Carbon fiber strings ---your thoughts & recommendations

[gfsark]

I'm a total newbie when it comes to carbon fiber strings. I did't even know they existed till yesterday. But I've got a rare gig for playing classical guitar at a Shakespeare festival at the end of the month and was thinking of getting a new set of strings.

I'm intrigued because I would like a brighter treble from my guitar (which is a 1975 Ozawa guitar from Japan (like a Kona). I think the drive for a brighter sound is because I mostly play my Santa Cruz 00 which which lovely and mellow but certainly a lot brighter than the nylon string classical.

So are you playing with carbon strings these days? What would you recommend?

Thanks. ---geoff

[47gene]

I prefer Savarez Alliance for trebles, and on your guitar I'd go with the normal tension.

I also recommend the Savarez Corum and Condiga Basses.

https://www.stringsbymail.com/savare...l-set-882.html

[gfsark]

Thanks for the recommendation. After playing steel strings for so long, normal tension on the classical seems like playing rubber bands. May I ask why you recommend the regular tension? Are carbon strings higher tension generally than the nylon counterparts?

[Bax Burgess]

I've been recommended these by someone who described them as 'piercing'. I have numerous other recommendations to work my way through, and haven't tried these yet.

Hannabach Super Carbon Goldin Trebles MHT Treble Set $16

[47gene]

Originally Posted by gfsark

Thanks for the recommendation. After playing steel strings for so long, normal tension on the classical seems like playing rubber bands. May I ask why you recommend the regular tension? Are carbon strings higher tension generally than the nylon counterparts?

I normally use high tension but was concerned about the age of your guitar.

If you are comfortable using HT's then I would use the Savarez Cantiga/Alliance HT's.

Savarez 510AJ's....

[Jabberwocky]

They are FluoroCarbon strings, not carbon fibre/fiber. The Oasis GPX+ is recommended. Seaguar Premier Fluorocarbon fishing leader works well- 60, 80, 100.

Fluorocarbon strings are extremely slippery so be careful tying them at the tieblock. If you are not using String-Ties make extra loops or they will slip when you least expect them to. The thin e4 string is a particular concern.

[47gene]

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

They are FluoroCarbon strings, not carbon fibre/fiber. The Oasis GPX+ is recommended. Seaguar Premier Fluorocarbon fishing leader works well- 60, 80, 100.

Fluorocarbon strings are extremely slippery so be careful tying them at the tieblock. If you are not using String-Ties make extra loops or they will slip when you least expect them to. The thin e4 string is a particular concern.

Savarez's description indicates they are "carbon fiber:

Description Savarez Classical Guitar Strings

Savarez 510AJ Alliance/Cantiga High Tension Classical Guitar Strings, Full Set
Alliance Trebles and Cantiga Basses - High Tension

Item # Note Gauge in inches Tension Material
541J e - 1st .0252 18.76 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

542J b - 2nd .0280 13.91 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

543J g - 3rd .0339 13.47 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

514J D - 4th .0297 16.78 Silverplated copper wound

515J A - 5th .0356 15.67 Silverplated copper wound

516J E - 6th .0440 15.45 Silverplated copper wound

I have not found the carbon fiber strings to be "slippery"....

[Carey]

When I use fluorocarbon strings they are Knobloch 'medium tension' or
Hannabach (non-Goldin) 'medium-high'. I usually just use these for
my third string, though, preferring nylon for the other two treble strings.

[WaddyT]

Oasis has come out with a new set that has a high tension nylon high e string and fluorocarbon b and g. It is called "GPX Claro". I believe the bass strings are all nylon anyway on most carbon string sets.

[Guitar Slim II]

Hate them. Don't like the way they sound, don't like the way they feel under my fingers. Clear nylon, and hard or extra hard tension, is what I prefer. But then, I'm just a grumpy old dude who is set in his ways.

I did see someone on this site playing slide on carbon strings, and it sounded great. I'm also thinking they might be a good choice if you're using a pick, or are doing a hybrid picking. Guess I'll have to give them another try.

[hesson11]

Originally Posted by Guitar Slim II

Hate them. Don't like the way they sound, don't like the way they feel under my fingers. Clear nylon, and hard or extra hard tension, is what I prefer. But then, I'm just a grumpy old dude who is set in his ways.

Love them. Like the way they sound, like the way they feel under my fingers. Clear nylon, and hard or extra hard tension, is not what I prefer. But then, I'm just a grumpy old dude who is set in his ways. :-)

(I completely understand and respect your opinion, Slim. Just just having a little fun in saying the old "different strokes for different folks." And different guitars!)
-Bob

[Dave T]

I have a Goodall Classical and initially couldn't find strings I liked. I finally contacted Goodall and asked for their recommendation. They said to try Savarez Alliance/Corum HTs. I've played them for the last couple years.

Just recently I tried a set of Aquila Alabastro Superior Tension (nyla gut). I am quite pleased with the sound so I may change for good, but if I wanted carbon strings I would go back to the Savarez.

Dave

[Jabberwocky]

Originally Posted by 47gene

Savarez's description indicates they are "carbon fiber:

Description Savarez Classical Guitar Strings

Savarez 510AJ Alliance/Cantiga High Tension Classical Guitar Strings, Full Set
Alliance Trebles and Cantiga Basses - High Tension

Item # Note Gauge in inches Tension Material
541J e - 1st .0252 18.76 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

542J b - 2nd .0280 13.91 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

543J g - 3rd .0339 13.47 Alliance KF Carbon Fiber

514J D - 4th .0297 16.78 Silverplated copper wound

515J A - 5th .0356 15.67 Silverplated copper wound

516J E - 6th .0440 15.45 Silverplated copper wound

I have not found the carbon fiber strings to be "slippery"....

Oh, really?

http://www.savarez.com/alliance-cant...-tension-510aj

They are Fluorocarbons.