Aquila Alchemia strings

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Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

Aquila Alchemia strings

Hi all,

Has anyone used Aquila Alchemia strings? If so, what is your opinion?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2009 4:23:31

HemeolaMan

Posts: 1514
Joined: Jul. 13 2007
From: Chicago

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

yes. never again.

I found them to be lacking in almost all good qualities. no brightness, the basses were lacking in the most unfortunate way. the intonation went out fast too.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2009 9:48:29

kovachian

Posts: 506
Joined: Jan. 30 2008
From: Americanistan

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Don't those use the same Nylgut trebles as the Alabastros? Those are the best trebles in the universe.

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Don't look at me in that tone of voice.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2009 16:55:16

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Well, I've just ordered a set....let you know when it arrives...by the way, not the same things works for everybody: I got a Luthier Popular Supreme set 20, cause I've read it here that some players preferred them, a lot, and for me it didn't work...lack of everything, not even a good playing feel... and the same goes for jose ramirez strings...I was very dissapointed with that.

D'addario exp45 / EJ30 - Rectified / Aranjuez Concert gold set 700 RULEZ!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 2 2009 23:07:32

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

I almost ordered a set but having read HemeolaMan's comments I held fire.
Let's see beno's verdict too.
I was impressed by the Nylgut idea and just wanted to see (hear) how they sound!

Thanks all,

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2009 1:19:44

XXX

Posts: 4400
Joined: Apr. 14 2005

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Alabastro has those white trebles. Does alchemia too? They are the best trebles i had so far. They remind me of carbon strings' sound, but arent as stiff as them.

And another trebles i recently found out: Aranjuez black trebles. Better than the LaBella 820 blacks IMO and you can get them also in low, mid and high tension (the 820 has only one tension).

For basses: D'addario composite basses!!! They sound crazy, exaggeratedly sharp. People who prefer warm basses will hate them, though. But IMO you dont need warm basses in flamenco. But they are too expensive for me.

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Фламенко

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2009 2:37:48

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

By the way... I've seen Hannabach has a new flamenco set with black nylon, also La Bella has 2 new set..You can check it out at stringsbymail's

Has anybody any experience with Dr. Junger Mysterion strings? Pretty expensive...

I heard that one should return these sets to manufacturer after using..don't know if it's true but somebody told me that it sounded extraordinary

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2009 3:22:22

ms17a

Posts: 3
Joined: Jul. 18 2006

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to XXX)

quote:

Alabastro has those white trebles. Does alchemia too? They are the best trebles i had so far. They remind me of carbon strings' sound, but arent as stiff as them.

Hi folks,

I am using the alchemia trebles on my Hmnos Sachis-Lopez 1F Palasanto and Eliasson Blanca. They are much louder than all trebles I have tested so far. I am very pleased with the result, a sharp attack and bright sound. They are not comparable to carbon strings, because they sound much more "nylon-like" and the feel ist definetely like nylon. => I can recommend these trebles.

The basses are not flamenco at all, so that I will stick to Savarez basses.

Hope my comments will help.

Greetings,

Mark

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2009 4:24:11

HemeolaMan

Posts: 1514
Joined: Jul. 13 2007
From: Chicago

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

i thought the trebles were okay. but they were thin and dint really have the presence or volume i liked. that and they arent very versatile. they dont have a wide tone pallette, which you'd think wouldnt bohther you in flamenco. however, a rodena sounds different than a buleria....

i found them too rough to play quickly on. picado speed was significantly reduced by the unrectified nylgut. i strongly hazard against these trebles if you plan to play anything remotely resembling fast or up tempo.

the basses are basically one grade of tension higher than marked and made the action on my guitar go WAY UP. plus they sound ****ty lol

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 3 2009 11:14:16

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

quote:

Well, I've just ordered a set....let you know when it arrives...

Hi beno,

I was wondering if you received the Alchemia strings yet and had a chance to try them out? I'm thinking about ordering some myself, but would like to hear more opinions.

