THE "IT" STRINGS

[Michelob]

After trying many brands, tensions and assortments, I am pleased to report that the strings that by far please me most are the D’Addario EXP hard tension. Truly powerful and brilliant, these strings emphasize the best each of my guitars has to offer. Both on classical and flamenco (the latter mostly played with a capo), and endow the sound with unparalleled clarity, volume, depth and color. I appreciate how subjective one’s perception of strings-performance always is, but I would not hesitate to say the generally D’Addario offers the strongest candidate for a successful match with any Guitar. Their Composite line and EXP lines are absolutely the finest strings I have tried thus far.
mIcHEloB

[racer_x]

Never heard of em

[ggus]

hey can some one remember what string combination Parkening used?

[Michelob]

Sorry Racer-x, i do realize i am stating the obvious about D'Addario. But i really ventured on a large scale string-trial, before offering my otherwise subjective and obvious asessment. I thought this Forum was about exactly that.
I tried also the Savarez Corum-Alliance (hard T basses and normal T trebles) as kindly suggested by a thoughtful contributor. Augustine (Imperial), Aquila (Alchemia) an assortment of LaBella, and of Hannabach, along with Titanium trebles D'Addario and Carbon by Galli. Luthier supreme and an assortment of polished basses. In the end i felt nothing gave what D'Addario EXP does.
Perhaps someone can contribute additional experience on this.
Ciao

[Chalcol]

Hi Michelob

I'm glad you like D'Addario strings I have used the EXP on my classical I always use them on my steeel strings, and I like them too. Although a note of caution the claim for 3-4 times longer is I think streching it.

It obviously depends on playing times, but I reckon on about 2-3 months max for a set of strings for domestic use, this would mean they should last 8-12 months, but there is no way they do. So, why not try the EJ45 or 46CPpro-Arte composites, they last almost as well. Or try the EJ45LP also great strings.

My revelation last week was La Bella Antique on my Martin. They transformed the sound into another guitar.. Not great for flamenco I wouldn't think as they are gut trebles and quite a bit thicker, but what a difference in sound.
I'll see how they last, but I was seriously impressed with considering I bought them as a novelty ages ago.

Cheers

[Michelob]

Thank you Chalcol. I posted my message on visiting GSI and buying my Ramirez 1a... wonderful. Tension of the strings on it was "normal" and that was an important revelation. I will give a shot to your suggestions however, and as always it makes me happy to see your name appear...
Ciao
Michelob

[brian richardson]

Michelob-
d'addario exp normal tension with the
composite g.

[Michelob]

read and answered elsewhere, thank you Brian. The G is always a bit probelmatic, and i like your creative assortment.
thx
giacomo

[Chalcol]

Brian

You seem to know your stuff so I'll also give that a whirl, but ther seems to be no exact science to string + guitar combinations, each has its own foibles.

[gitarplyar]

After using Savarez Alliance and Galli titanium's for awhile I'm now headed the other direction, and my opinion of D'Addario's has risen, especially the exp basses (medium tension) and their high tension Pro Arte trebles. Sometimes I wonder if string makers don't just all buy the same strings and put different packaging around them. I just read an interesting article on the "newmillguitar.com" site about strings. I've been raving about some nylon strings made in Argentina, come to find out they are "harder" than most, for what it's worth. They're expensive, so unless I see a significant difference I might just start using D'Addario's.

[Cheech]

I am currently enjoying Hannanbach Silver 200/900's on my Perez. Don't see going back to carbon trebles. I played Savarez Alliance for years which are stilll on our Flamenco (Karl Hauser), Carbons appear to sound a little better on older guitars. I know a lot of guitarist use Diadarios which I've tried in th past. I was not overly impressed with thrm at that time. Also the Hannabachs last much longer than Savarez.

[Michelob]

While i was trying my new Ramirez (did i mention that i bought one a few days ago... :D ) David told me it was stringed with D'Addario Pro Arte Normal Tension.... i think they call it "a full circle" back where i started from, nothing like the homely feeling of these lovely strings.

I am sure i will try a few other things, Savarez and Hannabach are recurrent suggestions, and Dogal seems like a new name on the block from my Home-town (Venice), which scream for a trial. And that is fun.

Thank you for contributing your thoughts and preference, i learned so much, and am keeping recod of it all.
Ciao.
Giacomo

[Chalcol]

Couldn't agree more, although.....just kidding.

[Michelob]

Hi Chalcol: it is always good to see your name on any posting.

fondly,
Michelob

[cool9]

I agree. And D'Addario are probably the most inexpensive on the market. I just put Savarez high tension w/polished basses on my Kenny Hill tonight and they sound kind of strange but pretty much the same as the D'Addario without the bass string squeaks. I don't think Hannanbach high tension even compares to D'Addario high tension.

[Chalcol]

Thank you Michelob, I return the sentiment, you always add some positive input on your posts, which unfortunately can't be said for all.

