Three years with flatwound strings - Conclusions

[@moyhennabuchanan1076]

Thank you 🙏 Living this very dream, now, ourself. La Bella do a Bender roundwound but good to see the flatwound working fine with the Bigsby 💪

[@don22b]

Hi Paul, from Connecticut,, I’m a 40+ year guitar player,, I go from feeling like I can play anything, next day I feel like I’m just getting started, you are such an inspiring player,, wish you lived across the street,,

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Don, I’m delighted to read such a compliment. Cheers 🍻

[@tinman4585]

I’m from SheltonCt also playing 50 + years Paul makes the wrong notes sound great! Very talented guy😊

[@JeffreyDopp]

Jeff from Nashville here and you’ve convinced me! We have very similar roots and tastes. I am a 50+ year player who grew up in DC spoiled by having Gatton and Roy in the local pubs regularly so I won’t be giving up my rounds any time soon but I have enough guitars that I can put flats on a tele, a Duo Jet and perhaps my 62 Jazzmaster. Love your channel and thank you brother!❤

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks man, I can definitely recommend them for your Jazzmaster. A ‘62 you say…. Lucky man, that must have some serious vibe.

[@therealdoug1000]

You're playing has gone totally next-level Paul. Incredible!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks so much man, I appreciate that. Cheers 🍻

[@terrycaster4976]

Hi Paul. After following your channel for a couple of years and watching all your videos I finally bought myself a Romany 12. Awesome amp. I couldn’t be happier.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Wow! Well congratulations on your Cornell Terry, I’m chuffed! Happy playing Terry 🤘🎸

[@ThePedalsComparison]

Ahahahaha I bought it too for the same reason! :)

[@asyncawaited]

Okay, so I was blown away by listening to your piece on the Gretsch and thought right at the conclusion, "I wonder what it sounds like on a Jazzmaster?" then out comes the Jazzmaster playing its own bit. I love your taste in guitars and your performances are really inspiring. I'm glad I found this video.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you sir, I’m delighted to read such a nice comment. Cheers

[@PalidicoVermingagurania]

A lot of your playing is unironically universal-, we all can relate on improv

[@bobneaves3797]

beautiful, so much passion

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Bob! Delighted you liked the vid 🍻

[@BaritoneOneFive]

I'm building a baritone and thinking about using flats. The fatter strings have more string noise. You've convinced me to try the flats, so thanks! Great playing as always Paul!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks BaritoneOneFive. Yeah, I reckon flats will be the perfect choice for the baritone. Cheers for watching 😊

[@jasonb5898]

Just subscribed. Your playing is so very good and is just a joy to listen to. Found your video looking into putting flats on my Gretsch. I am gonna give em a try to see what I think. Very happy to have found your channel.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Jason, I’m delighted you like my playing. Cheers, 🍻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

sir. you are the absolute king of the minor key. gorgeous stuff.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

The “King of the minor key”…… I like that 🤣. Cheers Jeremy

[@jeremyversusjazz]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 we share a love of relics brother! cheers

[@2dazetake]

So cool to hear the range of that jazz master, I finally heard what this guitar can really do, absolutely blown away by your playing, simply excellent.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks, I’m delighted you like it. It’s such a pleasure to play and SO comfortable too. 🍻

[@CharlesPDog]

I love this…. Been playing flat wound chromes for 5 years or so, just ordered the TI thanks to you. I have gone down the rabbit hole of dadgad and just made up my chords, would like to play like you, but 77 years old and only limited theory, but just can’t leave dadgad. I would like to play Satie but have difficulty transcribing to dadgad. I have transcribed so simple Coltrane moods from standard tunings I got from Jazz Duets. Will try some triad pairs next. FWIW I’ve had two Miata’s, one red with a pop up headlights another, silver , but had to give them up because I live in Minnesota and they are absolutely terrible in the snow and came close to killing myself several times and could only afford to own one car. I used to love driving top down, moon up, at midnight in the summer. One of my favorite cars. Quality cars, reliable, reasonable price. You will love one. The Casper guy is great. Good luck on your journey

