String Review to Replace My Beloved Luthiers Strings

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mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

String Review to Replace My Beloved ...

Well, muchachos y senioritas, since my all time fave strings maker, the Luthier Brand is in hiatus, I’ve been trying to find an acceptable replacement.
I came across this brand which is made in España. Pretty unknown, I think. It’s the RC Strings on Strings by Mail Site.
They seem to work very well on Felipe V Madrid style guitar w/ similar bracing pattern and also on Andulcian Style particularly the Reyes Style Bracing Pattern.

The RC models Sonata on the Conde and the RC model Recital on the Reyes Style.
The Sonata being harder tension (HT) which fits the Felipe V and the Recital being medium
hard (MH) tension as advertised, which fits the Reyes Style better. Makes sense to me since the Conde Felipe V can be a little over built at times but the Reyes Styles are almost always light weight.

The RC Recital & Sonata sound a little better than the famous Luthier Models 20s and 30s
they having a little more brittle attack to them, w/ more metallic sound and finally more sonorous sound to them. They have an added bonus of having a good feel & control on the fingers. Pretty inspiring, actually.

Why the detailed review you asked? We’ll I want to make this maker make more sales so it can survive and thrive so it can stay on the market.

This is how my Reyes Copy actually sounds like. Might be bad sample since its not recorded professionaly, u get the idea.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6CevKqljk/?igshid=ic0iv6di6fn9i

a little more like this (above) but surely better
than this (below)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 15:31:32

AndresK

Posts: 309
Joined: Jan. 4 2019
From: Patras, Greece

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Hello. Thanks for the info!

Which would you say is closer to Luthier 20 tension?

I have asked some time ago RC which set Carlos Pinana uses and they said Carlos Piñana is playing with "JG Dyamic White" (DW90) strings, which is normal tension. I never tried them because it felt a bit pricey compared to Luthier. Sonata and Recital are much more economic though. They have many alternative sets and some flamenco oriented sets too including a carbon G set called after Serranito.

It would be nice to narrow the choices down a bit and save us some money, so thank you for the input!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 18:24:20

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

I tried a set of the signature Serranito Royal Classics strings on my Conde A25 and they were pretty good. They have a carbon 3rd string similar to the Savarez Tomatito sets.

Stephen Eden puts RC Sonata strings on his guitars, so both my guitars from him came with those on. I tried some other brands on the first one, but the RC Sonata set had better sound and feel so I went back to and stuck with them. I also get the bass paks which have four strings - 6th, 5th and two 4ths. I go through two sets of basses to one set of trebles. I like them.

Edit: Just seen AndresK post - I think the Serranito set, although called high tension, are about the same as the medium Savarez Tomatito set (from what I remember, it was a few years ago I tried them). The Sonata set also seems more of a medium set, although it says it is high tension. The Sonata basspaks are the same bass strings, but actually say "medium-high" on them!

Also I did try the RC flamenco set, but it was much lower tension than Sonata, and I didn't like them very much.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 18:30:58

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to AndresK)

You’re very welcome, bro. My pleasure.
Yes, the Recital is closer to the Popular 20
maybe a tad stiffer but I’ve found to be
positive since it vibrates to top more. I
could actually feel the vibration all the way
to the back while hitting my body. I love it.

The Sonatas fits the Conde Felipe V more
w/ the same effect give or take.

I haven’t tried any carbon or flamenco
models or any of the black strings. I
like to keep it simple. I always say that
if need all those mambo jumbo, there is
something wrong with your guitar lol.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 19:09:16

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

[Deleted]

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Nov. 24 2020 19:17:54

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 19:16:29

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mark indigo)

(I’ve deleted my post above because it
was answering the first poster again)

Thank you for sharing your experience, bro.
Yes, I’ve tried the Savarez Tomato sets w/
no luck. DOD on my Navarro Reyed Model
including my ex guitar Bushman Reyes
model. I didn’t even have the need to use
them on my Conde Felipe V Negra. Too expensive
anyways, which is a big turn off.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 19:21:50

JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Thanks for the review! I will have to add these to the list of Pop Supreme replacement candidates.

