Replacement strings suggestions

criminel

Hi there,

Given the situation when you're unable to get a "Gypsy" string set, what would you use instead? Electric set+wound 3rd? Acoustic? What are the differences of those with proper gypsy strings, if any? The core material? The wound material? Both?

Thanks for the advice.

juanderer

My main criteria would be the gauges. With that out of the way, whatever I can find that's closest to nickel-plated copper-wound strings.

Silk and steel work fine.

crookedpinky

What about silk and steel - I've just strung a gypsy guitar with Pyramid silk and steel and it sounds even better than with Argies.

criminel

"nickel-plated copper-wound strings." That can be easily obtained in an electric set, minus the the wound third... The third would be the hard to find I guess

Thanks!

Buco

Another vote for acoustic silk and steel.

vanmalmsteen

l use Martin silk and steel eleven gauge

mac63000

How does the tension compare on those silk and steels to argentines?

criminel

I forgot to mention that I mainly use D'addario Gypsy (because they're almost the only ones available over here). Then again, I still wonder if an electric steel set would work, providing that I can put a wound 3rd instead (but in this case it would be a different color 'cause it will be an acoustic single string)

King_Cardboard

How do silk and steel hold up in terms of volume?

vanmalmsteen

To my knowledge silk and steel silver plated, is identical to a typical gypsy jazz String set. I also use DiAdario gypsy jazz strings and I don’t feel any difference in tone or volume

criminel

I guess then the only real concern is gauge and tension. Most acoustic sets come with a .47 6th string (or higher). I wonder if that calls for trouble with the truss road or other.