String tension

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

String tension

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: [1]

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

String tension

I have been using La Bella 820 strings and liked them when I first put them on.
But now on the trebles, especially the G and B strings have that rubber band sound.
I have been playing them for a few months, maybe worn out?
I practice maybe an hour a day.
Would higher tension strings give a brighter crisper sound?
If so which ones might be best to try?
I know it depends on the guitar, etc, etc.

Thanks

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 16:06:58

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3079
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

In my experience, black/red trebles are especially good to avoid the tubby rubber band sound. Maybe your guitar is waaaaay too classical?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 16:26:14

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Its a Flamenco guitar, spruce top, cypress back and sides.
I have a good classical guitar so I know the difference.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 17:04:04

jshelton5040

Posts: 1500
Joined: Jan. 17 2005

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cervantes

I have been playing them for a few months, maybe worn out?
I practice maybe an hour a day.

Sounds like they're worn out. Strings don't last for months when played daily. Try changing them more often. When I was still actively playing and performing it wasn't unusual to change strings twice a week.

_____________________________

John Shelton - www.sheltonfarrettaguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 17:09:54

tri7/5

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

A few months is two months too long for changing them. Best you can ask for is 4-6 weeks give or take for string life.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 17:39:47

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

quote:

especially the G and B strings have that rubber band sound

Any changes on your guitar recently? Like lowering the nut and saddle action? If so, it may not be the string.

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 17:42:15

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to SephardRick)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SephardRick

quote:

especially the G and B strings have that rubber band sound

Any changes on your guitar recently? Like lowering the nut and saddle action? If so, it may not be the string.

No changes. Going to try some Aquila Alabastro strings, read some intriguing reviews on them. I will post a review after i try them.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 18:39:45

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

quote:

Aquila Alabastro strings

Joel,

They are good strings. A little thicker than the 820's.

I like them because they are very stable humidity-wise. It stays humid here in Louisiana. So, if I am playing in an air conditioned room and then run to a gym to play - the guitar will no longer be in tune with nylon strings. These Nylgut strings will stay in tune.

The G-string has good tone. I like the basses, but they don't last very long. Which wouldn't be a problem if you are from the school of thought where changing string every month is the status quo.

The treble strings have their own tone, which is very good for rasgueado and percussion strumming. Once they settle in they become brighter.

Look forward to reading your review, Joel.

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 19:06:15

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

Trebles should last at least two months if played max 1h daily. Anders mentioned on the foro using black 820 la bellas over a year on one of his guitars and they sounded great

I use savarez alliance g string , it's a bit brighter

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 28 2014 21:41:10

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to SephardRick)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SephardRick

quote:

Aquila Alabastro strings

Joel,

They are good strings. A little thicker than the 820's.

I like them because they are very stable humidity-wise. It stays humid here in Louisiana. So, if I am playing in an air conditioned room and then run to a gym to play - the guitar will no longer be in tune with nylon strings. These Nylgut strings will stay in tune.

The G-string has good tone. I like the basses, but they don't last very long. Which wouldn't be a problem if you are from the school of thought where changing string every month is the status quo.

The treble strings have their own tone, which is very good for rasgueado and percussion strumming. Once they settle in they become brighter.

Look forward to reading your review, Joel.

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the info.
I have tried quite a few strings already, its always a crap shoot.
I would like a better rasgueado sound so hope these help there.

Joel

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 29 2014 3:42:48

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

So I received the strings last night and installed them this morning.
I had a few problems, the high E string has a lot of buzz on it.
Never had a E string buzz like that. The bass E string broke as soon as a small amount of tension was applied. I also noticed the strings stretched quite a bit before they came into tune. Apart from that in the few minutes I had to play the strings I think I like the sound. Its more crisp and airy sounding than the La Bella 820s which I would describe as more punchy but flabby sounding. To be fair the La Bella's are worn out strings. I am not sure if the buzzing E string is defective or I need higher tension. I went with the normal tension because they are higher tension than the La Bella's and didn't want to make too drastic of a change. I bought the strings on Ebay since they were a little cheaper and contacted the seller but so far no response. Next time I will go with SBM due to their great customer support.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 19:33:28

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

Joel,

When I first installed the nylgut mediums, I had a similar reaction to their tone. In about a week time I found them inspiring me to play more.
I think they sound better as they age. I love them. I can play, while walking inside and outside of my house and they stay in tune

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 20:51:34

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to SephardRick)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SephardRick

Joel,

When I first installed the nylgut mediums, I had a similar reaction to their tone. In about a week time I found them inspiring me to play more.
I think they sound better as they age. I love them. I can play, while walking inside and outside of my house and they stay in tune

Rick,

I heard back from the seller and he is going to send me another set and said I could choose either normal or high tension (superior). What tension are you using and/or recommend? I am thinking since I still have 4 good strings of the normal tension I should get the high tension to compare.

Thanks

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 21:23:53

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

quote:

What tension are you using and/or recommend?

Joel,

Normal tension is what I use. I tried them on my Ramirez classical too. They had more bass than any string I recall on it. I find he normal trebles are just the right diameter.

But, you know the saying; "Nothing ventured - nothing gained" I'll try the hard tension next time.

Keep us updated.

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 22:00:14

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to SephardRick)

I think I going to stick with the normal tension and hope the E string buzz was a defective string or an installation issue. From what I have read high tension can be detrimental for rasgueados. I did try some some Hannabach normal tension strings at one point. These strings are closer to high tension compared to other brands and I remember the guitar sounding really dull. Thanks again.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 22:05:11

Cervantes

Posts: 503
Joined: Jun. 14 2014
From: Encinitas, CA USA

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

I thought would post an update after receiving another set of strings.
The bass E string went on without any issues.
The new E treble is better, its not buzzing as much and intonation is a bit better.
There is still some slight buzz at certain frets positions, I am wondering if this is normal or desirable for an E treble string?
I do like the strings I think they are an improvement over the LaBella 820's

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 15 2014 4:02:11

SephardRick

Posts: 358
Joined: Apr. 11 2014

RE: String tension (in reply to Cervantes)

quote:

There is still some slight buzz at certain frets positions, I am wondering if this is normal or desirable for an E treble string?

A slight buzz on any string is part of the Flamenco flavor. Some exclusive classical type players scuff about fret buzz. But, for Flamenco playing if you have a slight buzz, then you know your guitar is set to optimum action.

Glad the nylguts are working out for you. They seem to help out other instruments too, like banjos and the tone challenged ukulele. That is where the nylgut stings first got my interest as tone improving element. Figured if they can make a uke sound musical, they have to be worth trying.

_____________________________

Rick

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 20 2014 14:44:04