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.
