M.S.A. -> RE: I hate new strings! (Apr. 11 2009 8:56:38)
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Hi Gummy, I would say it all can be really depending on the guitar as well. I used to moan about it too, but after years, you'll just find the ways and tricks how to change the strings in few minutes. Also, the time needed for reinstalling the new strings on the instrument can be reduced when you've done it so many times. It's not a big deal anymore, but there heve been times before, when I hated it just like you do. Yes, the metalic sound is not a pleasant thing, but when it settles down and gets used to the tension, it can also improve the sound of the guitar. Like I have one 67 Euro Valencia factory made [China] classical guitar restringed with D'adario classical strings a middle tension ones and along with it I drastically lowered the hight of the action [from 4 to 2,8mm] what actually made the guitar act almost like a real flamenco guitar. For the first time I was very surprised by it. Now its very easy to play but the sound gets worse and worse when the metalic coating on the bass strings gets old and does not sound anymore. But when the strings are new, I am very happy with its sound. Sure the fact of necessity of permanent tuning is annoying, but there is no aid to it. As all kinds of materials need used to the tension, when being put into artificial [out of natural] condition, string do the same. When first time stretching the strings to tune them, their tendency to get immediately out of tune is caused by natural tolerance of the material which needs to get used to unnatural tension, by further and further tuning, untill it gets into the limits, where no more tension is necessary, because the material has been already exhausted in his ability to resist the tension. Then the resistance of the material string is made of and artificial tension get into ideal balance. I found out, it also depend on how the strings are hit and how the tone is produced. I asume, the cheaper guitar can also improve its sounds, when played by very good technique and sensitive approach. Most recently I am in temptation to say, that guitar is a living creature, which needst to be fed by musician's emotions, as the sound of wood somehow really react on the nature of energy beeing put into the strikes of the artist. I suspect the greatest luthiers producing the highest cathegory of flamenco guitars, from using the same kind of passionate approach. They - apart from using the very skilful methods and highest, best quality of woods - must also put another element into process of production. This maybe is the hidden secret of each one of them... This might be a point or cause of phenomena, which may occur, when artist improves the instrument's sound qualities by putting whole heart into it. He instinctively plays with magic... I am sorry if my brief answer got so long or if I am out of topic in few points. It wasn't my intention.
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