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Charles, I enjoyed reading your words. Particularly the idea of moonlight drives with the hood down! Anyway, enjoy your Saturday evening 🍻

[@wallqvistphotography4937]

Flawless! Wonderful as always friend.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Johan, I hope you saw that little shout out to you 😊

[@wallqvistphotography4937]

@@paulstaffordcook8799Friar Tuck! hahaha

[@wallqvistphotography4937]

@@paulstaffordcook8799I really must press on about Mark Goldenberg aswell. That album is almost a daily for some years now. Cheers

[@markthespark6240]

Absolutely beautiful guitar playing!! Well done.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Mark 🍻

[@soundssimple1]

Lovely playing, great advice and general blether. You wouldn't believe the ad that came on during your vid . Free Video of 'cheat codes' from Unlock Guitar. Couldn't make it up. PS the guys in Newcastle are going to love you now, hahah , great rants.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

How dare that advert show up during my wee show!🤣. Cheers for watching soundssimple

[@nick16754]

Hi Paul. Just found your channel and it helped me decide to try flatwounds on my Gretsch 6118T Jr. hollowbody with FilterTrons. Loving them so far even with the more "dead" bass strings - lost none of the Gretsch sparkle.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Nick, I’m delighted you gave the flats a try. 🍻

[@TheBigH1975]

I have flats on my semi-hollow Gretsch and on a partscaster tele that I keep tuned down to D standard. I just love them too. Great vid.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks, glad you liked the vid 🍻

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I love flatwounds on bass, but haven't tried them on guitar yet. I'll have to give them a go on my Gretsch

[@pwlebrun4573]

Loved hearing the Rachmaninov!! Thanks for that unexpected joy.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching 😊

[@wiemiromarsoichdir5516]

Ouf! You playing left me silent. Thank you for your wonderful music ...

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you man, I appreciate that. 🍻

[@walkinginharmony]

Simply excellent Paul! Such beautiful tone and feel and to say it is recoded via a phone is amazing!! Btw...I have a mint MX5 and if ever you and Mrs.P are up north you can borrow it to view the Highlands! Such great fun and freedom!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Finally, I’ve found you! Are you the very thoughtful Brian Carter who sent me your lovely book? I tried finding a way to contact you to say thank you, but alas no luck. Anyway, I want you to know that I’m grateful and that I began reading your book a few nights ago (I’m about a quarter of the way in). It’s amazing to read your experience and I’m definitely at a point in my life where I’m open enough to absorb this. So thank you Brian, I will continue reading. On a different note - you’ve an MX-5!! With a love for Mark Knopfler and MX-5s, it looks like we have similar tastes. Cheers Brian

[@walkinginharmony]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Hi Paul , yes it was me who sent you the book. You are a superb guitar player first and foremost and your channel reflects that but you also give us a part of Paul the man and people like that too. Your weekends away seem necessary to you to just be Paul and to reflect on life. I recognise that from my own needs to just Be. The book was given in good faith with only pure intent and it may help you to journey within to experience the real Paul and then life clicks in to place. If you ever borrow the car I will even throw in a few guitar lessons for you! 😂😂

[@superreality3823]

Was thinking about you this morning and thinking about flatwound strings...small universe. Wonderful playing as always.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well it must have been in the stars that I’d make this video today 🤣. Cheers superreality

[@superreality3823]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 yep...and you ain't no dick

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

Great tones and touch. The Jazzmaster was really fantastic. I have a few offsets with flats. The TIs are great strings. Well done man. You're approaching flats the way I do. I let them change my approach, instead of playing flats the way I play rounds

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Jimmy 🍻

[@TheoScubla]

Awesome! Very tasteful improvisations. And sounds like Tobias Hoffmann is one of your inspirations ;)

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Theo. And yes, I think Tobias is currently my absolute favourite player on this planet.

