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This is an often recommended thing to do, but over the years I've never had a nylon string guitar have a string slip with just one twist. I was reminded once more of this practice when I started in on flamenco a few months back- even finding a few that recommend triple-twisting the high e- but my Navarro student blanca, just like my previous classical, holds fast with just a single loop at the bridge on all 6. I've used Conde, Aquila, Hannabach and Dogal strings and none of them have come loose.
Seems like wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time, ie, a bit overkill.
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to wiking)
I prefer being on the safe side! So if it's a 6 hole bridge I always do a double twist, a string under tension can leave a very nasty mark on your hand, or even worse on your french polished guitar top!
It's not that big of an effort and it doesn't affect the sound, so why take the risk? Mejor prevenir que curar!!!
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to koenie17)
some including paco de lucia (in his kitchen black and white vid) tie the basses in "double twist". If a string breaks it is less likely to damage the top that way , or so I've heard
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to wiking)
Maybe I'll just have to learn the hard way someday. Heh.
If I ever own a guitar that costs more than about $1000 I'll probably go the extra step. Mine's a student Navarro so it's not French polished, but the lacquer is very well done... I'll consider it for next time, maybe.
Posts: 3451
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to wiking)
I melt a little ball on the ends of the trebles, and double twist the first and second, single or double twist the third. I didn't always melt the little balls until a double twisted D'Addario first slipped and dinged my spruce/Brazilian Contreras doble tapa.
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to wiking)
i think all that actually matters is that the final time the string goes under itself is behind the bridge. if u do that i dont think it matters how many times u twist. although i still twist them twice on the nylons and none for basses. i also burn in that little ball on the nylons like Richard does.
RE: Double-twisting treble strings a... (in reply to wiking)
I just restrung with some Luthier strings for the first time. I always double twist the top E and always ensure that the final loop is behind the tie block. Despite this the top E was slipping out as I was tuning up, after about the third time it did this I triple looped it to hold it properly.