Any Strings FAQ?

vbakhmet

I'm looking for some FAQ about strings used on Gypsy guitars.
I am a newbie and just bought my first Gypsy-style guitar D-500.
Seller said it has 11-gauge strings installed (I don't know make/type etc.). Are 10-gauge strings "softer" or "harder"? Is it ok to use them with D-500?

Stackabones

I use Argentine 11 loop-ends on my D-500. They feel & sound great. I've stocked up on extra G-strings for they seem to wear out quickly.

djadam

My understanding is that traditionally, for shorter-scale (usually D-hole like yours) guitars it is more common to use 11s and that for the longer scale guitars(usually oval hole), the lighter 10s are desirable.

Keep in mind that the traditional gypsy setup includes fairly high action. If you get your action up nice and high, then you might find 10s more comfortable. I think a 10 on the high E sounds too thin, so if I were 10s, I'd swap the high E for an 11 and maybe the B for a 15.

I personally have gone to a high-action setup, coupled with low-tension Silk and Steel strings and so far it feels fantastic. I quite like the sound too, though maybe I get a little less of the lows than I did with the Argie 11s.

Elliot

You know, I believe the high action orthodoxy has been relaxed somewhat. While it may hold true for rhythm playing (for good projection), for lead, not so much. Angelo, Stochelo, Birelli, Jimmy, I don't see these people using high action - which is no surprise. For Tchavolo, I don't think it matters. Moreno is just a jaw-dropping monster picker whose strength lets him play however he wants, but I wouldn't try to play like him right out of the gate.

djadam

That's interesting, Elliot. Well I'm glad that I learned about these old ways because so far it feel and sounds really good to me. But then again, I'm not much of a speedy player.

Elliot

I'm not either. It doesn't seem like there is much choice though, given this type of music.

T1mothy

Elliot wrote: »

I'm not either. It doesn't seem like there is much choice though, given this type of music.

Ha! Loved that

Charles Meadows

Any preferences for ball versus loop end?

Jazzaferri

Loops are faster to change if you break one at a gig. I haven't broken a string in donkeys so I go with whatever is available.

ya-honza

Maybe I'm just being pedantic but I prefer the look of loop ends to ball ends though I'm sure it doesn't really affect the sound

Matteo

Hm, it just has to be loop end strings. For the same reason that the dot has to be on the tenth fret, not the ninth. It's just the way it is. ;-)