• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Pyramid Gold flats, E-string gauge?

I've been on a flatwound ramble for a while now, searching for "the perfect" sound for me (yea right, like that exists...) Thinkin of giving Pyramid Golds a try next (so far I've tried TIs, La Bella, GHS precision and Chromes).

One thing that bothers me is that I've read a lot of posts about the "dead E-string" with these flats. Now I love flats but I hate the dead E-string, even if "it was meant to sound that way" like I've heard being said many times. I can't for the life of me understand why someone would want just one string sound totally different from the rest, no sustain, no sparkle, no definition. I would want my E-string to sound deep with the same sustain as the others, with soft but defined notes.

So I was thinking of ordering a lighter gauge E-string for the Pyramids, .100 instead of the standard .105. Has anybody tried this and possibly found that the smaller gauge would be less dead than the standard .105? Any comments would be much appreciated, thanks!
 
I bought a set of Golds about 3 years ago, and I found them to have really good consistency from string to string, (better than GHS Precision flats and Rotosound Jazz flats), can't remember what gauge they are.

I haven't had any of the issues that some have reported with Pyramids; whether that means something's changed with the strings over time, or whether I've just been lucky, I've no idea. I suppose you'll tend to hear more from people who've had problems than from those who haven't.
 
I bought a set of Golds about 3 years ago, and I found them to have really good consistency from string to string, (better than GHS Precision flats and Rotosound Jazz flats), can't remember what gauge they are.

I haven't had any of the issues that some have reported with Pyramids; whether that means something's changed with the strings over time, or whether I've just been lucky, I've no idea. I suppose you'll tend to hear more from people who've had problems than from those who haven't.

Sounds good, thanks for the reply! Thats a good point about people posting stuff only when problems occur. I've tried the GHS and while the E on those was a bit different from the rest, it wasn't as bad as the E on la bellas (I've had 2 sets of La Bs, same thing on both sets, had them on bass for about a year). Still I think it would be "safer" to get the smaller gauge...
 
Every manufacturer has had issues with a run of bad strings here and there. And every manufacturer has fixed those issues or they'd no longer be in business. If you buy from a reliable dealer, you will be taken care of regardless.
 
I bought a set of Golds about 3 years ago, and I found them to have really good consistency from string to string, (better than GHS Precision flats and Rotosound Jazz flats), can't remember what gauge they are.

I haven't had any of the issues that some have reported with Pyramids; whether that means something's changed with the strings over time, or whether I've just been lucky, I've no idea. I suppose you'll tend to hear more from people who've had problems than from those who haven't.

likewise and I have had my set on and off several basses. Sparkle is what these do. OLD Skool flats with a little sparkle on top like an Ampeg amp but smaller.

Beware of custom sets-very expensive from Pyramid.
 
I bought a set of Golds about 3 years ago, and I found them to have really good consistency from string to string, (better than GHS Precision flats and Rotosound Jazz flats), can't remember what gauge they are.

I haven't had any of the issues that some have reported with Pyramids; whether that means something's changed with the strings over time, or whether I've just been lucky, I've no idea. I suppose you'll tend to hear more from people who've had problems than from those who haven't.

likewise and I have had my set on and off several basses. Sparkle is what these do. OLD Skool flats with a little sparkle on top like an Ampeg amp but smaller.

Beware of custom sets-very expensive from Pyramid.


Thanks a lot for the info! Actually there are several internet resellers here in Europe that sell pyramid single strings and a custom set doesn't cost more than a standard one. Full 4-string set is about 40 euros. Time to give these flats a try!
 
Best price I have seen here in the US:

http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/pyr-bass-long.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=pyr-bass-long

$53.95, and they often run 10% off.

I have had a couple sets of the Pyramid flats, and the E string is thumpier than the others at first. It goes "thonk" when the others go "doooon". After a few weeks they even out, and you're good for a few years.

They are old school like no other string, and have a feel that is really luxurious.
 
Best price I have seen here in the US:

http://www.stringsandbeyond.com/pyr-bass-long.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=pyr-bass-long

$53.95, and they often run 10% off.

I have had a couple sets of the Pyramid flats, and the E string is thumpier than the others at first. It goes "thonk" when the others go "doooon". After a few weeks they even out, and you're good for a few years.

They are old school like no other string, and have a feel that is really luxurious.

Wow, that's an amazing price for those strings! Thanks for the link!