Strings
I'm not going to ask what the best strings are. I try to ask reasonable questions. I would like to know what the top 5 or 10 brands/lines are and maybe why. Just looking at another thread here it seems that there are different reasons for buying different strings. Life span, sound quality &c.
I hope you could say your personal opinion or favourite, but mostly maybe just a comment that most people you personally know prefer X or Y because this is good, but these are the main criticisms...
Would you use one brand for performing and another for general practice?


Accessories:

Capos - I understand that even pressure across all strings without detuning strings is important, but you also need to be able to use your hand along the top fret and with an expensive guitar, you want to ensure that it doesn't damage it. It should also be light because Flamenco guitar necks are supposed to be lighter.

I was told not to get a traditional cejilla because it would more often as not damage the finish on the neck, and I'd read criticisms that it can be hard to manoeuvre around. But they can be very pretty.
What's big with you guys? I'm personally deciding between a Shubb or a Planet Waves NS, but they require two handed operation...

Metronomes - compas, not doable on many metronomes, is it? I've heard of a couple electronic ones, that are expensive. There's a software one, that's available here. I have another software metronome, but for Pocket PC that, while not specifically for flamenco, can do polyrhythms, called K-metronome by Kook Software. (I have a windows mobile phone and with this and 4Pockets Tuner, I can do a lot). Other than Palmas recordings what do most of you do?

Cleaning & Misc- Cloths, string cleaners, &c...?
My guitar has a French polish soundboard, so the first thing I bought after paying for the guitar was a chamois. But I always wonder if there's a softer, better chamois out there. I've also read about string cleaners and stuff. Any favourite bits of kit y'all use?

HI

my penny's worth:

On strings when I picked up my guitar the luthier gave me his opinion of the best string combination (and it was a combination) that he felt best suited my guitar. I learnt two things from that experience: if your having a guitar made it is best that the luthier can play flamenco, and the best strings for your guitar could seriously damage your bank balance .

On capos as a beginner I bought a pretty one but my professional performing teacher told me to change it for the simplest flattest type. He was not interested in ease of moving it but non restricted left hand access.

And finally when I asked my luthier about cleaning he said "DON'T CLEAN IT, PLAY IT!!!!!!"

Exitao wrote:Capos - I understand that even pressure across all strings without detuning strings is important, but you also need to be able to use your hand along the top fret and with an expensive guitar, you want to ensure that it doesn't damage it. It should also be light because Flamenco guitar necks are supposed to be lighter.

I was told not to get a traditional cejilla because it would more often as not damage the finish on the neck, and I'd read criticisms that it can be hard to manoeuvre around. But they can be very pretty.
What's big with you guys? I'm personally deciding between a Shubb or a Planet Waves NS, but they require two handed operation...

I have a variety of cejillas ranging from beautiful Spanish cejillas I purchased in Spain 30 to 40 years ago to several types of non-Spanish capos purchased before and since that time. Of them all, I think Planet Waves NS Capos are best. There is never any buzzing. They are very thin and never interfere with playing. They are very light weight, which is important to me on delicate flamenco guitars. They don't damage guitars. They look better than any non-Spanish solution I have ever seen. They are easy to adjust. They have no sharp edges. They are easy to carry in a pocket or guitar case. They are inexpensive. I bought one and liked it so much I bought more.

-Bob

Strings - LaBella 820's are always a good starting point. I prefer medium tension strings. Try mixing different brands trebles and basses. What strings are best depends on the guitar. I used to use Saverez red card basses and LaBella 820R trebles on a Victor Diaz I had. On a Pedro Maldanado I had I used Hannabach flamenco HIGH tension. I now have ordered some D'Addario titanium trebles and Pro Arte basses for trial. String wear is a complicated issue and more related to players styles than string brands sometimes. I have found low tension strings seem to wear out faster for me. Perhaps because they get more manipulation than a high tension. I think it fair to say your choice of strings depends on your guitar, playing habits, and personal taste. If money is an issue, then I think the LaBellas or the D'Addarios are a good starting point.


Capos - I got rid of all my capos and purchased an expensive low profile Spanish Cejilla. It is great in every respect. I also purchased a very well handmade low profile cejilla from Tony Arnold. It doesn't dent the neck, holds good, and doesn't bother my left hand position. Very reasonable priced and traditional antique looking. I use it the most.


Metronomes - On the rare occasion I use one, I use an old style manual wind up one. I use palmas to get the compas of the palo I am going to practice before playing the guitar. A good series of videos on this are posted on our dance board. dance-f25/flamenco-dance-videos-t179.html . Do a lot of listening and clapping along to instill compas in your brain. A metronome is an important aide, but IMO too many depend on it and can never play correctly without it. IMO too much dependency on a metronome makes a player become mechanical and the music loses its expression.

