Standard tension Nylon G strings sound flat

[Dave1947]

Is there a guitar out there using a std. tension nylon G string that sounds great on the G string? I think most people recording or performing would go to use something else. Has anyone used such a guitar or is it simply the sound properties of the thick nylon that would make this impossible?

[newyorkhorseman]

I did quite a bit of trial and error with many different brands in an attempt to balance out my G string. FOR MY GUITAR I found the Savarez Alliance normal tension G to work best although I stuck to D'Addario T2s for the 1st and 2nd string as the Alliance was too bright.

I made recordings of myself playing a short piece with each different brand string to hear the difference in making my choice. OR you could downtune your bass strings a little to take tension off the neck and then put on 3 different G strings in the 1-3 position (if your nut channels will accomodate), tune up and then you will immediately be able to make A/B comparisons.

D'Addario also makes a special normal tension G string in their "Composite" sets for this very problem. I personally didn't like the feel or attack sound of this string.

I once personally spoke to Carlo Greco who hand built the Mark VI and VII series for Guild, and he told me the greatest challenge in building a classical guitar was in obtaining a good "G" string. So you are not alone!!

Hope this helps. Rudy

[Dragonbones]

This comes up all the time. Try swapping it out for a Savarez Alliance or other composite G and see what you think. You can buy them singly at places like strings by mail dot com.

[Dave1947]

Thanks guys! I'll try normal tension composite first. I don't like practicing with HT strings too hard on the fingers! Dave

[JinMe]

I've had a Pavan TP30-64 cedar for almost 2 years and, until now, have always been unhappy with the sound of my G string. I tried lots of strings of varying tensions from different manufacturers. I finally decided it was either my ear or my technique that was the problem.

A couple of weeks ago I bought the treble string sampler from SBM and gave the Aquila Alchemia (Nylgut) normal tension trebles a try and am thrilled! I think they have a wonderful, sweet, but at the same time bold, sound with terrific sustain - including G!

Another benefit for me is that they seem a little gentler on my LH fingers.

[Cincy2]

I solved my dull G string problem with a Hannabach Titanyl G. I use all their titanyl trebles. Half way between nylon and carbon.

Cincy

[hkuivila]

The set I've liked best were Hannabach 725 trebles -- they have the closest thing to a healthy g I've heard on my guitar. They're described as "medium high" tension, for what that's worth.

[Dave1947]

I'll try the Hannabach 725's and their Titanyl G string. I tried the D Adarrio Composite G (normal tension) and it's pretty good, about a 25% or more improvement.

[es335]

There is hardly a better solution than using a Savarez Alliance 543R carbon string. See my reply to your other thread!