Hey Folks,
Expanding on a question from another thread that I thought I could get some help with here. Looking to get into some guts on my ‘55 c-1 Kay, I play all pizz and it’s all old time/square dance stuff. Maybe bluegrass if you want a wider context. Mostly acoustic, sometimes micd for a dance. Currently running an old set of Spiro lights with a medium Dr Tomasik G, can’t remember the exact string but needed a little more oomph then what the light G gave. In general I should “stick to lights” according to my luthier.
Options that I’ve gleaned from questions or massive amounts of reading threads (haha)
A) Spiro Lights E/A over Gamut Lyon Med+ G and Pistoy D light or light + (not sure which would be “better”).
B) Aquila Golden Spring/spiral 22’s A/E with same Gamut setup for G/D (again not positive on the Pistoy D gauge).
C) Gamut Red Diamonds. I have concerns about durability.
D) Full Gamut Acadamie set. Concerns about being able to afford rent.
E) Golden Spring 22’s on bottom and Aquila guts on top. Seems like it’s just better to go for the Gamut based on overwhelming support.
Leaning most towards option B. Hopefully I’ve laid out enough detail to have some suggestions thrown my way. Lemme know your thoughts. Thanks everyone!!
A) I've never played Spiros, so no opinion to be had.
B) This is what I'm currently using. Though I'm new to the Gamut Lyon and Pistoy, I'm thoroughly impressed by them. However it's only been a couple of weeks. The Aquila 22's are fantastic. I've been using them for quite a while now, recording and gigging. When I feel it's time, I will replace them with another set of the same. They are my favorite synthetic gut E/A combo to date.
C) I have used both the full set of Red Diamonds in the past, and was using the D/G for a few years mixed with different E/A combos. The E/A are unique, and sound pretty good. However the round wound wire sucks eggs for string noise, and shifting - especially if you are amplifying. Also they will eat the finger board quicker. I did not get a lot out of mine before the windings failed on the A. I moved on from them after that, but stuck with the D/G. The D/G have lasted for years without failure on the windings. While they are no comparison to the Lyon/Pistoy combo, they aren't suppose to be. They are a lower cost variety for those looking to get into the gut game. It's a good string, a bit stiffer than plain gut, and not as clear/focused as something like the Lyon/Pistoy. They would be fine for bluegrass thumping IMO.
D) My personal feelings on metal wrapped gut is avoidance. They all fail.
E) No experience with Aquila's gut.
I also played the Aquila Sugar Slaps for a while too during the testing phase. I wrote some pretty extensive reviews on them in the Aquila thread. I recall mixing the E/A from the Sugars with the Red Diamond D/G for a while. The A string was impressive, but the E was massive and required a decent amount of adjustment to playing as well as very high string height. It just didn't work for my playing. YMMV
I would steer you towards the 22's for your E/A. They mate very well with gut for tone and tension, and the diameters are closer to what you are likely used to. You shouldn't have to fuss too much adjusting to them like you would a Red Diamond or Sugar Slap E/A. They are easy players.
