Introducing: Gut Strings
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- Опубліковано 24 тра 2020
- In this episode of INTRODUCING Brandon Acker asks the question "What strings are better: Synthetic or Gut?" We will be stringing up my theorbo with all gut strings and comparing them to the sound of synthetic strings to find out.
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#theorbo #gutstrings
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It takes a lot of guts to make a video like this.
Underrated comment.
A LOT
Perhaps an organ would accompany this instrument well :)
Good one. I've actually seen vegans come in complaining why musicians can't use "cruelty free" strings (their term).
I see what you did there.
We need a full uncut and unedited video where you tune the Theorbo.
Agreed!
yes please!
I'm not sure of there'd be enough memory for the video before editing...
I don't think youtube allows videos that long
Livestream it to do a Q&A or something as well.
Ever since i saw your collabs with Rob Scallon I’ve been getting into the history of music which the majority of which i have learned by you. Keep up the good work.
I'm really excited to hear the gut strings on your classical guitar.
Definitely prefer the sound of the gut strings. Will be interesting to hear the rest once converted (even if some don't stay that way) and I look forward to all the comparison videos you will no doubt be producing. 😃👍
Yes, me too... I have a gut feeling that the classical gtr will sound quite mellow, depending upon which piece is chosen.
I really want to see this video as well, as Im debating whether to try gut strings on my guitar as well!!
Harpsichordist here. I prefer the sound of the gut strings, but the only thing I play so far for which that is an issue is the ukulele.
On harpsichord, I'm definitely a convert to quill, and I'd love to be in a position to convert to some sort of historical wire, but I'm not there yet--but then again, that's only become available recently.
And I'd love for you to do an A/B comparison like this when you do. Same for the quills!
As someone who usually thinks musicians are to tied to tradition, I was ready to dismiss gut as just another purist belief in something that doesn't actually matter. Boy was I wrong. The gut strings sounded incredible. Consider me impressed.
The gut was definitely more resonant and warmer. Love it.
I love that you bring focus on things like this. I personally prefer synthetic strings, but it is hard to find enough information on this, and videos like these really help us guitarists making more informed decisions. Keep on making quality content like this! 😁😀👍
Gut is mellower, synthetic is resonating too much. I cannot hear the original tune.
Come for the historical insights, stay for his soothing soft voice
Aren't we all?
@@muazibnsophy447 yep.
we all are.
Speak softly and carry a big guitar 🎸
i want to see classical with gut, please!
i want to hear how old musicians sounded.
@@GrulbGL they sound the same as young ones
I've got a few gut trebles lying around somewhere. Problem is a full set of gut classical guitar strings costs $100. . .that's a bit too rich for me!
@@yeezet4592 I think he meant old as in musicians from a long time ago
@@isaacthecorncob that's the joke
The real question is:
Are vegans allowed to listen to the music if its produced from gut strings?
tbf I've wondered about kinda similar things being vegan myself, like, it's obviously not vegan to have a bone nut or leather strap if bought separately, but if these things come as part of a guitar stock, can it be considered vegan?
@@aaaahdjsn many instruments are assembled using hide glue out of both tradition and necessity btw
@@aaaahdjsn Personally (as a vegetarian), I'm kind of uneasy about it. I don't see any easy answers. I imagine there is a huge surplus of animal parts from the meat industry that would otherwise go to waste... so, in that sense, I doubt if using gut strings is leading to any extra animal suffering (but I don't know for sure). One could also investigate whether it makes more sense environmentally to create nylon strings, or to use what would otherwise be a waste product from animals that are going to be slaughtered anyway. It may work out that, given our current (horrible) culture that has so little regard for animal suffering, that it is preferable to use gut strings for environmental reasons. But, I'd much rather we not grow animals for slaughter - certainly not on the scale we do now.
As to the original question "are vegans allowed to listen to the music if it is produced from gut strings?" It's a pretty good and interesting question. Personally I would still listen to such music. I would save my efforts for where I think they are likely to make a real difference.
I was going to say thanx for the really funny comment, until I saw that people are actually in a quandary about it.
@@SteamvilleQuintet I mean, whatever your opinion on this particular issue, I can't imagine you would not agree that one should take time and energy to think seriously about the moral implications of what we decide to buy...
Interesting video. I recall reading many years ago the story of Segovia being presented with a set of the early nylon strings, and that evening he stayed up all night playing them because he found so many possibilities that he could not exploit on gut strings. I don't know the accuracy of the story, but if true, I wonder what specifically he found so superior, given he had played half his career on gut by that time.
They have more sustain, are brighter sounding and last longer
Also, He could use his fingernails without breaking the strings and thus get a loud clear sound for his performances before large audiences.
Personally, I prefer the sound of gut strings without fingernails.
I thought the same things as you were saying them...shorter decay...warmer...maybe earthier and less plastic sounding...and then...lol..the whole historical vibe is very inspiring. Thankyou for sharing this...so beautiful.
40$ 1 string ouch D:
Yeah, it’s a more demanding material to work with versus steel or nylon.
I had to go back and confirm that he hadn’t said $4
Funny how real money is pretty worthless against real material that was historically used. A world of plastics and other cheap materials make us feel richer than we are.
wait, are strings usually not that much for the guitar?? im a violist--
@@kazoio6777 Not even close. You can buy them for a few bucks and up to 30.