I just noticed that Solera Flamenco has their own string brand now. Maybe someone has more info? When Luthier’s operation was for sale, I joked that Solera should buy the business and re brand as their own... because all their guitars were strung with Luthiers. I was kinda of keeping my eye out to see what brand they were gonna start using in place.

Well that’s disappointing to hear about the Saverez Tomatito strings. I have a set in the cue to try. Not exactly cheap strings, but I didn’t have a lot of faith in the, anyway. I got them mainly because the tension looked to be very similar to Pop Supreme 20’s

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 22:40:18

12850bd

Posts: 148
Joined: Nov. 9 2006
From: australia

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Thanks for the reviews . I am fast running out of Luthiers myself. Nobody has any in stock here in Australia. Does anyone have any other suggestions for strings that sound and feel like Luther 20 supreme in tension.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 24 2020 23:53:09

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to JasonM)

Hi Jason. I wish someone did buy the Luthier Strings brand like Solera but Im prefectly happy with the RC for my guitars. If you liked the 20s and it was great on you guitar then we are in the same boat with the RC Recital Model. Like I said, they might be just a tad stiffer but you get easily used to it in no time. Im not saying they’re perfect since I dont know if they even last a full week but if they lasts 2-3 weeks like the 20s then I’m a happy camper!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 4:13:20

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to JasonM)

quote:

Well that’s disappointing to hear about the Saverez Tomatito strings.

I really liked them. Not cheap and not really long lasting, but really nice sound and feel. They are the exact same strings as Savarez Cantiga Creation packs (I even had a tomatito set with the individual paper envelopes inside with the cantiga design instead of the pic of tomate), and sometimes one is cheaper than the other. I used Luthier sets, or Luthier basses with La Bella red trebles, or the Tomatito/Cantiga sets on my A25, but only the Tomatito/Cantiga seemed to really work on the A26 (I sold that one).

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 12:36:33

ric

Posts: 84
Joined: Dec. 27 2010

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mark indigo)

I have been using Royal Classics Flamenco Basses on my Ethan Deutsch blanca and when I asked Strings By Mail, they said all the basses were the same on Royal Classics. So with the Flamenco version, you get an extra D string, which is great because it usually breaks first.
As far as trebles go, I tend to prefer carbons, and have been using Pyramid, Knobloch, Dogal Diamentes, or Oasis. Right now I am enjoying the Pyramid trebles, but I think they are wearing down after about 4 weeks, but they make a great combo with the RC's. I did not like RC's carbons. YMMV!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 14:50:56

Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to 12850bd)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 12850bd

Thanks for the reviews . I am fast running out of Luthiers myself. Nobody has any in stock here in Australia. Does anyone have any other suggestions for strings that sound and feel like Luther 20 supreme in tension.

Try La Bella 427 pacesetter...they had similar sound even if a bit lighter tension. I have em on in this video:

Here are luthiers on a different guitar very similar IMO:

My favorites are La Bella 820 red...dry and snappy.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 16:26:55

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to Ricardo)

Dang, Ricardo! Why did you have to remind me? Now I miss the Luthiers on my blanca.
I should try your fave, the La Bella Reds.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 16:49:32

JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Also try Felipe Conde strings. I think the trebles sound brighter than Luthier, I tried them back to back. The only thing is their tension is a little on the lighter side. Same exact tension as Pacesetter 427 but brighter

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 25 2020 22:26:18

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to JasonM)

Hi Jason. Thanks for the recommendation. I wonder which of the Conde Brothers produce these.

Speaking of Solera Flamenca, I noticed they are still using Luthier 20s on all of their new & used guitar sales. They seem to have an endless supply although they switched from 30s which were their favorite to use in the past.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 10:18:07

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

quote:

Also try Felipe Conde strings.

quote:

I wonder which of the Conde Brothers produce these.