[@KozmykJ]

I just bought a Preloved Ibanez Archtop and put Thomastik JS112 flats on it. I'm loving it. Curiously they put Less tension on the neck than the D'Addario 10-46s that it came loaded with. 🙄

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yeah, there are definitely my favourite brand of flats.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great stuff! I am absolutely sold on flats and don't see myself going back to rounds. Just personal taste :)

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Ruiseart 👍

[@stratpod]

now you know what i like, but i have to admit i found this vid most entertaining. Your skill levels absolutely shining through , think i liked the sound of the Jazzer best but they both sound brilliant. Good luck on the Atkins

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Glad you enjoyed it Charlie. Cheers mate, enjoy your Saturday evening 😊

[@stratpod]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 you too pal :)

[@mooseymoose]

I'm a reformed speed demon. Now I have a nice direct drive wheel and can only VIRTUALLY damage self/others. I do love taking the mx5 and others around the Nurburgring from the comfort of my own home. Love the tunes as always!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I’ve never tried that virtual driving yet….. sounds like fun!

[@paninovevo1162]

Great playing and sound man

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Paninovevo 🍻

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

Poor man’s Uncle Larry, very nice

[@BobEstremera]

Paul's playing is every bit as rich, or richer, than any other tuber out there. Brilliant, original, and from the heart.

[@valueofnothing2487]

Sounds great.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks man, 🍻

[@mortonwilson795]

Lovely playing, particularly enjoyed the atmospheric 'Riff on Rachmaninoff' - beautiful. I have a lovely mid '90s Korean made Epiphone Broadway that needs a new jack plug put in and will def be trying flat-wounds when I get around to visiting my guitar guy! Cheers. 😀

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Morton

[@amerallic]

I love your videos Paul! You're really inspirational. You made me so curious about flatwound strings so I ordered exactly the same set you showed in this video. I do have a budget 335 style guitar so I'll put them on it. However, I can't afford buying a nice amp like the ones you have, so I'll have to stick to my plastic boxes for now haha!😄

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well I’m delighted you’re gonna give the flatwounds a go! I’ve got gauge 10s on the Gretsch (standard E tuning) and gauge 12s on the Jazzmaster (tuned down 1 tone to D standard). So if the tension feels wrong don’t be afraid to tune down etc until it feels right. It’ll be interesting to see how you get on 😊

[@Mikex0123]

That was nice. I've never heard it played on guitar before, only piano.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

Lovely work dude!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@marineforces3214]

that’s a real good guitar ❤️

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

Great playing as always Paul! I'm guessing you've seen it but Tim Lerch did a nice flatwound vs roundwound comparison about a year ago on a tele.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Just watched it! Man, Tim is just a treasure. What a touch the man’s got. Cheers Chuck

[@markthespark6240]

I'm pretty sure Justin Hawkins from the Darkness has been playing a white Atkin Mindhorn while on his recent tour. Fantastic looking guitar!

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Beautiful intro!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Dwayne 🍻

[@justletmepostthis276]

@0:34 That bended note and tone sounds a bit like the opening song in this other KZbin video (@:04): Cabin Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness - Dick Proenneke

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Funny you should mention Dick Proenneke. All my life I’ve been intrigued by bears and bear country and the wilderness that goes with it. I read Dick’s story in a book many years ago. That led to me visiting British Columbia and later, Alaska, in search of my own mini adventure. Wonderful memories. I’ve not watched the KZbin video yet, so I’m gonna watch it now! Cheers 🍻

[@m.charron]

Great call with the Rachmaninov. Very film noir on the Gretsch.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks m.charron

[@m.charron]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 I love arranging. It would be cool to hear about your process. With this piece or perhaps a new tune. Cheers!

[@Paul-D]

amazing intro, couldn't make my mind up if I was feeling the gretsch or the Oswald the most - my gut says Gretsch but..... that Oswald has soul too. Ive still never played flat wounds before - but you've firmly planted the seed to try it out (Again)

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for stopping by Paul. Yeah, the flats seem to reward a slightly different style of playing. Hope you get a chance to try some 😊

[@Olibertau]

Thank you Paul. I love flatwounds on my Eastman Jazz guitar (John Pisano signature). I didn't think to try flatwounds on my other guitars. Sur, I should try. 🙂 Oh, and I approve : Mazda MX5 are nice litlle roadsters.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for watching Olibertau. Glad you approve of the MX5. Just need to make sure I keep my body limber enough to be able to climb in and out. 🤣

[@Olibertau]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 That’s how we know it’s a roadster : when we sit in the car, door open, we are able to touch the ground and the rear wheel. 😊Olivier

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Hi Paul, Since you started featuring your Dad's Gretsch I'm really keen to get something with Dynasonic pickups. They sound great on a Tele too. They're a great combination of warmth and brilliance.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Kevin. Yes, I reckon they’d be a great match for a fender style guitar.

