So... the plot thickens. But first, thanks to Chromium for the string swap.
Anyway, turns out Roto flats are actually pretty high tension. I decided to try those on the EB3 (the TIs I had been using are a waste of money there), because it needed a setup (startring to buzz a bit). Then that rubber band neck showed me just how high tension th Rotos are; yeowzers. Anyway, string buzz got worse, tried everything, including raising the action to completely unplayable height; still buzzing (now worse and on both sides of the fretting hand). Took the strings off and tried to check the frets but I don't have a good enough straight edge. Anyway, long story short, I had to take it in for a refret (original frets on a 65; about time I suppose). The guy started checking the frets and looked puzzled for a bit until I explained that I don't play in 1st position much, mostly up higher just in front of the 12th fret - that was good for a LOL, but means that it has to be a full refret not a partial or a dressing.
I decided to try Pyramids on the Tirumph, I bought long scale because I always have (I have 2 of each scale, cut em short for shorties) and because it's a 105 E vs 100 on the shortie set. This may have been a bad idea, all strings mounted fine but the E went all:
I'm getting a replacement from the store for free (good because they aint cheap), but I do need an opinion tiebreaker:
Store says that this shouldn't have happened despite the actual windings being on the post (due to long scale vs short). They're hand not machine made so duds happen/not as consistant. That would be my inclination too. Looks like the core stretched or was bunched up under the windings.... but they are round core vs the usual hex core so winding slippage is more likely (so they say).
Luthier (trying a new guy; don't know him) says that yes, this can happen with round core strings and I should use a shortie string so that the actual wrap windings don't start until after the tuning post.
What say youze? I just don't want to have to go exchange again; gotta set this girl set up to record (I will be doing some songs with the EB3 too, but not til the overdub stage - luthier dude said he could turn it around in a week, which is amazing to me).
One thing I will say about the Pyramids is (despite the hand-made inconsistency element almost scaring me off) they feel amazing. Tension is nice - not as floppy as the TIs but on the lower end. More supple and smoother than anything I have ever tried - even the TI's, which actually feel rough in comparison (I have an old used TI E on there now with the rest of the Pyramid set so I can jam on Wednesday). I really want to like these, they feel so nice on the hand (but also leave stains; looks like lead streaks - I hope that is just because they're fresh, but they probably use a purer nickel than anyone else, which is a softish metal). Rotos don't feel half as luxurious, downright spartan in comparison. TIs are a not-even-close second. I'll see how they sound tomorrow night - I hear that until they break in, the E and A sound dull and the D/G sound too bright, so one should be patient and wait till they even themselves out. Acoustically at home, this appears to be true.
As for those Rotos, will probably try them on the EB3 after the refret. If I can't get the action right due to the tension, I'll throw on the used TIs I just took off my Triumph and try the Rotos on the RD Artist - if that maple neck can't take em nothing can.
