String options

[TRose]

Hey all,
I have been taking guitar lessons for about a year now and have been enjoying learning some classical pieces. I’ve purchased a cheap classical guitar to try the 52mm nut before committing real money on an expensive instrument. What would be the best strings to put on an Aria A551B? It’s an older guitar, cedar top and maple sides, I believe. Thanks.

[Carey]

D'Addario EJ45, a medium tension set, is a good place to start. Replacing the
third string with a fluorocarbon one is common, though; I like the Knobloch
Actives normal tension third.

[LOSTVENTURE]

I have to agree with Carey, but I keep my set stock.

[TRose]

Thanks for the info. Could you educate me as to why the third string is commonly replaced with a fluorocarbon? Thanks!

[Carey]

Originally Posted by TRose

Thanks for the info. Could you educate me as to why the third string is commonly replaced with a fluorocarbon? Thanks!

The short answer is the fluorocarbon material is denser and more flexible than
nylon, which allows it to act more like a theoretical perfect string. Less inharmonicity, among other things, and if you tune the third down to F#
for lute/vihuela music, the increased tension as compared to a typical
medium-tension nylon sounds better, too.

[TRose]

Thank you! Obviously I’ve got lots to learn.

[rodmbds]

Daddario's ej45 is my choice. I've tried others, I think you're better off playing a set for like a week or two and changing. Then compare and draw your conclusions.

It's trial and error.

[TRose]

Thanks! I’ll start trying out some options that are in stock at our local shop and eventually optimize the guitars sound, I hope.

[Bax Burgess]

Usually there are three tensions within any brand's particular string type: high, medium, and low. While initially limiting yourself to a single brand, it's not a bad way to expand one's string knowledge.

[Dave T]

I'm a long way from being an expert but my experience with classical guitars is each one is an entity unto itself. We, the participants on an internet web site can't begin to know what strings will sound best on your "old" guitar.

Like most of the rest of us you will have to just buy a variety of sets and try them, taking notes on what you like and dislike about each set. And don't hesitate to ask other people how they sound as well. If you ever intend to play for an audience, they are the ones who must like the sound of your guitar.

Dave

[CuidadoCaliente]

I currently like La Bella low tension strings on my Cordoba C5 and Manuel Rodriguez C3F and will probably try La Bella medium tension next. My second choice would be Augustine Classic Red, medium tension trebles and basses. The La Bella bass strings seem to be wound tighter and more consistently than the Augustines. The treble strings of both La Bella and Augustine seem much brighter to me than D'Addario.

[jaybones]

I use Martin silver plated plain end regular tension.

Tried DR classical strings, but needed higher tension to get the feel of what I was used to.

[Wasper]

I'm a fan of La Bella strings as well.

My favorite strings from them are the "Elite" series 900 Golden Nylon polished set. They are medium tension. They are highly polished to help with any errant squeaks while playing. They sound very nice, last a long time and the golden strings look nice to boot. Been using them for several years now.

http://www.labella.com/products/900-...-golden-alloy/

I never find them locally, so I order them online.

[Quickstep192]

I hope I'm hot hijacking this thread, but I was wondering about the third string too. I just put a set of LaBella Folk Singer strings on mine and the sound from the third string is mostly a "thud". It has me wondering if there's such a thing as a wound third and if that's even a good idea. I'm also looking for other string options to try, but the variations are overwhelming.

Mine has a yellow cedar top if that matters.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated.