S-400 CES and strings

[Hannu]

I recently put Pyramid 11-48 flat wounds on my Super 400 CES - at first they seemed just perfect, beautiful creamy sound. However, now after playing a little more, I find them a little dull and too quiet, as if the low tension does not resonate the large CES body enough.

Both Pyramids and Thomastiks seem to have a configuration where the G,D,A strings are thin compared to the equivalent D'Addario Chromes. I am guessing that the CES needs the little more tension in the middle strings to have its large body vibrated.

I have had all kinds of strings in this guitar over the years. Any round wounds give lots of volume and tone, but the guitar begins sound more like an old Martin flat top rather than a jazz guitar. That's why I keep coming back to flat wounds.

I am thinking of going for Chromes 0.012 but I am little concerned about the tension. The 0.011 Chromes have 137 lbs of tension, and I know that the CES handles that well.

The 0.012's have 155 lbs of tension. Pyramid also has a 0.013 set that has the same 155 lbs of tension.

I do not have any problems with the neck, it is always perfect and the action is low and clear.

Should I be worried about the extra 18 lbs of tension, or is it irrelevant with these guitars which are meant to played with medium to heavy strings?

Hannu

[L5Larry]

There is no reason to worry about the extra tension, that's what the truss rod is for. I've used 14-67 on my L-5 for years, no problems.

[Hannu]

There is no reason to worry about the extra tension, that's what the truss rod is for. I've used 14-67 on my L-5 for years, no problems.

 

Thanks, Larry. Just out of interest: how does your L-5 sound with the 14-67 set? Are they flats or rounds?

Hannu

[L5Larry]

The strings I use on my L-5 (and L-7) are La Bella #800M. They are flatwounds, BUT wound with black nylon tape instead of nickel ribbon wire.

 

These strings were recommended to me years ago by jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli. To hear what they sound like give YouTube a search for "John Pizzarelli".