D'Addario Chromes: Guitar String Review

      In the local the region D'Addario Chromes flatwound guitar strings are certainly the most readily available flatwound set in music shops. The popularity of this string is probably due in part to their comparatively low price (around $12) and the association with the famous D'Addario brand name.

       I have used Chromes more often than any other string becuase they are widely available and they are affordable so in the search for the ultimate flatwound string I chose these to review. I have played chromes on nearly all of my guitars: Gibson ES-175, Fender Telecaster, G&L ASAT Classic, Yamaha RGX-A2, Epiphone Broadway and Casino and various Fender Stratocasters. The feel and tone are always consistent; flat finish with a slight texture created by the winding process. And the tone is mellow with a distinct edge to the notes in the upper midrange area.
       Using all of the gauges (.010s-.013s) I can say that this consistency holds true through all of the line. On the ES-175 the Chromes did not have enough of the clear articulation that I prefer on a jazz box. The Tele, Strats and RGX-A2 were given a nice addition of mellow bass enhancement and a little bit of thump to the bass strings that the round wound strings do not exhibit. Depending on the style you play and the amplifier you use this tone may be good or unfavorable. With Chromes I think the tone is best when using overdrive (no joke). I do not think that the dullness they impart can stand up to the DR Legends or the Thomastik Jazz Swing set playing clean. Also, I think they have too rough a texture for my tastes.
      I urge anyone interested in flatwounds to give these strings a try, you may find that these are just the ticket for your sound.

Minor Pentatonic Scale: 5 Modes (Patterns)

This sheet was made to outline the 5 modes or patterns of the minor pentatonic scale. The scale forms are laid out in order from the minor pattern first. Click Here For Printer Version.

Chords are: i (minor) - bIII (major) - IV (suspended 2 or 4) - v (minor) - bVII (suspended 2 or 4)

DR Legend Flatwound Strings: String Review

        This review marks another step in the journey to find the ultimate flatwound guitar string. Today we will asses the DR Legend flatwound strings FL12 .012-.052 for electric guitar. The test subject is a 2012 Fender Telecaster MIM with '52 style appointments: ash body, maple fingerboard, brass barrel saddles and vintage output pickups.
     

Reading the information on the package of strings one will learn all about the unique approach DR has to string making; the strings are handmade and are wound over a hexagonal (versus round) core wire. This handmade quality leads to a very consistent string feel and an incredibly quick stretch time (regarding time required to stay in tune). The hexagonal core is different in that the mellow tone of the flats is complemented by excellent articulation. DR states that the hex core string is a little brighter and tighter than a round core and this is especially apparent in chording situations; less of the loose feel.
     The DRs strung up very well on the Tele; the large .012s were not too big for the saddle grooves, nut slots or tuning posts (vintage split style). After about an hour they were settled into tune nicely and sounded with their "initial edge" for about 2 days. The texture of the string is smoother than D'Addario chromes but a little rougher than the Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swing strings.
     Plugging into my Fender '65 reissue Princeton Reverb and playing the strings I realized a more mellow tone than the chromes as well, more like the sound of the '60s. Both pick and fingers feel good against the strings and tonal balance from 3rd to 2nd (wound to plain) strings is not overly noticeable.
     After 2 months the strings are still holding strong and mellow, the treble strings are just barely starting to show some fret lines. I will continue to play these until the trebles are done for (and I may actually just replace those two and keep the 4 wound strings on). Overall, I rate these strings as better than the Chromes and not quite as good as the Jazz Swings; I will start calling these a "poor man's Thomastik". I recommend you give them a try.

Understanding The Musical Alphabet

The latest in my series for students is a simple theoretical explanation of the musical alphabet. This sheet introduces accidentals as well and clearly illustrates the concept. I find the circular method the easiest way to visualize how the musical alphabet works. Click Here For Printer Version