Longevity of strings?

Mark DS

Hi everyone - I've been playing rhythm on a nylon-stringed classical guitar because it's all I have, and I've been thinking about upgrading to an D-hole Aria. I just talked to someone who said that he uses Argentine strings and that they last for about four hours of solid rhythm playing. Can this be true? I know that flamenco guitarists have to change their strings every two weeks or so to keep sounding okay, but every day seems a like a lot to me. Is gypsy jazz a really expensive sort of music to play?

Ian Rossiter

Of course, each player is different,for me however;

-Argies; I seem to get a month out of em' before they're toast!!!

-Pearse ; OK, but take about 3-4 days to settle down and sound not-quite-so-bright. If I can't get Argies, the Pearse is next in line. The silver plating wears real quick and the strings get bad fret dents right away.

-Daddario; They maintain their consistancy, but I find the tone kinda metallic, so metallic tone....longer (lol). They also feel harder/stiffer than the other two. Not great, but will do in a pinch. But when they go...they GO!!

These are the only brands I've tried so far, and they were strung on Gitane 255, with anywhere from 1 > 12 hrs of playing depending on the day.

BluesBop Harry

I'd get a Cigano instead of the Aria if possible, much better guitars IMO
Argentine strings last for at least a week and most players get a little more, up to a month.

Mark DS

It looks like this guy might sell me his Aria MM-10 (possibly with a case) for $225. Good deal? I'm actually getting a pretty decent sound out of my nylon string (except I can't project very well). I guess my concern is mostly that I will develop some sort of bad habit/technique if I stick with a nylon string, mostly on account of the shape of the body (I'm pretty sure this classical guitar is a lot smaller than most gypsy jazz guitars). But maybe it's not a big deal.

B25Gib

The SAGA Cigano GJ-10 Petite Bouche (small hole) has been selling for a year or more and I have never seen one for sale used! Spend the extra money and get a guitar that will satisfy you longer, has a much greater resale demand that you can sell into, and then in the future apply that money for the purchase of a better guitar if you develop the ear and desire for more.
Rocky

Passacaglia

Maybe it's because I'm practicing quite a bit daily, or just have heavy hands, but my argentines get fret dents really, really quickly. That said, I don't find a huge decrease in tone, at least not for several weeks. I might yet have some pretty obtuse ears, but esp. as at this juncture, I'm laying down learning miles, I don't mind, and keep with the Savarez for a month or thereabouts.

JazzDawg

I started out with GJ on my classical strung with Savarez 'red' strings. I played with different types of picks, and found that a stiffer pick worked wonders for improving tone projection, as well as, using the GJ picking style. I think the longevity of strings is really more a function of the amount of playing time, and the environment you play, and the quality of the string. When I played in bars, and cafes, I had to change my strings about every 3 to four days due to the smoke filled atmosphere where I was playing. Worries me to think what my lungs must look like, knowing my guitar strings and guitar's finish, and sound was so negatively impacted at those venues.

When I'm playing at home or more casually indoors, my strings will last for months, and change them when they go flat or have worn out. Not having a GJ guitar, it's hard for me to say with any real authority, but I think it really depends on other factors rather than the exact style of music you play. My electric guitar, classical, and acoustic guitars need the strings changed relative to where I play, and the environment (indoors / outdoors, humidity and such), more so than the style. I guess it's possible that GJ and flamenco subjects the strings to more stress than other styles, but I've seen metalhead thrashers really abuse their instruments with agressive play too. So, maybe it is like the song says - 'taint what you do, it's the way you do it.'

BluesBop Harry

I agree with B25Gib save the extra money and get a Cigano preferably the oval hole, you'll have no trouble selling it when you upgrade, or you can keep it to use it as a travel guitar. I can pretty much guarantee you'll be happier with a Cigano.
Plus the price you mention for the Aria is no bargain.

Tele295

I get 3-4 weeks out of a set of Argentine 11's.

I'll echo the sentiments about getting a Cigano as above - they would still be a great value at twice the asking price. You might find that a Cigano GJ15 is closer to a classical body size than you might expect. It is a smaller instrument than a Talyor 14 series or Guild F-size jumbo. The neck of a GJ15 is also quite similar to a classical neck. I think you would be very comfortable on this instrument.

Mark DS

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I'll probably just wait and buy a Cigano then and stick with my classical for now, although I think I'm going to have a hard time being heard in jams.

klaatu

You might also want to try silk and steel strings. A number of GJ players use them - Wawau Adler uses Martins, and Gallis are provided on Eimers guitars (I believe Stochelo still uses Gallis).

Wyres offers a handmade silk and steel set that is supposedly designed for GJ guitars, 11-46. Their optional PTFE coating is supposed to give greater longevity. I'm trying to get a set to try out.

D'Addario GJ strings are OK, and their quality control is better than Argies (no dead strings), but they feel stiffer, probably due to the hex core.

I also agree with the other posters. Spend the extra money for a Cigano. You won't be happy with an Aria in the long run.