Serious jazz players are quite particular about the jazz guitar strings they
choose and use. They expect the exact sound they want. There are different kinds
of jazz guitar strings available with reputed manufacturers like
Thomastik-Infeld, D'Addario, Elixir, etc. Finally it all boils down to choosing
the jazz guitar strings that sound just right for the user.
Types Of Jazz Guitar Strings
Flatwound - probably the most popular for Swing. These are usually flat ribbon
wound strings with a polished nickel surface giving the player the flexibility
and the kind of smooth sound that is expected.
Roundwound - for BeBop jazz. While several jazz players don't really go for
roundwound strings, manufacturers like Thomastik-Infeld have wooed jazz players
with the way they manufacture these. These strings are dense, although of thin
diameter and play wonderfully at high frequencies, so much so that the tone has
the purity of piano notes.
Most high quality jazz guitar strings are crafted with a core of carbon steel
rather than the usual hex cores. This makes them play better and also vibrates
well without the 'preferred motion axis'. These string ends are wrapped in silk
to keep the winding intact and to also increase their life.
For those who play blues jazz - and practically everyone who plays jazz does
play the blues - the flatwound chrome strings they use are the most preferred.
This is because these strings do not create the finger noise associated with
other strings, resulting in easy play and better style. But the half round
wounds are also popularly used, as they seem smoother and there is more clarity
of sound with them compared to flatwounds, making them sound great when playing
the blues.
Making The Choice For Jazz Guitar Strings
It is vital, as any jazz guitar player knows, to choose the strings that work
best for you, and also make sure you replace them properly when necessary to
avoid your guitar detuning. The main things to remember in making your choice
are: the brand you select, the composition of the strings, string gauge, and the
type of winding.
As far as brand is concerned, you can try a few and choose the ones you feel
most comfortable with. As mentioned earlier, the most reputed are
Thomastik-Infeld, D'Addario, Elixir, and others.
Guitar strings are usually composed of a core high carbon steel wire with a wrap
wire wound around them, which influences the sound of the guitar strings. This
material could be nickel, considered the best, or stainless steel for brighter
tones, or phosphor bronze for a warmer sound mostly used in acoustic guitar
strings. Most classical guitars have nylon strings.
String Gauge refers to the diameter of the first and last guitar string since
most guitar strings are sold as sets. Jazz guitar string sets are usually
available as .012 - 0.054-inch diameter, which is heavier than those used for
other music styles, so that they result in a thicker tone with increased
sustain. Most jazz guitarists just starting out to play use lighter sets to
first get used to them and then move on to the heavier type. It should be borne
in mind that as you progress to an advanced playing level, and switch to a
string set of heavier gauge, you must also adjust your guitar neck and the
intonation. The roundwound type of strings have a louder and brighter sound
while the flatwound type has a flat ribbon wire with duller, smoother sound.
Most jazz guitar strings are of the flatwound type.
Some Jazz Guitar String Maintenance Tips
To get your jazz guitar strings to last longer, remember to wipe them down using
a dry cloth after each playing session. It is better to replace your strings
just as they begin to wear out. Preferably change the entire set since changing
just that one broken string can lose the sync of your sound.
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