Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings query)

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Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings query)

Sometimes when I go to play my classical guitar the strings sound really loud and sort of 'twangy' like an electric guitar - not a nice sound! It feels like there's no flexibility in the strings and there's no joy to be had in playing the guitar when this happens - it's like the strings are fighting against me not working with me!!!

Does anyone else experience something like this with their strings? I don't know if it's just the way I'm playing it (ie it's my fault) or whether it could be the cold weather at the minute, or maybe I need to change the strings? I haven't changed the strings since I've had my guitar (just over a year) but then I'd say I only play for a few hours a week, about half an hour a day...

Another query, is there any merit in buying flamenco guitar strings for a classical guitar - would it produce a different sound? I always thought that the main differences between the two were mainly due to the wood and the golpeadore - perhaps you luthiers out there could help?!

Cheers.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 22 2006 9:00:23

Gecko

Posts: 218
Joined: Jan. 2 2006
From: New Mexico

RE: Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings ... (in reply to Romanza)

I have a Kenny Hill, California made, Munich (predecessor of the Hauser 37 Master Series) and yes when I switch to it from my flamenco, often during the same practice session, I notice a distinct difference in the sound. More "treblely" would be how I would describe it with more sustain and volume. However, I think that is probably by design. As I understand it the flamenco should have a more punchy, percussive sound.

Changing strings after a year probably wouldn't hurt.

I use D'Addario Pro Arte Silver EJ45 HT on the classical and Hannabach 827's on the flamenco, but this as you probably know is a personal and instrument dependent sort of thing.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 22 2006 10:44:06

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings ... (in reply to Romanza)

Be sure that your guitar is in tune before you begin playing. That can make one big difference in how a guitar sounds and plays.

_____________________________

Tom
http://home.comcast.net/~flamencoguitar/flamenco.html

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2006 0:22:19

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings ... (in reply to Romanza)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Romanza
Another query, is there any merit in buying flamenco guitar strings for a classical guitar - would it produce a different sound?

IMO there is merit in buying the brightest strings you can find if you are using a classical guitar for flamenco as it will have a deeper bass response and more mellow tone than a flamenco. Two good examples are D'Addario Composites and Savarez Alliance. Flamenco strings do not necessarily sound more flamenco, most players don't seem to use them anyway, it really is personal preference.

The other thing that will help would be to adjust the saddle height as the average classical will be set up a lot higher than a guitar should be for flamenco. Changing your nut and saddle from plastic to bone may brighten the response a little too.

_____________________________

Spanish Guitarist in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2006 12:19:19

Romanza

Posts: 296
Joined: Oct. 24 2005

RE: Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings ... (in reply to Romanza)

Interesting, thanks guys. I think I will look into buying some new strings and see if that improves things. Do you guys have a favourite website for buying strings etc or would it be best to just go into a guitar / music shop?
Thanks.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2006 13:23:11

Jon Boyes

Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003

RE: Schizophrenic guitar! (+Strings ... (in reply to Romanza)

Web is MUCH cheaper. I pay about half shop prices for strings.

What country are you in?

_____________________________

Spanish Guitarist in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 23 2006 13:33:31