Curious how this forum reflects life in so much as there are those you know you could enjoy a beer with, and those whom you would rather change bars than put up with their nonsense. You are clearly 5he former.

Enough of that twaddle, how's that new guitar shaping up?

[Eric Pinson]

Michelob:

Congratulations on your new Ramirez! I am also new to the forum as I purchased my guitar on March 8 from GSI as well. I can't praise them enough, what a great service they offer.

On the string Question, I too am a string junkie and have found for the bass strings I like the EXP,HenSe,Corum,Galli Genius in order of preference. My favorite trebles so far have been the Aquila Alabastro (I use the highest tension available for each set). I think I read in an earlier post, you have a Model E Manuel Rodriguez. I also have the model E (cedar) with the finish removed from the top and after several years of trying many different strings, I have ended up with almost the same combination as I have now for my Rafael Moreno, which is EXP basses + Alabastro trebles. I have not yet tried the Hannabach goldins but plan on it soon. I have not found a Hannabach bass string I was really happy with.

I think the most valuable thing for me has been the keeping of a written string log just using MS Word and rambling my first and last impression of the strings. (Comments upon on first stringing and then before I remove them)

I am looking now at my notes (no pun intended) and noticed I had written an interesting comment about the HenSe bass strings The low E seems to produce a sub low sound that the EXP did not. The only other string to give that same result was the Genius but it was not as prominent. Also I am fortunate to be able to rehearse in a Church and the EXP basses seem to have a bit more volume as I can hear the return of the sound in that room.

I also use a SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meter and audio and video recording to help me in the decision. It's not all about SPL's but it can't hurt to know. I sometimes am asked to play in low light conditions at Church (say mostly candles) and the Alabastro's (trebles) are White and really easy to see, whereas the Luthier Concert 45's (basses) are almost invisible to my eyes.

And again, congrats on your new baby!

Musically, :D

Eric

[Michelob]

Eric: I read with interest your post. Last night I had a chance to play my Ramirez at length, and ended up changing my views on normal tension pro arte, and re-strung it with EXP hard tension. I am very pleased with the basses. Projection, volume and color are fabulous. On the other hand, the trebles are a bit more tr[]eblesome (sic)!

I like your thoughts on the Aquila’s trebles (I have the Alchemia High tension which I think are the same as in the Alabastro set) and will try them on tonight, or alternatively will test the D’addario Titanium trebles: a lovely brilliant sound, yet rather “single-minded” if I may, not much variation of color and certainly not a warm sound.

Brian suggested changing the G with the composite version. I ordered a few in the hard tension, and will certainly try the proposed combination.
Someone made the good point that certain trebles will perform differently when coupled with different basses. I look forward to experimenting with the pure white Aquila.
Thank you again, Eric. By the way I am exceedingly happy with my Ramirez, but have not discarded my Model E (Spruce Top) which with its minor flaws has given me inspiration to resume playing, last Christmas.
But even my cleaning lady, this morning noticed the Ramirez, along side two Rodriguez and my old Yamaha, and exclaimed “que preciosa” I agree.... (particularly if preciosa means pricey)... really... it is a wonderful instrument. ‘love it and cannot put it down!
If you are reading this, thank you again David.
Ciao.
Giacomo

[Chalcol]

You are truly a 'string driven thing', I only wish I had your patience and endeavor. I await your final choice, though I suspect it may always be subjest to slight variation, because I will most certainly give your final choice a try.

I am adjusting to normal tension on my new guitar, but will return to hard when I've played these out just to compare. I get a similar feeling driving my car when someone else changes the seat settings. Can't explain that, but it makes a noticable difference to the drive, not of course as dramtic as string changes, just curious.

[Chalcol]

You are truly a 'string driven thing', I only wish I had your patience and endeavor. I await your final choice, though I suspect it may always be subjest to slight variation, because I will most certainly give your final choice a try.

I am adjusting to normal tension on my new guitar, but will return to hard when I've played these out just to compare. I get a similar feeling driving my car when someone else changes the seat settings. Can't explain that, but it makes a noticable difference to the drive, not of course as dramtic as string changes, just curious.

[Eric Pinson]

Hi Michelob:

Yes, Brian has an excellent suggestion with the composite G. They last long, are tight and loud and can be brought back to the inital crispness by just wiping off the oils and dirt with a little rubbing alcohol.

I also agree and enjoy the fact that certain trebles seem to perform differently when coupled with different basses. Perhaps it is the complex wave form and the interaction that gives us this. Much like having a Soprano and Bass singing a duet, if you replace one of them, the final overtone combination is very different. Since most of us have 6 strings and some have more, its like a small choir with lots of possibilites in the harmonic outcome. I love the guitar, I really do!

Has anyone tried the Dogal Diamante's?