(Actually, I'm finding more positive things mentioned about the Alabastros than the Alchemia's...)

Cheers!

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-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 12 2009 10:23:33

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

not yet sorry...I'm gonna let you know

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 12 2009 14:08:28

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Finally I got the aquila, but I realized that I ordered the alabastro set.

My first impressions:

The trebles are relly the best I've tried so far (and that's a lot). Somehow it feel MUCH louder for me than any normal trebles, and much richer in color, but at the same time very sharp. I've asked for the medium tension, still it's a little harder than the ones I usually play ( D'addario EXP / EJ 30, Aranjuez etc) but has a very comfortable feel! it takes more time for the new strings to be stable, but I like them VERY MUCH! -and the milky white looks awsome....

Sadly the basses are exactly the opposite of these wonderful trebles:
they're dead.... not much volume, lack of crispness, and somehow heavy-slow playing feel, so I put back my D'add. basses, and that seems to be a powerful combo for me..

Anyway this is just my guitar, that responds very well to these (but very badly for luthier or ramirez strings...)

what could I say??? One can never know till try it.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jul. 29 2009 12:40:17

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

I emailed the guys at stringsbymail.com and asked what the difference between the Aquila Alchemia & Alabastro trebles were, and they responded back saying that they are basically the same nylgut string. (I think it’s just the basses from these sets that slightly differ)

Anyway, I ordered a set of the Alchemia’s (normal tension) and tried them out. Wow, these trebles are different… and take some getting used to. They are thinner in diameter compared to other normal tension nylon brands. They take a lot of stretching/windings before coming up to pitch. (In fact, when I was tuning up to pitch, the “b” string slipped off the tie block, “PANG!” Luckily my small golpeador plate behind the tie-block saved my top

) I had to put an extra tie at the block like I usually only have to with the “e” string. When they do come up to pitch, they are loud, clear & punchy with great intonation. They are the crispy-est and brightest strings I have tried yet. But I would also have to agree with HemeolaMan above in that they dont seem have as wide a tone pallette as some other nylon brands. They have a matte surface and good feel tension-wise but again are thinner in diameter than normal tension nylon strings from most other brands. They sound great when doing rest strokes when digging in. However… have you guys tried playing a free stroke on these trebles yet? (arpeggios etc.) Esp. on the G string? Whoa… a horrible paper thin, scratchy sound … that reminds me of a lute or worse a ukulele (at least on my blanca). I couldn’t get beyond this, so they had to come off…

Nevertheless, there are some qualities about these nylgut strings that I really like. So I will have to order a set of the “superior” tensions. Maybe they will be a little more beefier in diameter and maybe the “G” string will sound better to me. I’ll try them out and let you all know…

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-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 5 2009 13:17:30

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Well the strange thing is that I liked the most -- beside the sound of the picado- is the sound of the arpeggios.....they sound much cleaner and separate for me. I really love the 'thin' feeling during play, and that doesn't mean thin in sound. I think it's up to player and guitar, at least I'm gonna stick with those trebles. After several days of playing them, they still have the same qualities: bright-colorful and volume.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 5 2009 13:40:44

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to beno)

quote:

Well the strange thing is that I liked the most -- beside the sound of the picado- is the sound of the arpeggios....

Hi beno,

Yeah I agree... they are nice and separate with volume. I guess what I meant to say is, have you tried plucking the "G" string just with nail and no flesh? Like around towards the bridge? I know we need to use flesh and nail but... that's the weird sound I was referring to. (could be my guitar, but it does this on another of mine as well)

I could get used to the thinner diameter that's no problem. I hope I like the superior tensions better...

Cheers!

P.S. I just noticed on stringsbymail.com that the Alchemia's are $2.00 more than the Alabastros. Maybe there is a difference. I can't find anymore info on them though... now I'm going to have to order some Alabastro's to see for myself

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-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 5 2009 15:45:51

Kubase

Posts: 72
Joined: May 20 2009

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Are these crazy strings available in the UK?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 5 2009 23:19:26

Kubase

Posts: 72
Joined: May 20 2009

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Ignore that, I found 'em.

