the L5s with Rotosound Purples, the Gibsons are somewhat stiffer and more difficult to play, though ostensibly more or less the same gauge (12s). As far as the tone, I think the two kinds of strings (Rotosound Purples and Gibson L5s) sound the same - they're both nickel, and they've got a great warm and round tone. And since they're nickel, they don't chew up your frets - bonus! So, bottom line: both strings sound great, but Rotos are easier on your fingers while still giving you that great 12-gauge feel.

None of this is probably very helpful if you're interested in flatwounds. I like flatwounds on my Jazzmaster (D'Addario Chromes, last forever), but not on my Strats. A Strat really wants roundwounds, I think...

Ivan

PS Interesting tidbit: another VERY faithful user of 12-gauge Gibson Sonomatic/L5 strings: Malcolm Young of AC/DC!! Won't use anything else, and hasn't for four decades.

—

Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
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WoodyJ

Joined: Apr 05, 2006
Posts: 1544
Bethlehem, GA
United States

Posted on Sep 10 2006 10:49 PM

Back in the 60's I used Gibson Sonomatics flats on my then-new '64 Jaguar. I still have an unopened set that I bought in 1966 or '67 that is still in the case. They were very good strings, but they were quite stiff...the ones I have are 13's. I switched to D'Addario Chromes 12's on my Jags and Jazzmasters a few years back, and they sound equally good as the Gibson's did - perthaps a bit brighter - and are easier on these ol' fingers. I guess 13's are for REAL men.

I second Ivan's opinion regarding flats on a Strat. I've tried them, but they just don't have enough bite, at least to my elderly ears. But to each his/her own.

—

Jack Booth
(aka WoodyJ)

The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005)
The Hula Hounds (1996-current)
The X-Rays (1997-2004)
The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012)
Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990)

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pipeline

Joined: Apr 21, 2006
Posts: 33
Highland Park,Illinois

Posted on Sep 12 2006 09:47 AM

I, like Skeeter, took the advice from Dan from the Neb's on a post from the old site and started using the Gibson's on my Jazzmaster. Love 'em! I was buying mine thru Elderly Instruments in Lansing Mich. The D'Addario's Flatwounds are okay also. Lately I have been playing GHS Eric Johnson's on my strat's. They not a true flatwound but close. Great tone but seem to go flat a little sooner than other strings.

Pipeline

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BillAqua

Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1054
Chicago IL.
3 POTD Pins

Posted on Sep 12 2006 01:22 PM

I used the Gibson flats for awhile, but they really ate up the frets on my Japanese Jaguar(maybe the frets were weak on that to begin with). I've had the same set of Thomastik Infelds on my American Jaguar since I got it over a year ago. Being nickle they are a bit easier on the frets.

—

"as he stepped into the stealthy night air... little did he know the fire escape was not there"

https://www.facebook.com/reluctantaquanauts/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDragstripVipers/

