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Originally Posted by macmrkt Hi,
I have a NS Cleveland that was delivered with Oliv/Eudoxa's. I want to change to a non-gut string for a more modern sound. What would be the best fit without modifying the nut or bridge slots? This is for pizz use. Thanks in advance for your assistance. |
One thicker non-gut string you could try would be Velvet Anima. They are still somewhat in the gut direction but generally brighter and more sustaining. Also Obligato which are a little thicker than your average steel.
Steel strings are generally going to be thinner than Oliv/Eudoxa's but it's not really a big problem to have them sit in slots that are wider. The opposite is a problem -- having thick strings in too small slots can cause breakage. So you could try out any number of steel strings -- Spirocore, Superflex, Corelli, Flat Chomesteel, etc. They all will produce a more modern tone.
I've heard it said that a string should not sit too low in a slot but I think this is mostly if there's friction on the side of the string. If it's not grabbing, there's no harm in it sitting a little low. If your bridge has adjusters, you may need to raise the action a bit. But you may ultimately want to have your nut and bridge worked on.
I've learned a method of adapting slots from my luthier using Super Glue gel. If a slot is too deep, fill with a little gel and use an instant hardener like Zip Kicker (available at hobby shops). Then using a very narrow rounded file, file a new slot making sure it's smooth and that the edges are rounded downward. Coat the new slot with pencil graphite. I've done this many times raising and lowering slots without any effect on the sound or performance.
