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Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
Hard/Extra hard tension
Guys
I know some makers don't advise extra hard and hard tension strings. I got extra high Augustine bases and high tension savarez trebles. THis is supposed to be a really nice combo. I'm worried if the guitar is gonna take it fine. It's a luthier made negra. I emailed him and am waiting for response. Wanted to see what you guys think?
Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
It depends on the set up and action of your guitar, not the wood or something. A guitar with very high action, normal tension is fine. A guitar with low action needs tighter strings to project sound and not buzz so much. It really becomes a personal choice as to what feels best. The one thing for sure is the high tension basses will make the guitar louder and bassier than normal tension. But I am talking of the SAME BRAND. In some cases one brands "hard tension" is not harder than some other brands "normal" tension. Hence the need for an "EXTRA" hard tension!
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Thanks
My main concern was not buzzing, I was worried about some kind of structural damage extra hard tension could do. But if not then it's good. Action is low and I'm using med tension right now. No buzzing. So I guess I'll put the hard ones on.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Well interestingly, hard and extra hard tension strings are characteristic of classical players much more than of flamenco. In fact extra had tension is anitflamenco.
And the hard tension is a recommendation of my CLASSICAL teacher. Should make the sound a little louder. Also picado should be easier on hard tension strings than on lower tension.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
you're right, I think I am a lighter player.
Anders said that hard tension are antiflamenco. He also said to watch the top and make sure it doesn't bend more then usual or something to that extent.
Anyway I'm about to put them on so I'll keep you posted.
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Hi guys,
Sorry to butt in on this discussion but this topic has troubled me for a while. Ive just bought a load of different strings of different tensions to try out and have currently a set of Hannabach Flamenco hard tensions on my Raimundo 125, they have replaced the standard tension D'addario strings.
Bearing in mind I'd still class myself as a Flamenco "begginer" I've found that my playing has taken a bit of a hit having switched to the hard tensions. I find its taking my hands a lot longer to warm up to make accurate movements and although after a long time playing my Arpeggios and Picado does come up to a similar standard my Rasgueado has deffinately taken a dive. In short Im not sure I feel as confortable with the hard tensions as the standard D'addarios but Im worried about changing back as I don't know if I've given them long enough to make an impression on me - had them on for about 10 - 15 hours of playing, ~I'm also concerned that I dont know what I'm looking for even to the point of worrying about nail length/shape!
If anyone wouldnt mind casting their advice I'd be very gratefull, also I wouldnt mind an idiots guide to what different tension suit and a general overview of how they sound/feel and perform.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Hey I believe there is a thread about strings and tension. I think it was even started by me. You can do a search for the past year.
I just changed Daddarios to hard tension and I love it. THe sound is loud and powerful but you can also get a quiter sound with a lot of sustain. It takes a little getting used to, it's a little harder for left hand but if the action is low you'll get used to it.
It should actually make it alittle easier for the right hand. It is for me. As far as nails, I have what Pepe ROmero has, you can find that in Scot Tennant's pumping Nylon book. Also it has a lot of good exercises. But my nails are not standard flamenco nails. The typical flamenco nail follows the shape of the finger, sort of. But you can try different lenght (usually you place the fingers perpendicularly to some plane and the nails should touch the plane equally with the calluses of the fingers) hope that's not too confusing.
Ultimately when you experiment with nails play and look for that perfect tone. They say Parkening would sit for a very long time just plucking one string slowly until he gets the tone he wants. Hope this helps a bit.
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Hey Bogdan. I didnt say high tension is antiflamenco. I said that Extra high tension is antiflamenco in my ears. And they are full of sawdust
Never mind. I agree with Lionell and Ricardo. Tension depends on the player and also the guitar. Some players need higher tension because of their style and guitars respond differently on strings. In your case I´m very sure it´ll sound great with high tension and maybe the extra high tension will suit you. go ahead and try them but remember that because one set of strings is known to be good on a guitar it doesnt mean it´ll be good on your guitar.
My taste is that I like the rattling and buzzing on a flamenco guitar if its not to much. It has to be controlable. The higher the tension the more control and Xhigh sounds a little sterile in my ears. Also, the thicker the strings the bassier and I like trebly.
also I wouldnt mind an idiots guide to what different tension suit and a general overview of how they sound/feel and perform.
Its impossble. It depends on the player and the strings. You´d have to write a guide about each player and each guitar.
It sounds to me you´ve got a good understanding of what happens. Its very typical what you write. Go ahead and try. And 10 - 15 hours is not enough. You have to get used to the strings.
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
Companies like Hannabach and D’Addario post the diameter and string tension of the various sets of strings online at their websites. It might be a good idea to check this information so that you can compare “apples to apples” so to speak.
Sadly I've got 3 sets of J45's mediums ATM that I've got to get through and I can't say they feel really right. Sometimes I love strings to feel like "perspex rods"... I love that resistance and snappiness rather than sort of "spongy-mellow", like a "free form" Granainas track to some TV programme called something like "Images of Spain", with pictures of the Alhambra etc for worldwide public consumption...(you know what I mean?) Great stuff, but it's not me. But as you say.. It depends on the player and what you like. Plenty great players play with medium or even LOW tension as you know. Me high though. I love that sort of "breaking-glass" sound that some players get.
Posts: 370
Joined: May 23 2007
From: Frederick, MD
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
I'm with you Ron. I just put Augustine bases (Extra high) and Savarez trebles (high). Very nice and tight. I like how it resists the pressure from the stroke. Much more definitive picado too. The extra high bases are at times too clean though and take out that light buzzing so typical to flamenco. But oh well, I like it.
RE: Hard/Extra hard tension (in reply to Bogdan1980)
This might be useful from my experience:
Savarez 520 and Alliance High tension strings = normal tension for most strings. La Bellas are soft too so high tension made be desired. The extra hard tension seem less flamenco to me.
Never heard of strings cracking a flamenco that was quality made, or sinking the soundboard unless it is a cedar top.
Truly high tension and extra hard string will crack and split your nails a lot faster, especially if you play hard. I have to repair my nails twice as often with really hard tension strings.
There are some good bright loud strings in normal tension:
Conde 730s (feel like medium-hard tension) Savarez 520 Savarex HT Corum Alliance La Bella 810 (black trebles)
The Luthier 30 strings are medium-high tension and really excellent, not too hard but a nice bark. Luthier 30 and Conde 730 are my current all around choice and I can't see either one damaging a flamenco guitar (both less hard than D-Adario high tension but as loud and sharp).
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