Musically, :D

Eric

[Michelob]

God Bless you Eric for bringing such eloquent writing style back into fashion. I enjoyed your lyrical metaphor on our dear six strings. And man... do I agree with you, I love this instrument so much.
I am getting nervous about changing strings –again- yet I must indulge to the Aquila temptation you left me with.
Dogal is from my home town (Venice) which makes my interest a bit parochial, I realize, yet David Collett spoke highly of this set, and I am tempted to try it. I want to settle though and play, without the doubtful curve in my eyebrow clouding my enjoyment for there maybe a better set out there...
Ciao

[gitarplyar]

Thanks for your thoughts about the Dogal strings Michelob! I am always open to suggestions.

[Michelob]

Thank you Brian Richardson for your advice.... your blending of
Normal Tension
(i) EXP basses with the
(ii) composite 3d string (G)
(iii) E and B standard Pro Arte,
gave my Ramirez the best sound above all other combinations I had frantically tried. In fact, I must admit I was getting quite worried that the Guitar really was not what I had perceived initially.
Now the expected Jose’ Ramirez 1a’s seductively poignant hallow sound seems liberated into exactly what I have been looking for.... un suono Bellissimo!!
Grazie.
Michelob

[Chalcol]

Hi Michelob

Good to see your name again, though I suspect it may be just a fleeting visit.

I will give that combo a try myself next string change, it has the promise of a good balanced sound. Did I detect a hint of dissatisfaction with the !a? Surely not, I hope just teething doubts and adjustment to a new guitar.

Cheers

[Michelob]

Hi Brother Chalcol it is good to see your posts. I will not dwell on the new Bellucci thraed you started (you crazy bum). I gave my Bellucci “la senorita” to my Driver (a fine south american classical player who did not have a guitar in the US). He was as happy as child, he took the day off to play to his heart’s content. It ended up doing some good somehow, although for the same amount I could have gifted a much better instrument. He reported some problems with the action and some cracking on the fingerboard which he is fixing, I understand.

I am very happy –now- with my 1a... but yes I was preoccupied with the sound, which Brian’s suggestion solved wonderfully.
I am already in line for my next instrument at GSI, a Kenny Hill’s “Manuel Reyes” flamenco (I even put a small deposit on it). It may be ready by the end of July.

Yet my Ramirez has exactly that hint of Flamenco sound I was looking for, albeit a classical guitar. I really love it. As much as I thanked already David Collett, can I say it once more? David and Dave (and I am sure Tim, whom I didn’t have the pleasure to meet, yet) are dedicated, passionate musicians and guitar experts, who have proven to me a true and professional customer’s care, and whose advice I trust fully. On strings, however....Brian is my man, now!!!
Cheers.
Michelob

[Chalcol]

Hi Michelob

Honestly I didn't want to start a new Bellucci thread, just clear up the allegations I was making it up. But you are right now look what I've started, Pedro and co. soon crawl out or the woodwork at the name Bellucci. Still it amuses me to goad them also. Not very grown up I will admit., but sod it, on a dull day it keeps me sane. Nice off load to your driver he is either lucky/unlucky depending on his talent. ( for the record I don't actually have a driver so don't ask for a photo Wolfy).

A Kenny Hill, huh? sounds cool, I don't know his guitars only his name. I'm sure GSI and staff do a fab job, just a little far to go for me, but if I'm in the area when Stateside I will certainly check them out.

Good luck.

[brolio]

Hey Michelob: Your 1a, depending on the choice of woods is going to change over the next few years, that is if you bought it new. Early on the 1a is tight and the lining puts pressure on the top when you tighten down with hard tension strings. This changes as the guitar ages and opens up. You are not going to be getting much of a flaminco sound out of it in the future. They become very smooth and very sensitive to differnent strings.

[Michelob]

Thank you Brolio: it is nice of you to address my worry over the sound of my 1a and the choice of strings. It is a 199__ second hand instrument (GSI advertised as a 1999 but the label leaves the blank space as described above, so it really could be a 90 through 99 guitar). I have no idea if it were played heavily or rarely, kept in a wine cellar or in the attic of a dry-cleaner. It is however in visibly excellent shape. I fear your sadly but likely true prediction about its sound changing over the years, and losing its spiced sound of “flamenco” . Perhaps it will change for a better and more elegant sound.
I played my self late to my meeting this morning, but the Ramirez sound hypnotized me again... I hope it will not.

[Michelob]

[sorry.. i broke the last line, which meant] i hope it will not CHANGE.
Ciao

[brolio]

Michelob: I think when Ramirez III designed the 1a he had the Traditional Red Card Savarez in mind or the Augustines. Most of the 1A players, and word gets around here, are using the 570 Red Card Cristal or the Savarez traditional basses and trying other trebles. Sort of staying with a traditional sound. Regardles, and keep in mind D'addario will not cause problems, but to get the most out of your Ramirez top regardless of Cedar or Spruce. Stay away from the extremely hard tension strings. Or, try them and you will see they drive the sound down into the back of the guitar on the 1A.