Pyramid Gold Nickel Flatwound 310/12

It took me a little time to get used to these strings, but now that I have, I have no doubt that these will be my 'go-to' strings for my Gretsch G5422G-12.


The negative:

First, while tuning up for the first time on my Gretsch G5422G-12, the A octave string broke. No single flatwounds seem to be available, unless I've missed something.
Second, there is a significant increase in tension in comparison to roundwounds. At first, I wasn't sure how my left hand would react to them, but after a couple of weeks of fairly extensive use, I am pleased to report that I no longer find it much of an effort to fret chords, and play runs up and down the neck. Indeed, they have a smoothness that roundwounds lack.

The positive:

First: the sound is a lot clearer, more focused, in comparison to roundwounds. I was surprised by this. I've read that the main strings are 'mellow' sounding, but, to me, they sound dull. However, within the context of the octave strings, they fit perfectly, and the sound is exactly what I had hoped for.
Second: the extra tension helps tuning stability up the neck. No intonation wobbles up the neck, which happens with roundwounds.
Third: the tuning stays quite stable, even after not playing them for a day or so. Very pleased on that account.

Bottom line is, I love the sound, and the intonation stability up the neck (N.B., my Gretsch was setup perfectly by a Meistergitarrenbauer, the action is very low). If the octave A string hadn't have broken when I first tuned up, I would've given these strings 5s across the board.

These are wonderful sounding strings, sadly let down by poor quality which is unusual from Pyramid. For such an expensive set of strings, you espect the quality to match the prince but sadly not in this case.

I've had three sets of these, the first was fine - the second (like another reviewer on here) snapped the A octave string (wound 19) on first tuning. Unfortunately, Pyramid / Thomann don't seem to supply single replacement flatwound strings, so I had to substitute from another manufacturer who did (Thomastik).

I recently restring with the 3rd set, and once again the A octave snapped. It was snapping mid way along the string, and the windings had unravelled. This time, I decided to contact Pyramid directly, who kindly sent me two 0.19 flatwounds out of courtesy. The first snapped on install at the tuner, the second snapped half way again.

Whlist I've had zero quality issues with Pyramid's other offerings, these sadly don't meet those same standards. They weren't a 'bad batch' as all the sets were sourced at different times - it seems the wound 19 isn't up for being an A octave.

An expensive mistake I won't be making again.