Have we moved beyond the heavy strings / TS9 standard yet?

[KissTone]

Let me get my inner Carl Jung on for a moment . . .

It seems that for several years the acknowledged baseline for electric guitarists has been heavy strings and some sort of TS9. Regardless of whether or not you actually use them, we've had the mindset that bigger strings = better tone, and everyone is supposed to step on some sort of TS9 when it's time to solo.

Again, that doesn't mean that you do---it just means that we all unconsciously agree that's what everyone is after.

I mean, think of how many pedal makers have sold countless TS variations, and think of how many threads have insisted that the best tone only could be achieved with big strings, and that lighter strings were a compromise at best.

Perhaps all of this could be dubbed the 'SRV Effect' since he dominated the popular imagination of 'real guitarist' for so long (whether you are a fan or not) or maybe the 'Blooz Effect' or maybe even the 'Classic Rawk Effect'?

So, now that all of the pedal makers are cranking out Tim/Timmy themed ODs and whatnot, are we collectively moving in a new direction? Are we about to embrace the slinky strings of 80s shredders? Maybe again long for skinny necks with flat profiles?

Or are we headed somewhere else entirely?

[bsuite]

Originally Posted by KissTone

Let me get my inner Carl Jung on for a moment . . .

It seems that for several years the acknowledged baseline for electric guitarists has been heavy strings and some sort of TS9. Regardless of whether or not you actually use them, we've had the mindset that bigger strings = better tone, and everyone is supposed to step on some sort of TS9 when it's time to solo.

Again, that doesn't mean that you do---it just means that we all unconsciously agree that's what everyone is after.

I mean, think of how many pedal makers have sold countless TS variations, and think of how many threads have insisted that the best tone only could be achieved with big strings, and that lighter strings were a compromise at best.

Perhaps all of this could be dubbed the 'SRV Effect' since he dominated the popular imagination of 'real guitarist' for so long (whether you are a fan or not) or maybe the 'Blooz Effect' or maybe even the 'Classic Rawk Effect'?

So, now that all of the pedal makers are cranking out Tim/Timmy themed ODs and whatnot, are we collectively moving in a new direction? Are we about to embrace the slinky strings of 80s shredders? Maybe again long for skinny necks with flat profiles?

Or are we headed somewhere else entirely?

Pretty much everything just goes in cycles.

[bkd_guitarist]

Guess I missed the memo on this. I've used .009's and .010's forever, and I hate pedal distortion.

[johnmfer]

I've been playing 11s since before the Internet was part of everyday life and have never owned a TS9.

[splatt]

¿baseline standards, what?
pshaw.
i've subscribed to my own changing standards since i was a wee kid.

[americananalog]

I see the trend going back to not caring about tone. I see guys I respect giving up on fancy gear and just focus on writing and being a team player. My 100 watt tube amp and gear laden pedalboard is starting to look out of step with my younger musician friends (who have never heard of a Dr.Z and really don't care).

The TS9 is still very popular though. They get used because there's so many of them around.

[bobgoblin]

Yeah, the TS9 hasn't been something I used since the early 90s. Strings, well that depends on what guitar, what music, what use, etc...

[=JL=]

You've been living in TGP World for too long if you think that SRV is relevant to even HALF of the world's electric guitar players.
It's simple, pot belly and a ponytail? You need a TS-9.
Everyone else just move along...

[yucatown]

I've never owned a TS9 or have had heavy strings on my guitars.

[VA_siCkBoy]

I'm sorry but I've been using the same TS9 since I was 14 and I don't plan on changing (I'm 43).

[Strat]

Tele, 008's, Dynacomp, Twin. Did I miss s turn or something ?

[FuzzGazer]

Originally Posted by KissTone

bigger strings = better tone

As a heavy-hitter I'd alter the above to bigger strings = better tune.

[shredtrash]

Originally Posted by Strat

Tele, 008's, Dynacomp, Twin. Did I miss s turn or something ?

Nope. You're right on track!

[guitarz1972]

Yep, I missed it too. I've never used anything heavier than 0.10's, ever. I occasionally use a TS-style pedal, but I use another type of OD pedal just as often or more often. I don't want a pony-tail or a cool hat, but that said I don't want glam make-up or hair spray either! LOL

[omfg51]

I think there's a lot more out there than you might be seeing or hearing. Lots of people use all kinds of strings and all kinds of drive pedals, and they all play different music. There really is no standard, and there never really has been. Whatever YOU use and YOU want is YOUR standard. Yours will never be the same as the next guy's. Similar maybe, but it should never be the same.