What strings do you use for gypsy picking on an archtop?

AmundLauritzen · October 2015

I recently jumped on the Dunlop Gator bandwagon and although I still prefer the Wegen Bigcity for acoustic guitars, the Gator proved to be very well suited for electric gutiar for me.

I do find however, that the strings are sometimes a bit unreliable. I think I use .13s on the archtop and although for the most part the pick glides through without problems, sometimes it's like it's "stuck to a string" in that there appears to be more resistance than usual. This becomes more prominent as the tempo increases or I pick harder.

So I wanted to ask those of you who play on archtops too, what kind of strings you prefer to use in order to make the transition from acoustic to electric as smooth as possible without too much transition.

Pick and string combination seems to be what makes or breaks it. George Benson said that light strings + heavy picks and heavy strings + light picks is the way to go. This has become apparent in that it is easier to pick .13s with the 1.5 Gator than the 1.8 Wegen, but perhaps I need to decrease strings to .12s for the optimal resistance.

HCQ · October 2015

For electric arch top I'm currently using Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky round wounds. Its gauged 12-56 and has a plain G string. These strings are widely available and not very expensive. My arch top also has a 25.5 inch scale length.

I use bone or 2.5 mm picks. Since arch tops and Gypsy guitars are different instruments in terms of feel, sustain and tone there is still some transition.

Stringswinger · October 2015

Thomastic Infelds. Like Argies, they are round core. Hex core strings do not work for me. YMMV

Jazzaferri · October 2015

Another vote for Thomastic. I use 12-?? Set of jazz flatwounds....great electric sound.

My guitar just went in to get a refret and Lollar P90 s in place of the old single coil

Too hard to balance string volume for me.

woodamand · October 2015

On my Harmony, I decided I wanted to get a more acoustic sound than the DAddario Chrome flatwounds (which I used on the more electric Guild archtop). I am now using DAddario Flat Tops phosphor bronze, quite like them. They are almost a slick on the fingers as flatwounds, but with that much more acoustic tone.

Jazzaferri · October 2015

Hmmmm...the reonses raise an interesting point, Is the OP to the style of picking, the sound of a Selmac, or an acoustic sound.

From my experience, the only guitars that sound like Selmacs, are those that are built in that style. Any guitar can be played GJ style.... Thinner strings make it easier. Acoustic sound is different yet. Looking back, I am not sure what the question is.

You might try Fisoma .12-50's silk and steels. Might give a drier sound.

DragonPL · October 2015

I actually use Argentines 11s gypsy jazz strings on my Alvarez accousic. Few minor adjustments, namely truss rod, and it works out great. A lot brighter sound too.