Features of carbon strings

The modern guitar component market offers a wide variety of strings from a variety of materials. The composition, thickness, cross-sectional shape of the winding have a noticeable effect on the sound of the instrument and the feeling of playing. Carbon strings enjoy well-deserved recognition and are popular with professional and beginner guitarists.

For several centuries, no species diversity was observed in this important element of stringed instruments. Even today, there are adherents to the traditional vein strings that have been used since ancient times. The technology of metal winding on a core appeared already at the end of the 18th century. And during the Second World War, natural vein material was finally replaced by synthetics - nylon. It was widely used for classical guitars. In 1969, Japanese technologists registered a patent for an invention - a polymer fluorocarbon (polyvinylidene fluoride) or carbon. Originally created for the paint and varnish industry, this material became the basis for a new kind of uniquely transparent, durable fishing line and guitar strings, and the 70s became the starting point for their mass production.

Carbon strings have remarkable qualities:

• higher wear resistance than nylon;
• have a high density, which, depending on the brand, is 30-90% higher than that of nylon;
• give a strong, spacious, sonorous and bright sound;
• have good "responsiveness".

Tension is one of the parameters of string classification:

• Normal or Regular Tension - normal tension;
• High or Hard Tension - strong tension;
• Extra High or Extra Hard Tension - high tension.

Carbon strings will be thinner, meaning they will have a smaller gauge (average diameter) than nylon strings under the same tension.The disadvantage is the rather high cost of carbon fiber options.

The selection of carbon strings in specialized stores is quite large, and many foreign and domestic manufacturers have similar kits in the assortment. Available in a variety of bass strings and tension options.

• D`Addario Is a famous brand from the USA that has been producing components since 1947. The EJ45FF PRO-ARTE CARBON and EJ46FF SET PRO-ARTE DYNA / CARBON HARD for classic acoustic instruments deliver beautiful, modern sound.

• Magma - a young Argentine brand with excellent quality sets at a low price.

• La Bella - one of the largest string brands. Today, the main production is concentrated in America, but the company has Italian roots dating back to the distant 17th century and associated with the Mari family and the legendary names of Amati and Stradivari. VIV-M and VIV-H Vivace Classic Guitar Kits include carbon fiber first strings and silver-plated bass strings. It is a high-end product with excellent tactile feel and beautiful sound.

• France can also be proud of an old (however, also originating from an Italian family of artisans) brand. Brand Savarez is known to every guitarist today. Included Savarez ALLIANCE CANTIGA there are strings of normal and reinforced (bass) tension.

• Firm "GOSPODIN MUZYKANT" (Russia) manufactures sets using its own manual technology that are not inferior to the best world samples, for example, carbon fiber strings of strong tension SC64 SAVA.

When choosing strings, you should take into account such parameters as:

• type of guitar;
• the level of the musician's experience;
• style of play.

The main groups of guitar strings:

• synthetic - nylon, carbon, titanium (made of improved nylon);
• metal.

Metal kits are used for acoustic, bass and electric guitars. Although the installation of carbon or nylon strings on acoustics is still possible, especially for a beginner, because learning on softer synthetics is more comfortable for the fingers. For classical and flamenco guitars, only synthetic strings are provided: the first three are made of solid nylon or carbon, the three bass are braided.

For braiding, they are most often used:

• silver plated copper;
• silver plated brass;
• phosphoric bronze.