Thomastik 12s

[timbo2]

Hey Folks,
I've read a lot of praise for the Thomastik 12 string sets here and given the ever-increasing cost of Elixirs I'm thinking about jumping in.
I have a 512 from the early 90's which I tune to pitch usually with Elixir lights. Any thoughts on Thomastik guages? I'd also appreciate any opinions as to how they stack up with Elixirs in terms of longevity and tone.
Thanks.

 

[john_kidder]

Don't know if you've read a lot of praise for the Thomastik 12s, or just the same praise from me repeated a lot of times.

Anyone else like these strings?

 

[Graham]

Don't know if you've read a lot of praise for the Thomastik 12s, or just the same praise from me repeated a lot of times.

Anyone else like these strings?

I only had them on the X-155 that I had so that's a different beast. What do you like about them on flat tops John?

 

[john_kidder]

Here are the guages on the Thomastik-Infeld Spectrum Lights:

Spectrum 12-string set Round Wound Set: SB211 light | Set No.: SB211
P11 E 1st Plain Steel .011
P11 E 2nd Plain Steel .011
P15 B 3rd Plain Steel .015
P15 B 4th Plain Steel .015
SB24 G 5th Bronze Round Wound .024
P09G G 6th Plain Steel .009
SB32 D 7th Bronze Round Wound .032
P14 D 8th Plain Steel .014
SB43 A 9th Bronze Round Wound .043
SB18 A 10th Bronze Flat Wound .018
SB52 E 11th Bronze Round Wound .052
SB23 E 12th Bronze Flat Wound .023

And here are the Plectrums (these are the real softies ):
Plectrum 12-string set Mixed Set Set: AC211 light | Set No.: AC211
P11 E 1st, 2nd Plain Steel .011
P14 B 3rd, 4th Plain Steel .014
AC019 G 5th Bronze Flat Wound .019
P09G G 6th Plain Steel .009
AC027 D 7th Bronze Flat Wound .027
P12 D 8th Plain Steel .012
AC036 A 9th Bronze Flat Wound .036
AC516 A 10th Bronze Flat Wound .016
AC050 E 11th Bronze Round Wound .050
AC522 E 12th Bronze Flat Wound .022

more at Thomastik-Infeld

 

[john_kidder]

What do you like about them on flat tops ?

I've only used them on 12-strings, Graham. They're a low-tension string, so they help the guitar out a bit mechanically, and they're just incredibly easy to play. My first guitar was an Aria 12 with about 1/2 inch of action, that needed all the strength in my manual labourer's hands to work. Then I got my dear old Ovation 12 with far better action and tone (my brother Peter thinks it beats my rosewood G-312 for tone) - I could play it with anyone's strings, but it just came alive with the Thomastiks, and it was a dream to play.

Of course, I'm just a fingerpicker, so "Walk Right In" and all those whang-em and blang-em 12-string tunes aren't my style anyway - but I do love stuff like "Buttermilk Sky" or "Moonlight in Vermont" picked on a 12, with the octave strings sometimes sounding alone. For that sort of relatively gentle things, the Thomastiks are just about perfect - good volume too, but I suspect that a set of JP 80-20s would put out more noise if voume was the object.

All these things are so personal, one hates to be making recommendations as if there were any "truth" to them - but I surely do like the Thomastik strings on a 12-string guitar.

 

[john_kidder]

All right, you got me going. This is from the Thomastik-Infeld brochure for Acoustic Guitar strings.

• Plectrum:
  A remarkable string that prompts comments like: “l never knew a string like this existed!”. The combination of lower overall tension, hybrid arrangement of flatwounds (A,D,G) with roundwound low E, and silk inlays (for precise overtone balance) produces a beautiful, almost classical tone, with the warmth of bronze and the easy playability of a fine set of jazz strings.
  And because of its low, evenly balanced tensions, PLECTRUMS can extend the playing life of many fine older guitars with weak bracing or other special age conditions.

 

[Graham]

All these things are so personal, one hates to be making recommendations as if there were any "truth" to them - but I surely do like the Thomastik strings on a 12-string guitar.

Thanks, I'll pick up a set and put them on the JF30-12 next time around.

Sure would like to hear a sound clip, or three of your stuff John. :roll:

 

[john_kidder]

Sure would like to hear a clip of your stuff John

Oh, I don't know Graham, there are some fine players on this board, and I'm just an old folkie with a penchant for swing. I'm a better writer than I am a player, and anyway, what I really like to do is sing. Wish I could collect finely made voices the way we can guitars.

 

[Graham]

Sure would like to hear a clip of your stuff John

Oh, I don't know Graham, there are some fine players on this board, and I'm just an old folkie with a penchant for swing. I'm a better writer than I am a player, and anyway, what I really like to do is sing. Wish I could collect finely made voices the way we can guitars.

Hmm. Well then, anyway we can get you to Arlington? Or arrange a Canadian stop on the tour?

 

[timbo2]

Thanks all, they sound worth a go.
I'll post my impressions.

 

[Frosty]

+1 for Thomastik strings!

 

[kitniyatran]

I haven't tried the 12 stringers, but I like TI's on mandolin, & I've used their 6 stringers on Guitar. I'm currently using Galli flatwounds(12-53) on my D25, & liking them a bunch, so far.
TI's, & other flatwounds, will give the performance of a heavier gauge than they measure, with the easier play & just a bit more tension than the lighter string they measure as, due to the construction.
Cost a bit more, but perform well, & outlast most other brands. The Gallis are not as pricey as the TIs, about like Elixers, I think.

 

[MarkRobertD225]

Can TI's be purchased from anyone here in the USA? I only saw an Austrian retailer listed on their site when I went there. I'm sure the shipping would make them very expensive to get to Florida.

 

[Scratch]

I have two sets ordered from Musician's Friend: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=plectrum They informed me it is a three to four week wait for the Plectrums.

zZSounds unfortunately does not carry them.