The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    Those of you who have tried 'Extra Hard Tension' strings which make do you prefer for projection and tone?

    Your advice welcome. Many thanks

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    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

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    You talking steel?

  4. #3

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    Extra-hard tension strings don't work well on most guitars, they "choke" the sound. Each guitar has its own best tension for sustain and playability.

  5. #4

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    It's been a while, I've used D'Addario and GHS, both were good but D'Addario bass strings tend to last longer. Now I use normal and light tensions

  6. #5

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    If you mean nylon strings i use D addario extra hard tension, but not so much for the tone, more because it is easier for me to switch from playing steel strings on acoustic and electrics. Of course I also like their sound, specially their pricier line.

    Also, as mentioned above, check on the maker of your guitars. Some models are made for specific string tension ranges.

  7. #6

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    For flamenco, where you want a bright sound with strong attack and lots of volume, I always leaned toward these strings. Love em:

    Savarez 540J Alliance/HT Classic HT Classical Guitar Strings, Full Set

  8. #7

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    always hard tension for me, extra hard is too much. I've only owned one classical though, so I just say try everything. I kept a little journal where I cut a piece from the package and wrote my thoughts

  9. #8

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    I use extra hard tension Savarez strings on my Thames classical. But it is a short scale guitar and I keep the action medium low.

  10. #9

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    On my flamenco guitar I used Savarez 500CJ for years. Just switched to the LaBella 820 and absolutely love them. The Savarez strings had a slightly mellower, more bell-like tone (very beautiful), but the LaBella trebles last longer and sound great as well, and the whole set has lasted a full year after putting them on. The guitar sounds snappier with the LaBellas and longer string life made the switch worth it.

  11. #10
    Many thanks your replies. Much appreciated.

  12. #11

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    I used to string my classical guitar with high tension actual gut strings. I don't think that you can even get them anymore. Now days I use the synthetic nylogut type although I should take that guitar out of the closet and play it more often. Not enough space in our place or I would have all my guitars out for availability all the time.

  13. #12

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    When I recently renewed my subscription to Classical Guitar Magazine, they sent me a free set of Martin Magnifico Hard Tension strings with the "nylgut" trebles. I put them on my old Asturias, and it totally brought it back to life! Check them out in the video below, let me know what you think.



    In college I always used extra hard tension D'Addarios on this guitar since I played concert halls without amplification. That, combined with high action, meant that a full recital took a lot of strength. It got to the point where I really did not enjoy playing it.

    After college I switched to normal tension for comfort. But these Martins have been something of a revelation. They are easily the highest tension set I've ever had on any guitar, offering great volume and clarity -- and also speed, which is very apparent with tremolo.

    There are trade-offs in nuances of attack and vibrato, but since I lowered the bridge (not playing unamplified recitals any more) strength and endurance really aren't issues. Definitely not for every player or every guitar, but worth a try.