AT £ 18 A SET!!!!!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 5 2009 23:20:53

russelldinho

Posts: 22
Joined: Nov. 11 2008
From: In-Gur-Land

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Kubase)

i got superior tension alabastros from classical guitars plus for £9 inc postage. theyre nothing to write home about imo. the trebles are nice sounding but the nylgut feels "wrong" under my fingers. basses are shocking. back to the old pro-artes i think :)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 6 2009 3:41:37

Kubase

Posts: 72
Joined: May 20 2009

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Yeah, I typically use EJ45Cs. Have tried La Bella, etc, but they don't seem to be any better and I love the composite 3rd of the EJ45Cs.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 6 2009 3:54:18

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Marc,
I think the trebles are the same, just the basses...but I don't care about those as I'm gonna buy just the trebs. D'addario basses rule.
I think I know what you 're saying -not for the sound- but for the feel. for some reason I like the playing feel of the thinner strings, I used several of savarez' cheaper 'flamencita' cause I liked their loose feeling and didn't like Hannabach flamenco sets that feel so heavy because of their thickness. I even tried their super low tensions but somehow they were not comfortable as well...so it's not just about tension.
Before these I used D'addario's EJ30 trebles that are rectified, and i liked their feeling a lot, and their sound seems very sharp/cutting for me which I like.
If i remember well may Todd connected rectified trebles to old school sounding (like Sabicas). He's may right, but I dont like that Sabicas-Ramirez sounding that much, while I prefer the rect. strings if it comes to play

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 6 2009 14:33:18

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Hi guys,

Well, I received in a set of Alabastro normal tension trebles from stringsbymail.com a couple of days ago.

It may just be me... but there is SLIGHT difference between the Alchemia trebles and the Alabastro's. They both look the same (maybe the Alchemia's are slightly more translucent? Hard to tell... ) but to me, the Alchemia's are even more (slightly) thinner and (slightly) brighter & more metalic sounding. I noticed right away that the Alabastro G string sounds better (to me) than the Alchemia's.

So I like the Alabastro trebles better. These are great trebles! I'm definatley sticking with these. (Beno, you should order and try a set of Alchemia's trebs since you like the thinner strings.)

Yeah, I'm just buying the trebles too. I like Luthier, La Bella, Savarez & D'Addario basses too.

Cheers!

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-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 11 2009 14:33:58

beno

Posts: 881
Joined: Nov. 3 2006
From: Hungary

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Thanks Mark, I think I'm gonna give it a try (altough the metallic sound is not what exactly I'm looking for :) ), and next time, when I order the trebles will add a set of Alchemia!

By the way, is there any difference in the sound of the basses? or are they as week as in the Alabastro set?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 15 2009 5:44:48

MarkMc

Posts: 121
Joined: Oct. 1 2005
From: Wilsonville, Oregon

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to beno)

Hi Beno,

I haven't tried any of the basses after reading so many bad reviews.

I've only order and tried the trebles so far...

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-MarkMc

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 15 2009 6:47:45

Andy Culpepper

Posts: 3023
Joined: Mar. 30 2009
From: NY, USA

RE: Aquila Alchemia strings (in reply to Argaith)

Out of curiosity I just switched out the Alabastros that kovachian gave me on his Navarro for La Bella....whoa! the La Bella trebles were dead on arrival compared to those Nylgut things, which sounded incredible.
Granted I don't usually like LaBellas anyway, and they are not broken in yet..but I can already tell they are lacking in every good quality except feel compared to the Alabastros.
My picado speed was only slightly diminished on those and I would rather have the incredible sound anyway.

Just to see I'm also going to try D'Addarios (my previous favorite) on this guitar.

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Andy Culpepper, luthier
http://www.andyculpepper.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Aug. 20 2009 17:29:36