Gypsy Jazz Strings?

kongman91765

Hello.
I just bought my first gypsy guitar today.
It's a simple "Gitane, DG 250".
I was wondering if anyone can help me about the Gypsy guitar strings.
So here's my problem.

I don't know whether if I should buy the loop strings or the ball end strings.


And can someone recommend me some good brands of strings?

I'm a beginner, so I think I would be glad to have something cheap and good.

Thank you!

Michael Bauer

I experiment from time to time, but Argentines are the standard. I prefer loop ends, but that's just personal. I cant say it should really matter.

I recommend you start with 10's. Many players use an 11 on the high E. I used not to, but of late I am doing it more and more.

Tele295

+1 on the Argentines. Loop end or ball end doesn't matter. Michael told me the loop ends are sexier....

kongman91765

Does the Ball end and the Loop end have any difference?
(Besides sexier ^^)

periclimenes

On a few different occasions, I have had trouble getting the winding on the low E through the hole with ball end sets. Eventually, the tension as you tune it pulls it through but it can be frustrating. I usually go with loop ends to avoid this. Here are some thoughts on other string brands:

D'Addario strings are easy to find but the string tension feels higher to me and they don't seem to play as easy.

The regular Galli's are fine but nothing special. I prefer Argentine's over those. They are supposed to have some special coating to make them last longer but I did not notice a difference.

Galli silk and steel strings are very nice they sound broken in right from the get-go.

crookedpinky

I - and several other members of the Hot Club of Glasgow - have switched over to Philippe Bosset strings. They are close to Argies in terms of tone, cost about the same but - crucially - retain their tone and windings for two to three times longer than Argies or Gallis.

They may be hard to find - I get mine from Europe - but I would recommend trying them - I like them so much I bought about 30 packets for future use.

Cheers
Alan

kongman91765

Thanks everyone!
You guys are a real life saver and a time saver!!
XD