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Only took up guitar one year ago. But can anyone help with the strings? No matter how carefully I tune the transition from 4th to 3rd never seems right. It sounds to me although the 3rd string is dull. I have read about 4-3 transition and trying different trebles with different bass strings. Is it just me? I have seen mention of 3rd strings which are wound (like the bass strings). Is that an answer. Any thoughts appreciated
I've been having this same problem for quite a while. The G always seems out of tune and it drives me crazy. This is usually a problem no matter what kind of strings I use. I haven't tried these D'Addario composites Sean is talking about. Hopefully these will help. Going to order some today.
Try Addarrio composite. It is the only third worth using.
Sean
I dont know if its the only one worth using, havent tried all, but it is a very nice third. Good feel and tone, but ugly like hell!!!! (café con leche)
I've tried the composite G from D'addario (Rudy of F-T fame gave me one). It had a good tone but to be honest, it wasn't any better than the G from La Bella's black trebles. It has the same feel. If you use regular clear trebles then you will immediately notice a difference in feel with either that composite G from D'addario or the black trebles from La Bella. The feel like they are a harder material. Their tone tends to be punchier and louder rather than the usual "tubby" G strings that so many other brands seem to have.
Yeah absolutely, the G is the worst string. It's always the one that sounds most out of tune. Before making a search on what's the "best" string. I tend to ask myself.... "What strings did Sabicas use, or Manolo Sanlucar, or 1970's Paco". What strings gave them that great sound? (Maybe it's a secret....LOL!)
Yup that 'coffee' string from the D'Addario Composite set is the only 3rd string I'd been using from these 2 years onwards. I did try to change it when I got a flamenco guitar string set, only to change it back to the composite a few minutes later. One thing I noticed about it is that the sound quality of it doesn't deteriorate at all! I've been using one for months and when I put on a new Composite 3rd string, it sounded EXACTLY the same. Plus I see no way that it can snap. The only 3rd string worth using.
I'm a fan of composites too. As well as the nice third, the basses are bright and last a lot longer than trad. nylon core basses.
Another bright set, which also has a nice bright third that isn't too thick, is Savarez Alliance. It aint brown either .I'm just trying them out for the first time - so far so good.
Stimulated more interest than I had imagined. I have ordered somo Addarrio composite (£8) and I will compare with the LaBella 820s I have.
But does anyone have any final thoughts on the tension (High, medium etc). I am normally playing at home so no grand requirements. I have Alhambra 10Fc and a Amilio Burguet 3F so nothing exceptional.
So I went and got the Addarrio composite. The third string certainly seems more part of the set without the obvious 4 to 3 transition. But so metallic! When playing for myself I prefer a nice harmonious rounded sound. OK that may not sound very flamenco and possibly if I was sitting 3 meters away it would sound great.
I'm going to try the Savarez Alliance next.
Someone asked me the other day why I need three flamenco guitars. Now I have the answer - to compare strings.
Printable Version
.I'm just trying them out for the first time - so far so good. 
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