Cleaning & Misc- Cloths, string cleaners, &c...? Don't polish other than a cloth ... again never polish a flamenco with a cleaner or polish. I use the cloth the luthier included with my guitar, but many places sell a micro fiber guitar polishing cloth that does the job. http://www.stringsbymail.com/catalog/ac ... Cloth1.asp . If I get any build up on the finish where my right arm holds the guitar, I use a damp cloth to remove the build up and then the polishing cloth to shine it up. I wipe over the guitar every time I play it before putting it in the case. I don't even try to clean strings. If it becomes necessary, just wipe them off with a clean lint free rag.

I use a higher tension string for practice than for performing; Much thicker and more challenging to play. That way my fingers stay strong enough to play with fluency with performance strings. True it's a sacrifice to have to practice with the weight and slowness of the practice strings, but it pays off. I figure I would be struggling with performance strings due to lack of strength and tenacity. The exercise is great and it is what I come to expect. I am use to it, and I reccomend the system.

I'm using a Shubb capo. It's nice but I am waiting for it to dismantle, though it's holding up fine......I don't trust the rivets but I got such a great deal on it. My dealer knocked off the price, and I was very happy. That always feels pretty great!

Well, that's interesting reading so far. I feel better as I had already ordered the Planet Waves NS.

I'm a little curious about these combinations of strings though. It intrigues me, but it seems like it would take a while to go through enough sets to decide which set I like best. Maybe I'll have to record them too... Be good for monitoring progress too I suppose.

Exitao wrote:Maybe I'll have to record them too... Be good for monitoring progress too I suppose.

definitely a good idea! it's really hard to be objective about strings. and after awhile, you forget what sounded like what.

i like what gary said about higher tension strings. i used to put gauge 14 strings on my acoustic steel string, which is, i believe, the highest they go. they have so much tension that many manufacturers will actually void the warranty if you put them on. i didn't know that at the time. let me tell you how stiff they were. it actually hurt badly when i played barred chords, like i was pinching a vein in there or something. so imagine what it was like to go back to an electric guitar! cake!

i use an elastic capo like this one:
http://www.stringsbymail.com/catalog/ac ... ls/70f.asp
you can slide it all around without undoing it. and it's really small. barely gets in the way.
i like it more than my kyser. springs and metal and knobs don't really appeal to me.

Exitao wrote:I have another software metronome, but for Pocket PC that, while not specifically for flamenco, can do polyrhythms, called K-metronome by Kook Software. (I have a windows mobile phone and with this and 4Pockets Tuner, I can do a lot).

that's really cool! it's an all in one device.

i really like the martin guitar polish.
http://www.stringsbymail.com/catalog/ac ... 18AP01.asp
it works really, really well for all my acoustics. not sure about french polished guitars. you just spray it on, wipe all around, then wipe dry.

i also have the 3 step cleaning kit by fender. don't waste your money. i don't really think it's worth it.

in my opinion, i don't think any string lube/cleaning product out there is really worth it for nylon strings. maybe for steel and electrics. but not nylon.

does anybody know the difference between the different sets from the luthier line of strings? what would you recommend?

sam, don't forget to tell us how the d'addario titaniums are! i might order some after i go through the hannabach flamencos.

I don't plan on using anything on my French polish. But I am curious to hear what other people do. It's only the soundboard that has the french polish.

flyeogh wrote:And finally when I asked my luthier about cleaning he said "DON'T CLEAN IT, PLAY IT!!!!!!"

I still have an instruction sheet that Jose Ramirez gave me when I purchased one of his 1A classical guitars in Madrid in 1966. That guitar doesn't have French polish, but even so his recommendation was to never use any kind of cleaner or polish and to simply wipe it occasionally with a slightly damp cloth. That is what I have done. After 42 years the finish is still good enough that except for the 1966 date on the label and a couple very minor fingernail scratches below the sound hole, most people seeing it probably would think it is new.

-Bob

Hi Folks,

Capo: Planet Waves very lightweight model does the trick for me.

Strings: 2nd & 3rd: Savarez wound nylon high tension (NOT extra high tension)

1st, 4th, 5th, & 6th: Gianini (brazilian) high tension with bronze content.
(I would go through a Savarez 4th string in one week, plus they buzz.)

For pix of Diego del Gastor and Luis Cadiz "joselero" see my channel on youtube: ricardoamerikano.

Best Regards, ricardoamer.