Felipe?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 12:37:08

JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mark indigo)

Yup, Felipe Conde strings. I’ve gone through a few sets of the Flamenco 870s. The package says they are made in Spain, unlike their guitars ... (drum roll ) joking!. The trebles are very clear, kinda how Luthiers are. Good quality.

And What if Trump took over Luthier in New York, and had his own brand, Trump Strings? They would have gold colored trebles. And a bonus Stormy Daniels g string. they would be “the FINEST strings available ” Paco only played Trump strings.

https://www.stringsbymail.com/classical-guitar-strings-1/felipe-conde-423

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 16:12:31

mark indigo

Posts: 3625
Joined: Dec. 5 2007

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to JasonM)

quote:

quote:

Also try Felipe Conde strings.

quote:

quote:

I wonder which of the Conde Brothers produce these.

I think the clue was in the name...

I should have posted like "er.... Felipe?

"

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 18:44:03

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mark indigo)

Yup. That make sense. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 22:06:41

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to JasonM)

Hahaha. Good one! I’d buy me some Stormy Danniels! If I can afford it. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 22:10:56

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

[Deleted]

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Nov. 26 2020 22:19:07

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 22:16:41

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mark indigo)

Oops, silly me. I read Felipe and auto thought to just Conde.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 26 2020 22:23:09

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Well guys, after a week of using the RC Recital, I’ve decided I need a deeper sound and thicker string feel on the left hand (assuming you are right handed) so I am now trying the RC Professional. I’ll do a short review shortly.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 30 2020 9:39:36

mellowmel

Posts: 85
Joined: Aug. 31 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

So after a week of using RC Professional HT, I’ve decided they just have too much thickness & tension for my Reyes Copy. The RC Recital is too thin, specially at the 1st string and the Professional is too stiff & thick for this guitar that loved the Luthier 20 & 30. So i tried the RC Futura and walah, perfect thickness & tension. I mean they’re still a tad more tension than the Luthier 20 but dang its like the 20s on steroid. Crystal clear, metallic & loud. I mean I don’t have to play as hard and they just put out and resonate like crazy. Just pure solid sound. They actually made my guitar sound a bit woodier since they just hit so hard. The feel or thickness is actually between D’Addarios EJ45 and EJ46. So if you’re looking for that feel but on steroids then the RC Futura is for you. I love them!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 9 2020 11:48:22

JasonM

Posts: 2055
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

I have a set of the Sonata on order. Treble Tension looks similar to La Bella 820b. And now after what Konstantine said, they may very well be the same dang strings!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Dec. 15 2020 3:00:44

AndresK

Posts: 309
Joined: Jan. 4 2019
From: Patras, Greece

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

Here is a comparison of the RC recitals with the D Addario EJ45. I am posting this here as RC is discussed.

Edit: Yes, RC recital are close to luthier 20, as they are the clear nylon type, but as mentioned above maybe a bit thinner. So I will also try futura maybe in the future 😂.

Cheers!

playlist:
Guitar: Vassilis Lazarides flamenco blanca

0’00” Recuerdos de la Alhambra (F. Tárrega)
2'24" Verano Porteño (A.Piazzolla)
3'26" Lagrima (F. Tárrega)
4'31" Adelita (F. Tárrega)
5'21" Bronce Gitano (Sabicas)
7'48" Tango (Jeronimo Maya)
10'04" Guajiras de Lucia (Paco de Lucia)
12'40" simple buleria compas
15'25" Capricho Árabe (F. Tarrega)
17'53" Vals No.3 (A. Barrios)
19'32" Asturias (I. Albeniz)
22'44" Prelude No.5 (H. Villa-Lobos)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 13 2021 11:37:00

bahen

Posts: 378
Joined: Mar. 4 2006

RE: String Review to Replace My Belo... (in reply to mellowmel)

If you're looking for volume and clarity, I can recommend the D'Addario composite extra hard tension. Excellent stuff. I recently, inadvertently, downgraded to just the hard tension and noticed that the trebles in particular were a touch more damp, so I'll be going back to the extra hard tension at some point in the near future.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Sep. 27 2021 2:23:46