use chrome 11s on JM, want to try pyramids.... should I go up to 12s to balance the tension difference?

Bustercat Joined: Apr 19, 2008 Posts: 120	Posted on Aug 22 2021 04:45 PM I don't mind the playability of chromes, but have heard how great pyramids are. Should I go to 12s to account for the tension difference, so things don't feel too different? I don't really want my low e flopping around when I fast pick, or do duane eddy style stuff with hard attack. Or is it really not that big of a deal? I realize I can always use lighter top strings, but just thought I'd ask. Top
cirecc Joined: Mar 06, 2006 Posts: 292 seattle, wa	Posted on Aug 22 2021 07:15 PM If pyramids are like thomastiks, they’ll feel a lot softer than chromes which, to me, feel super stiff. I would say that you should try the .012s personally if you like a little more tension. — -Eric New music! https://thedesolatecoast.bandcamp.com/releases Spotify Also: https://theverb.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theverbseattle/ Top
Bustercat Joined: Apr 19, 2008 Posts: 120	Posted on Sep 25 2021 01:50 PM I never did follow up on this. Chrome 11s to pyramid 11s are great. Not floppy at all, there's probably a difference for some but not enough that I remember the chromes or wish I'd gone to 12s. They seem to have less sustain, which is interesting, to the point I wonder if my D and G strings are dead. But it doesn't really sound wrong for 60s music. Top
murph Joined: Dec 16, 2010 Posts: 333 Chapel Hill, NC	Posted on Sep 27 2021 12:43 PM Did you switch to Pyramid Nickel Classics? I love those strings... had them on my JM and currently one of my Jags (running Pyramid flat 12s on the other). When you mentioned possible dead strings... I have had this same problem recently with a few sets of Nickel Classic 11s (low-E string in both sets). I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I was advised that due to their construction (round core vs. hex core), you need to put a kink in the string BEFORE you clip off the excess at the tuning peg. This supposedly prevents the inner core from "slipping" through the outer sheath, which results in a dead string. And in my case, the low-E strings truly sounded dead/lifeless compared to the other strings. No sustain, minimal tone. The string would tune up, but sounded like weak sauce compared to the other strings. Might be worth giving it a shot on your next string change? They really are great playing/sounding strings. -murph — http://www.reverbnation.com/elmiragesurf http://www.reverbnation.com/aminorconspiracy "I knew I was in trouble when the Coco-Loco tasted like water!" -- morphball Top
Bustercat Joined: Apr 19, 2008 Posts: 120	Posted on Sep 27 2021 03:20 PM no sir, these are the golds. And I have open tuners so don't clip my strings... Top
dannylectro Joined: Aug 18, 2008 Posts: 361 Orange, CA	Posted on Oct 09 2021 01:26 AM The tension of the Pyramids is pretty much the same as Chromes so no need to go up a guage. Even though the Pyramids are round core they still feel fairly stiff. Top
Bustercat Joined: Apr 19, 2008 Posts: 120	Posted on Nov 05 2021 11:31 PM Worth mentioning the deadness I mentioned isn't there any more. It might have just been my neck settling. They really are fantastic strings. Top

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use chrome 11s on JM, want to try pyramids.... should I go up to 12s to balance the tension difference?