Wound G for a Lester?

Lee_M.

Lee_M.

Brockburst Toneologist
To all,

For the longest time I've been unhappy with how the G on my various Les Pauls (past and present) sounds at certain frets (i.e. frets 11-15). It feels like the string is slightly too thick as an unwound string (using an 10-56 set from DR or D'addario) for that area of the guitar when doing single note runs.

Does anyone feel the same way? Does anyone swap out their G for a wound G? If so, what are the tonal differences/advantages?

Thanks in advance,
Lee Moore
 
Re: Wound G for a Lester?

I tried it in a Sheraton, whcih is the same scale as a LP. I found it too thick for bends and a bit uncomfortable overall. It felt too much like my acoustic. :)

BTW, this was with a 10-52 set.
 
Re: Wound G for a Lester?

Wound G strings are just to hard to bend! So we all compromise on the tone and use unwound G strings. I use only wound G's on my acoustics...guitars I rarely bend notes on. But an unwound G is a must on my electric guitars. I agree though that an unwound G always sounds a little funny...but I've never thought it was to thick! Just the opposite: to sloppy or loose. I use a .017. Don't like them any heavier than that. Lew
 
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Re: Wound G for a Lester?

Perhaps thick is the wrong term. The note just doesn't seem to resonate properly at the aforementioned frets, giving it that "loose" or "sloppy" feel - those are probably more appropriate terms.

Perhaps a smaller gauge G is the trick. And, thanks for the replies and thoughts on the wound G.


Lewguitar said:
Wound G strings are just to hard to bend! So we all compromise on the tone and use unwound G strings. I use only wound G's on my acoustics...guitars I rarely bend notes on. But an unwound G is a must on my electric guitars. I agree though that an unwound G always sounds a little funny...but I've never thought it was to thick! Just the opposite: to sloppy or loose. I use a .017. Don't like them any heavier than that. Lew
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Re: Wound G for a Lester?

I don't like wound "G"s on anything other than acoustic instruments. I use a .017 like Lewguitar.
 
Re: Wound G for a Lester?

I love my wound G strings and would never use plains given a choice. If I could acquire a wound b and e I´d be in heaven ;)

I just find the tone of the wound G fits into the tone of the bottom 3 better, I always find the high strings a bit to "bright" and "jangly". And the wound G balances out better on strat pickups as well ;)
 
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