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chad3006 Joined: Aug 21, 2006 Posts: 76 USA	Posted on Sep 09 2006 03:21 PM I've always used roundwound strings, but I've decided to try some flatwounds. My question is has anyone used Gibson's L5 flatwounds for surf? I would imagine they are fine strings, but I don't know if they'd surf. Last edited: Sep 09, 2006 16:16:52 Top
WaimeaBay Joined: Jul 05, 2006 Posts: 969	Posted on Sep 09 2006 04:09 PM could not tell ya, I have been using Fender Stainless Flats, and have not found reason to swtich. But I am not the kinda person that tries new things often, so let us know how they sound, and what gauge you decide to string. Top
skeeter Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 2063 Virginia, USA	Posted on Sep 09 2006 07:05 PM Dan from the Nebulas uses the Gibby's. He recommended them to me once. I haven't had a chance to try them yet though, still have too many packs of D'Addarios lying around to switch yet. — Paul Atomic Mosquitos Bug music for bug people is here! Killers from Space Top
SurfBandBill Joined: Mar 15, 2006 Posts: 1487 San Francisco	Posted on Sep 09 2006 07:38 PM I haven't tried them personally, either (also bought a buttload of chromes a while back and will NEVER make it through all of them), but I know Andy from the Hypnotic IV used to swear by them, and that is recommendation enough for me. ~B~ Top
WR Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3832 netherlands	Posted on Sep 10 2006 03:02 AM skeeter Dan from the Nebulas uses the Gibby's. He recommended them to me once. I haven't had a chance to try them yet though, still have too many packs of D'Addarios lying around to switch yet. Im pretty sure Dano (at least used to) use(s) Gibson flats, though, not L5's, which have the opposite idea (gibson flats: steel flatwound) L5 (nickel roundwound) if you want to use nickel rounds, Id say forget the gibsons and go straight to rotos. WR — Rules to live by #314: "When in Italy, if the menu says something's grilled, don't assume it is." https://www.facebook.com/The-Malbehavers-286429584796173/ Top
chad3006 Joined: Aug 21, 2006 Posts: 76 USA	Posted on Sep 10 2006 09:39 AM The L5's are roundwounds? This jazz-guy I do repairs for told me they were flatwound. I thought he'd know. Oh well. Top
WR Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3832 netherlands	Posted on Sep 10 2006 03:46 PM chad3006 The L5's are roundwounds? This jazz-guy I do repairs for told me they were flatwound. I thought he'd know. Oh well. maybe he just got things mixed up, L5 is after all the most famous model jazz guitar. anyway this is what www.gibson.com says about it, to be totally clear, I only assume from this text that they're rounds, never used them personally. my underlining: L-5 Nickel Wound L-5 Pure Nickel Wound Jazz Electric strings are intended for players who want a heavier, jazzier feel to their guitars, <u>but still want the crisp attack of a round wound string</u>. The nickel wrap gives these strings a warm tone, and the combination of gauges let you enjoy a superior balance of feel and volume. Vacuum sealed for freshness. Style Model No. Gauge E-1st B-2nd G-3rd D-4th A-5th E-6th L-5 Electric SEG-900L Light .010 .013 .018w .026w .036w .046w SEG-900ML Medium Light .011 .014 .019w .030w .041w .052w SEG-900M Medium .012 .016 .025w .034w .044w .056w Flat Wires Stainless Steel Flatwound Flat Wires combine the silky smooth feel of our highly polished flatwound wrapping with the long lasting performance of stainless steel. The sound is focused, not dull, and has the perfect balance of tone and magnetic response for jazz playing with total clarity and definition. Style Model No. Gauge E-1st B-2nd G-3rd D-4th A-5th E-6th Flat Wires SEG-1040ML Medium Light .011 .015 .021w .028w .037w .051w SEG-1040M Medium .012 .016 .023w .031w .042w .054w — Rules to live by #314: "When in Italy, if the menu says something's grilled, don't assume it is." https://www.facebook.com/The-Malbehavers-286429584796173/ Top
IvanP Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 10331 southern Michigan	Posted on Sep 10 2006 04:29 PM WR maybe he just got things mixed up, L5 is after all the most famous model jazz guitar. anyway this is what www.gibson.com says about it, to be totally clear, I only assume from this text that they're rounds, never used them personally. Wannes is right. I use L5s on one of my three Strats, and have for several years now. Gibson has been making these strings for many decades (though they stopped for a while before resuming again a few years ago). Originally they were called Sonomatics, and my understanding is that they were the favorite of a certain Hank Marvin in the sixties. Having compared the L5s with Rotosound Purples, the Gibsons are somewhat stiffer and more difficult to play, though ostensibly more or less the same gauge (12s). As far as the tone, I think the two kinds of strings (Rotosound Purples and Gibson L5s) sound the same - they're both nickel, and they've got a great warm and round tone. And since they're nickel, they don't chew up your frets - bonus! So, bottom line: both strings sound great, but Rotos are easier on your fingers while still giving you that great 12-gauge feel. None of this is probably very helpful if you're interested in flatwounds. I like flatwounds on my Jazzmaster (D'Addario Chromes, last forever), but not on my Strats. A Strat really wants roundwounds, I think... Ivan PS Interesting tidbit: another VERY faithful user of 12-gauge Gibson Sonomatic/L5 strings: Malcolm Young of AC/DC!! Won't use anything else, and hasn't for four decades. — Ivan Lords of Atlantis on Facebook The Madeira Official Website The Madeira on Facebook The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook The Space Cossacks on Facebook The Madeira Channel on YouTube Top
WoodyJ Joined: Apr 05, 2006 Posts: 1544 Bethlehem, GA	Posted on Sep 10 2006 10:49 PM Back in the 60's I used Gibson Sonomatics flats on my then-new '64 Jaguar. I still have an unopened set that I bought in 1966 or '67 that is still in the case. They were very good strings, but they were quite stiff...the ones I have are 13's. I switched to D'Addario Chromes 12's on my Jags and Jazzmasters a few years back, and they sound equally good as the Gibson's did - perthaps a bit brighter - and are easier on these ol' fingers. I guess 13's are for REAL men. I second Ivan's opinion regarding flats on a Strat. I've tried them, but they just don't have enough bite, at least to my elderly ears. But to each his/her own. — Jack Booth (aka WoodyJ) The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005) The Hula Hounds (1996-current) The X-Rays (1997-2004) The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012) Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990) Top
pipeline Joined: Apr 21, 2006 Posts: 33 Highland Park,Illinois	Posted on Sep 12 2006 09:47 AM I, like Skeeter, took the advice from Dan from the Neb's on a post from the old site and started using the Gibson's on my Jazzmaster. Love 'em! I was buying mine thru Elderly Instruments in Lansing Mich. The D'Addario's Flatwounds are okay also. Lately I have been playing GHS Eric Johnson's on my strat's. They not a true flatwound but close. Great tone but seem to go flat a little sooner than other strings. Pipeline Top
BillAqua Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 1054 Chicago IL.	Posted on Sep 12 2006 01:22 PM I used the Gibson flats for awhile, but they really ate up the frets on my Japanese Jaguar(maybe the frets were weak on that to begin with). I've had the same set of Thomastik Infelds on my American Jaguar since I got it over a year ago. Being nickle they are a bit easier on the frets. — "as he stepped into the stealthy night air... little did he know the fire escape was not there" https://www.facebook.com/reluctantaquanauts/ https://www.facebook.com/TheDragstripVipers/ Top

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