What brand of strings?

D’Addario EXP J-45 with a Savarez Allance normal tension 3rd.

There is really not standard between string makers on tension. I would use the Savarez  Alliance trebles, but they list them as normal tension. Actually, they feel much more like D’Addario’s high or hard tension. I don’t like ANY high tension strings. Some guitars seem to need a high first string, especially some spruce tops.

It’s funny how we spend so much time choosing the sound of the guitar but pay little attention to strings. It makes all the difference in finding the right string for you and your guitar. Good luck

Hello Mark,

I got encouraged by a guy on a flamenco forum to start trying different strings. I’ve been using good old D’Addario J45’s, with a Savarez Alliance 3rd subbed in, for years. This morning I brought the Knoblochs up to pitch on my spruce topped classical, and they sure sound good!

That guitar is my #28 with one of the 35 year old “hazel fichte” (bear claw) Euro spruce sound boards like #27,#29 and #30. Pretty exceptional wood! Those latter three are all demoed on my website—with D’Addarios. 

Cheers,

Brian

Getting ready to try something new in the way of strings. I’ve been using what you’ve been using over the years, Brian. Maybe I’ll give the knoblochs a try. Frankly, I’ve not heard of them before…but I’ve been away from this and other forums for a long time. I play a cedar top Alan Fontanilla. How would you describe the difference in the strings? Input from others would be great as well. I’m not unhappy with what I have but…

Hello Barry,

I hadn’t heard of Knoblochs either before Matt suggested them. When I asked what he uses, he answered without hesitation “Knoblochs”. He has been a classical player for 20 years that I know of. They are made in Spain (by Germans?). The trebles are bright “but with more body” than the usual carbon strings.

I’ll get you the link to the full set on the Strings by Mail site as soon as I get my new computer up and running later today. Their site is a bit clumsy to navigate.

By the way, I’ve sold three classical guitars in the last month or so, and they have all been strung up with Knoblochs.

Cheers,

Brian

Hello again Barry,

Here is the Strings by Mail link to the Knobloch set that I’m using:

https://www.stringsbymail.com/knobloch-actives-cx-carbon-mt-classical-guitar-strings-300cx-full-set-6347.html

I’m sending a set to Daniel Roest—the guy that did the playing of my guitars on my website—for his evaluation. De gustubus non disputandum!

Cheers,

Brian

Brian, thank you. I’ve done business with stringsbymail in past years. I purchased a lot of different strings and ended up going full circle on my choice. Your description of the trebles makes me want to give the Knoblochs a try. Will also be taking a look at your website.

Hello Barry,
The audio on the website is un-processed, so if you have a way to listen to the videos with some headphones, or with a decent sound system, you should get a pretty good idea of what the guitars sound like.
Cheers,
Brian

My experience is that one needs to try a variety of strings to find ones that emphasize the tonal qualities one likes in a particular guitar.From Zavaletas

For sure.