[@TeleCaster66]

I use them some too and Curt Mangan makes them with a plain G if you want. I like them because they're not too dark sounding.

[@telebender]

Maybe try D'Addario half rounds for your Tele or other "round wound guitars. They're kinda in between flats and rounds. Personally, I love them; maybe they'll work for you.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Good suggestion. Cheers telebender 👍

[@Koffieleuter]

Thanks for a great video! I wish I had Castedosa and Dumble money, but I don't. So I'm using a Squier 40th anniversary Jazzmaster with a Boss GT-001 that's connected to a JBL PartyBox 110 and I absolutely love it. Much cheaper than a Roland JC-120 amp but it sounds... better! I can connect my phone wirelessly via Bluetooth and connect a bass guitar or microphone to the second input and control all volume levels individually. The JBL can even power the Boss via USB, so I could actually play anywhere. If I need more bass I can boost that two levels and on my phone I use the RE equalizer app to adjust the sound of any tune or backing track I would like to play along with. Going to try those flatwound strings soon!

[@FreedomFromSpeech]

Great playing. I came here because I’m thinking of sticking some flats on the tele, but will be staying for the tasty playing :) I’m just coming out of a ‘guitar wilderness’ period and I’m looking to polish up, try some new things and spend the next 10 yrs breaking through the intermediate player barrier that I’ve been stuck at since I was 16. I would like to acquire some jazz and country style playing. I will be spending more time here to learn from your playing and steal your licks. But, I will leave you a ‘like’ and subscribe, because I have honour 🇯🇵 :)

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you man, your comment has me smiling! Cheers, and I wish you many happy hours practicing 😊🍻

[@petergoddard1960]

Good to see you again, Paul. Bloody guitar shops, I'm not fond of those in Newcastle. Which is a shame as it's the closest city to me. I forsee an evening of Casper ahead. No bad thing given the wee taster I just heard. Here comes another rabbit hole. Tangent. We were in picking out a new motobility car for mt stepson the other week and they had a brand new silver MX5 in the showroom with black and red leather interior, and it was bloody gorgeous. Just bear in mind that you can actually be too old for a car like that. You aren't. I am. haha.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I know, it certainly takes a little thought as to how one might angle the human body in order to drop into it 🤣. And then I had to “prepare” myself in order get back out again. Worth it though. Cheers Peter

[@PalidicoVermingagurania]

I always think l’m hearing his father’s influence…yet his too…cool.., wish my father played

[@Nowandthen-zen]

Damn it captain , good stuff ✌🏻🎸🎶

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you nighalator 🍻

[@Noitpure]

Pyramid Fusion Flats. Fixes many of the issues non flatwound player’s experience when trying out flats.

[@pyschointellectual]

Hi Paul my name is David Bahar I live in Edinburgh I also go out on a weekend with my songs and guitar , just wanted to say love the sweet sounds bro, you need to get up around the mile and play this stuff. On a note with shops, to be honest I found GUITAR GUITAR to be about the best, Alfi is the man in their.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi David. Delighted you liked the tones in my wee vid! And yes, I should give the Royal Mile a go 🍻

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

What a playing...

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you 🍻

[@gregmock6808]

I've had flatwounds on my archtop (12s) and on my 335 (10s) for years and won't go back...I think flatwounds cut out a ton of squeak sliding up and down the neck. I have a theory that they save frets from unnecessary wear.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Greg. Actually, as regards fret wear, I have that exact same theory!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend Paul also Monday is my friends birthday also my birthday ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well belated Happy Birthday aminahmed 👍

[@DWinegarden2]

I tried out all the string too, off the internet and everywhere. In the end Chromes are as good as any.

