Flatwound strings Buttered T 5

[Jeff]

Played my instructors Heritage archtop with flatwound jazz strings last week.

Decided 10 bucks for strings was cheaper than $1500 for another guitar (? balllpark round number) so I'm giving this a try.

So far I'm pretty sure T 5's need something more that a new set of strings to sound like a nice archtop but it's not bad. We'll see what happens Thursday when I plug in to a Fender amp. Likely if my Roland JC won't make it sound "Jazzy" neither will a Fender, perhaps it's the Jazz "Artist" & not the guitar. Meanwhile it's keeping me off the streets.

Whoooee, these are some slick strings.


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Finger jam removal

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The Hydra

 

[california]

I get a nice jazz sound from the T5 from the JC 90, and surprisingly even better on my Roland Cube 30. It isn't what I get from the X-175, but when you're not doing an A/B it has a very rewarding sound. I've restrung, but with the same Elixers it came with. Position 4 seems best on clean with the treble turned down on the guitar, fiddle with bass and reverb to suit, not too fond of the chorus settings with the T5.

There has been a lot of discussion about this recently on the Taylor Forum, http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru ... hp?t=99255 .

 

[Graham]

I just ordered some TI 12-53 flat wounds from Strings and Beyond.

 

[Jeff]

I get a nice jazz sound from the T5 from the JC 90, , not too fond of the chorus settings with the T5.

There has been a lot of discussion about this recently on the Taylor Forum, http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru ... hp?t=99255 .

My only real annoyance with the T 5 is the battery. Can't seem to remember to unplug it after play & it kills the batteries. I have to buy 9 volts by the case.

Acoustics exhibit: NONE as in ZERO of this irritating behavior & with acoustics I never have to move my chair because the cord is too short.

I guess I am just a bit irritated, since for what I gave for the 'T5 I could have had a The D5 CE, a Bluesbird and an X 175. Well, close anyway. Original receipt is still in the case, I checked it yesterday. Man, I had disremembered that day with the Redhead egging me on, total includes a new Ultrasound Acoustic Amp & a few accessories.

T 5 is a cool guitar, but 2 years ago Guild electrics were selling for what ??

 

[proffrog]

T5 owners

Good to know there are some other guild nuts who got into the T5. I was very into it to start with, but it's ever so shiny (looks and sound) and old wood has a special place in my affections, and recently the T5 has been spurned for my recently acquired X175 (and a wee Gibson ES140 from '52).
I was even thinking of selling the T5, since I haven't got a sound out of it yet that makes me smile. Maybe I should persevere though...?

 

[california]

proffrog -- I love my T5, I was an acoustig guy for more than 40 years yet we have somthing in common: my favorite is pictured to the left of this message, my X-175.

Having said that, i spent about two hours playing my T5 last night through one amp, the Roland Cube 30, just to put it through its paces and provide some feedback. I was playing mostly three types of music -- jazz, blues and acoustic (the only thing I know how to shred is paper, and isn't that what Fenders are for anyhow???).

As I think I said earlier, if you are not A/B ing a T% with the best of all categories, it can be a very satisfying experience. The jazz sound was warm in the lows and cool in the highs; it won't replace my X-175 with flat wounds but in my mind nothing will. the blues was a lot of fun, and when you consider that choice of axe and sound for blues is so subjective, here it really shines --the hollow body really adds to the overall tone, especially with a touch of reverb.

Maybe its the amp, maybe it is my T5, but as an acoustic to me it really shines. I've heard so many great guitars reduced to transistor radio quality through bad amp and electronics choices that it is a pleasure to hear acoustic sounds that actually resemble a great guitar with a great mike in front of it; and it is really a kick getting those sounds out of that tiny box.

What is interesting is that the little Roland isn't my best amp, but except for the big California Blonde (amp, not my wife) in the living room, the versatility of the cube is perfect for the T5.

True -- in no category is the T5 the best. I pick up my X-175 every night, I practice on the Bluesbird because it has the best neck on the planet, and I'll still take my DV-52 unplugged over any amped up acoustic. But to hang out on the couch in the den and play any style I want by simply flicking a switch or two, the T5 is the best.


Jeff -- Sorry about the battery thing, I learned that one the hard way. Now I always unplug and keep a spare in the case. lesson learned, I haven't changed a battery in a month. At least the battery compartment is outside -- ever leave a 12 string plugged in too long? Now that's a pain!

The other pain is that T5s aren't cheap, but they are made in the USA and the quality is second to none. I suppose they could make it in China and save us some money, but would we really buy somthing that radical from overseas? As someone said in an earlier post, the joy of ownership over time far outweighs the short term pain at time of purchase.