what is the difference in sound going to be between the argentines with the 0.11 E string and the 0.10 E string? I have a Gitane DG-250M and I put the 0.11 Argentines on it, still has a slight harsh tone to it though if I dig in really hard. How much of a difference would the .10's make? I know I'd probably have more trouble with breaking G strings with the lighter guague but would the difference in sound be worth it?
~Paul
Comments
I should also mention that 9 out of 10 guitarists I meet have their action too low. Usually WAY too low. You should be able to really wack the low E string and get little or no buzz. Most people's guitar's I pick up sound like a sitar when you try and play a forceful rest stroke. It takes some getting used to, but the sound is sooo much better.
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~Paul
I hear what you mean by getting the right sound of of a selmer-type guitar. I had a gitane before this guitar , and thought it to be amazing. Best guitar id ever played. Then when i got the Dell Arte i couldnt believe what i was hearing. Now that this guitar is like my third arm its amazing. I too was addicted to galli strings for a while. Mainly because argentines were(and still are) , more expensive , but theyre so , so worth it , they really are the best strings for these guitars , no doubt about it.
All in all , i agree with you in many aspects of it , though we differ in string gauge opinion , no big deal , as you said , its all about what works for you. I apprecieate your opinion
-Clay-
p.s havent watched the bireli DVD in 8 weeks? you must be busy with SOMETHING!
To extend this a little further, I'm playing a Shelley Park Favino-style model. Given that this is a guitar that a) has different dimensions than a Selmer, and b) is made of solid Indian Rosewood back & sides, I wonder what kind of tone I should really be expecting when it is "correctly" set up. I had Shelley make me an additional, higher bridge, but I don't think it's as high as what you're suggesting here.
Who are the players who play Favino (or similar style) guitars who you consider to have great tone?
Thanks,
-Paul A.
Any recommendations on Watremez and Barré CDs? Are they available anywhere?
-Paul A.
It is also worth mentioning that when setting up a guitar for this style you need some relief in the neck to allow the string room to vibrate. Much has been written on this and I know Bob Benedetto maintains all necks should be dead straight. But if I try that on my Dupont the thing rattles, even with a high action. I put at least 10 thou of relief on the neck and all is well.
Another thing! As I work in other musical styles I have to play electric guitars so coming back to a 4-5mm action is killer - especially if I have to impress as a soloist (hard enough as it is). Rhythm is OK whatever. I talked to Bireli about this and he has had his actions on this gypsy guitars dropped to around 3mm maybe lower. His Hahl played like an electric. He turned up for a gypsy gig in Paris with an L5 because his hands were hurting so this might be a reason. It dosn'e affect his sound though - nither does the pink dunlop pick!
I am trying to use the Dupont for everything I can at the moment by sticking a Stimer on it. This way I can use it on straight ahead gigs and orchestra work. I am hoping to get used to a higher action this way.
This month I used it acoustic on Suzanne Mott's new album playing Spanish stuff and it sounded like a gut string. A concert with a symphony orchestra recreating MGM soundtracks (acoustic but bringing in the stimer for the solo lines), on a TV drama playing early rock and roll (it sounded great!!) and the usual gigs - small jazz group stuff, backing singers etc.
I love this guitar.
http://www.miller-age.ch/Inhalt/pickup.html
They look nice but I have never seen/heard one in action.
Miller also makes some nice looking tuners
http://www.miller-age.ch/Inhalt/tuner.html