[@andersestes]

Are there any special considerations to make, when restringing flatwounds? I've got a grettsch 6120 with locking tuners. First time I tried to restring with flatwounds, the low E string broke straight of at the tuner. Any thoughts on why that would happen?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hmmm….. How strange! I’ve no idea why that happened, because I haven’t noticed any difference in general robustness.

[@Arnold-yz4fl]

Hello Paul, which type/brand/gauge of flats do you use on your Gretsch?......regards, Arnold!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Arnold. They are Thomastik Infeld, Gauge 11-47 👍

[@billcaldwell395]

Sadly many folk don't know how to use an amp and spend time messing around with them so I suspect shops take the less risk route.

[@Mijstrats]

Hi Paul, have you already been asked to write the music for the new Bond movie? I heard some rumors. All the best. Stefan

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Stefan 🤣, wouldn’t that be a feather in the old cap!

[@chuckmatses6803]

Hi Paul! C'mon, I see you as a motorcycle rider. What do you ride? My wife had an MX5.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Chuck. It’s funny, I was admiring a nice Harley today, parked in town. But no, I’m a bit afraid I’d fall off 🤣

[@newsense2435]

awesome what brand of strings are you using and are they extra long? I need extra long strings any suggestions would be greatly appreciated cheers

[@corneliusvancamper5298]

Do they make extra long strings? Just curious, never heard of that. For a baritone guitar perhaps?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, they are Thomastik Infeld, and they are long. I even had them on an Epiphone Riviera, which has that Frequensator tailpiece (that requires particularly long strings). All good 👍

[@newsense2435]

you nailed it. those strings work perfectly, thank you for your reply. cheers@@paulstaffordcook8799

[@mcchugga3519]

Great sound, I think you need a Gretsch of your own or did you buy your Dad’s?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks. My Dad is letting me be the “custodian” shall we say. That way it gets to live a life on KZbin. 😊

[@bluesintheblood]

ohh that first one was some tasty spaghetti western-ish, the 2nd was the cherry on the desert

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks bluesintheblood 🍻

[@jonnybeck6723]

Hey-oh matey... Hope all is well

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Jonny 🍻

[@drp8062]

Valve amps and valve cars!

[@sfgylk34u_57]

And all analogue women!

[@johndodson4527]

Finesse....and you're guitarded.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks John 👍

[@MC-jm7hi]

Strong Joe Gore influence there, and why not?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I like that you say that. Joe Gore is a joy to watch. Cheers

[@MC-jm7hi]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Yes, I agree. Cheers Paul

[@DrunkenDish]

I just can't do it. It feels like you're playing alien intestines--long, smooth tubes of weirdness. It freaks my fingers out. On the plus side, they seem to last forever. They dont corrode like round wound.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I love your description of them! 🤣

[@paultownsend6043]

Had to chuckle to myself when you were on about trying a guitar and they gave you a crappy amp to play through, I had the exact same thing in gear4music, needless to say I didn't buy a guitar that day, it just sounded so sterile through this little crappy amp.

[@christianmatthews5141]

Great intro or two. Good show. Get the car later. Play those guitars.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Christian 👍

[@jonnybeck6723]

'pervs and freaks' Ha ha ...but you know every key on guitar has some strange magic

[@kel5944]

He has more of an Oliver Tree haircut.

[@seantracy5624]

Hy-le-Son. Is closer to the pronunciation.

[@Markleford]

Freaks and players who accompany horns tune to Eb! 😹

[@pensive_]

I didnt get tired of listening to the Gretsch. I really got tired of the Jazzmaster quickly. Nothing to do with your excellent playing. The Jazzmaster just didnt sell sonority that helps build to something. I dont know why it happened with the Jazzmaster, but this kind of thing is very important for a performer as an instrument that has a sonority or dynamics that does not capture the audience, works against you.

[@CharlesPDog]

I think the b string is too dominate

[@slimturnpike]

What tremolo device are you using so effectively here?

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yes, that was my Strymon Flint. I absolutely love that pedal. Glad you liked it too 😊

[@slimturnpike]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Thanks. Above my pay grade unfortunately....