Bronze vs. Nickel, part 3
Last month, I tried an experiment wherein I used phosphor bronze-wound strings on one neck of the 24-string Double Subcontraguitar, and a nickel-wound set on the other neck. Both necks on the 24 are tuned to the same register (D sub-contra), but in two differing tunings. I wrote about this experiment in this blog post. This was a very good experiment and experience, as it enabled me to both hear and feel the differences in these two differing string types and sets in a side-by-side comparison on the same instrument.
After using this comparison setup for two or three weeks, I changed the phosphor bronze-wound set to an all-nickel set. For two-handed playing and tapping, the nickel strings have a better response; at least in my playing. Therefore, the 24-string is now fully equipped with all nickel strings.
I've been a proponent of phosphor bronze strings for many years, based on the tonal qualities. I still like phosphor bronze for my wood guitars, but for the carbon fiber instruments, I'm finding that nickel-wound sets are a better fit. At least for me, my playing techniques, and what I want to hear.
While the nickel strings don't have the slightly darker tonality of phosphor bronze, I've discovered that I greatly like the improved articulation and definition they bring. I've also found that, again, for me, nickel strings are more responsive than bronze.
It's time to change strings on one of the other doubleneck instruments, and this string change, I'll be moving to full nickel sets on both sides.
More to come.
-kk
Comments
Post a Comment