Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$26.07
Amazon
4.6 (417)
$25.26
Reverb
$17.47 8 available New
Musician's Friend
3.0 (2)
$37.95
Thomann
4.7 (136)
$17.40

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Thomastik BB111 Guitar Strings". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the Thomastik BB111 Guitar Strings, where vintage charm meets modern craftsmanship. Designed explicitly for jazz enthusiasts, these strings are part of the Jazz BeBop series, offering a distinct sound that's both vibrant and mellow. Each set is meticulously crafted with a roundwound construction, ensuring a smooth feel and a bright, crystal-clear tone that captures the essence of jazz guitar playing.

Unlike the typical hex-shaped cores, these strings boast a round steel core, providing extended sustain and a treble response that is reminiscent of traditional flatwound strings. The low strings are wound with small-gauge polished nickel, delivering a sparkling, expressive sound palette perfect for intricate jazz compositions. Meanwhile, the brass-plated plain strings add a layer of warmth and depth, making every note resonate with clarity and emotion.

Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, the Thomastik BB111 strings promise consistency and reliability, making them a favorite choice for seasoned jazz guitarists. Experience the true essence of jazz with strings that let your music shine.

Key Features:

  • Jazz BeBop series for a unique jazz tone
  • Roundwound construction for a smooth feel
  • Round steel core for enhanced sustain
  • Polished nickel winding for extra brightness
  • Brass-plated plain strings for a mellow sound
  • Gauges: .011, .015, .019 (plain), .026, .034, .047

Product specs

Guitar Type Jazz Guitar
Number of Strings 6
Coated No
Gauges .011, .015, .019p, .026w, .034, .047
Core Material Steel
Winding Material Nickel Plated
Winding Type Round Wound

FAQs

What makes Thomastik BB111 guitar strings suitable for jazz guitar?

Thomastik BB111 strings are designed specifically for jazz, offering a roundwound nickel-plated construction that provides a warm, articulate tone ideal for jazz styles.

Are Thomastik BB111 strings suitable for beginners?

Yes, Thomastik BB111 strings are suitable for beginners due to their extra light gauge, which makes them easier to play and bend, reducing finger fatigue.

How do Thomastik BB111 strings compare to flatwound strings for jazz?

Unlike flatwound strings, Thomastik BB111's roundwound design offers brighter tones and more sustain, appealing to jazz guitarists seeking a lively, expressive sound.

What are the gauge sizes of Thomastik BB111 strings?

The Thomastik BB111 strings come in gauges .011, .015, .019p, .026w, .034, and .047, providing a balanced tension ideal for jazz guitarists.

Do Thomastik BB111 strings have a coating?

No, Thomastik BB111 strings are not coated, which allows for a more natural feel and sound, though it may result in a shorter lifespan compared to coated strings.

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Minor7thb5

Jazz Archtop

Video thumbnail for Jazz Archtop by Minor7thb5

Jazz Archtop

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Minor7thb5

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile strings suitable for multiple genres, not limited to jazz

  • Remarkable longevity, outlasting many other brands significantly

  • Known for producing a distinct, bright tone without muddiness

  • Comfortable under fingers, lighter feel than expected for their gauge

  • Excellent resistance to fret buzz, allowing lower action

  • Strong performance on vintage and modern guitars alike

  • High-quality construction, maintaining tone and intonation over time

  • Smooth roundwound feel, ideal for players used to flatwounds

CONS

  • Higher tension than some other brands, may not suit all players

  • Issues with round core strings unraveling if not handled properly

  • Expensive compared to other options on the market

  • Not ideal for vintage tuners, better suited for modern ones

  • Occasional G-string durability issues reported by users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Thomastik BB111 Guitar Strings.

Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge position is critical for intonation; a misplaced floating bridge can cause tuning issues, especially noticeable at the 12th fret.

    Source
  • Graphite lube or a #2 pencil can be used to reduce friction at the nut and saddle, which may resolve high-pitched metallic sounds.

    Source
  • Locking tuners can damage Thomastik strings; wrap the string a couple of turns to reduce pressure and prevent breakage.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners of Electromatic guitars often consider replacing the nut and saddles to improve sound quality and reduce unwanted noise.

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User experience

  • The "rattlematic" bridge, also known as tune-o-matic or adjustomatic, can contribute to buzziness; replacing it may improve tonal clarity.

    Source
  • Users report that sharp kinks at the tuner can cause Thomastik strings to break, likely due to a more brittle core alloy.

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  • Thomastik strings, once successfully installed, are praised for their longevity, with some users keeping them on guitars for up to five years without issue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Thomastik strings have a thinner gauge and lower tension compared to D'Addario, affecting feel and playability.

    Source
  • Some users favor Pyramid Pure Nickel Flats over Thomastik for their personal preference in tone and feel.

    Source

Other

  • Buying Thomastik strings from Amazon is associated with a higher risk of receiving defective or fake products, suggesting purchasing from local stores instead.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Mimi Fox uses Thomastik BB111 Guitar Strings

Mimi Fox

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

My strings are Thomastik Bebop sets, usually .012 or .013s, and I keep the action set pretty low, but not too low. I like to dig in sometimes and play with a pretty hard attack. So I’ve had to sort of balance it and I’ll adjust it slightly sometimes. But I’d say it’s pretty low action.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Thomastik BB111 Guitar Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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