I have always strung my grand concert harp with gut. Yes, they do take some getting into tune and take a month or more to settle. Yes, they go crazy with humidity and temperature, requires tuning 47 strings EVERY day! Yes, they wear and unravel and break. But, they have warmth, depth and soul. Each string has its own life and personality, its own quirks, each string needs to be touched differently, caressed with love, but, by comparison, plastic strings sound, well, plastic.
i closed my eyes while listening to the two renditions of the music and was honestly more blown away than i was expecting by the difference. it had such a different quality to it with the gut strings. i wonder how the whole context of certain classical pieces changes while using them? it definitely sounded a little warmer, and the highs weren't as... high? i don't know how to describe it, i know next to nothing about music, i'm just here for a good time
The strings don't get only false, but after sometime the gut fret starts cutting through the string if they are thin.
If you have sweaty hands the string starts to be eaten and becomes green where you press the most.
Yeah synthetic strings will solve that problem.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwww
@@RockStarOscarStern634 but they sound like shit
Wait a moment. I think I have nylon strings on my guitar but the low E (that has never been changed) is now greenish and partially cut and it sound much fuller and better thant the A and D strings (which are Augustine high tension nylon). Do I have a gut string mounted on without knowing?
I bought the guitar used btw
I definitely like the gut strings more. The very fact that they are historical is enough reason for me to like them, and to me the sound they produce is also nicer.
This channel has made me fall in love with music on an other level and the whole introducing series shows that music is a lot more than just guitars, pianos etc.
As a Greek i would love to see you introducing the greek bouzouki. I think it would be a great addition since the bouzouki does not have any major reputation .It is also considered the desendant of the ancient greek pandura.
Gut has such nice bass tones. Fascinating instrument.
I don't play classical guitar, or anything related to it, but why am I so focused in watching and listening to you as if I have a quiz after this video?
That was a great post Brandon! Intriguing enough to make me consider fitting one of my classical guitars with gut strings. A quick check on the web shows that Strings by Mail offers a full set of Pyramid brand Authentic Gut Classical Guitar strings for $99.99. Wow that's pricey!
As a bass player (electric) I LOVED the boom and die of the gut bass strings. I didn't hear a big difference in the higher strings, but the tone of the lower strings sold me.
As alway’s I love your content. I have recently taken up the Renaissance Lute, and as a beginner I find the rectified nylon a good and solid way to begin as the tuning of the Lute is so precise. This way I can really concentrate on technique as opposed to forever trying to get it in tune
I absolutely agree with your analysis. The gut strings are deep and rich in a way that really stands out. I'm looking forward to hearing what your classical guitar will sound like when you test them out.
Its like listening to vinyl music when all you've heard is digital. The warmth is real
You're an exceptional player and historian. I got my degree in classical guitar, but also played bass Viola da Gamba for quite some years. Loved the gut strings. It had wrapped bass strings originally but went to traditional braided gut. So hard to play, but ethereal once I mastered the bowing. Convex bow variably tensioned with the ring finger, which is the trick.
Oh man that is that big gut sound. I wish I could justify getting a gut string banjo because they are the true classic sound of really old school players.
I'm listening on my phone (so minimal sound quality) and my reaction from the first notes you played was "Wow!" Even on the phone the difference compared to the theorbo sound I had heard on your other videos was remarkaby warmer and more appealing. I hope your subscriber count continues to increase so you can afford these strings!
Fantastic! It sounds warmer and more natural. Beautiful.
I really like the sound of the gut strings. The basses sound fuller and the overall music sounds softer yet strong. Love it 😊
Honestly man, like a few others I discovered you via Rob Scallon, but what you're doing is some of the most informative and yet entertaining content I've seen on UA-cam. Absolutely wonderful stuff!
Wow, the difference in tone quality is amazing! Thank you for sharing this comparison.
It's so entertaining and educational watching your videos. Keep it up!!
This man is so underrated, he deservers way more subscribers
PREACH 👏
First, let me humbly thank you for taking the time to make this fine comparison video. I found it most entertaining and enlightening the way you compared the two examples. Your instrument is unbelievably beautiful and deserves to be played by someone such as yourself that takes the initiative to explore it’s wonderful tones. I feel that I am the least qualified to offer opinions as to which string composition is best because I enjoyed them both, however; I did find the gut strung version most enjoyable to my ear. Again I would like to take the opportunity to thank you again for your time and efforts. Most Sincerely, Pops Fitch. Post script: The whole damn thing was far out. I will be viewing and sharping you videos with my kids and grandkids they are very educational.
I guess you could say they sound more “Organ”ic 😂
Good one, Ethan!
no
stop
Very informative, thank you for this Brandon. Your videos have such an exquisite feel and appearance perhaps they are the gut string of the videos... except that they also last long. Have a great day and please keep it up!
The term "cat gut" actually refers to rope "cat lines" used in sailing vessels. It was a way of twisting the fibers to make the rope. Gut is twisted in a similar fashion so at some point they started referring to them as cat gut. There are also gut strings made from beef gut. Gamut sells them.
Forgive me, but I can't find any authority for 'cat line' as a nautical term. You may be thinking of ratlines, which are smaller ropes interlaced across the shrouds* and used by the seamen as ladders to climb into the top.
The Oxford English Dictionary attests to 'catgut' as early as the 14th century and 'catlins' (var. 'catlings', 'catlines' ) appear in the 16th c. The origin remains obscure, though it seems to be cognate with 'kitlin' (kitten), and 'kit' is an obsolete word for a small fiddle. Might there be a jocular origin for this expression, since the sound of a badly played fiddle resembles the miauling of a cat in heat? All authorities agree that the intestines of cats were never used for strings--what a hecatomb of cats it would take!
________________
*The shrouds are the lateral stays, port and starboard, which along with the fore- and back-stays serve to keep a mast upright.
Having studied the viola da gamba at music college, you have inspired me to learn the baroque lute and or theorbo. Your videos and demonstrations are inspiring :)
Loved listening to the different sounds made by the strings Brandon..
Interesting! Have never heard of real gut strings. Makes for a whole different range of sound & adds a new dimension to it. Great job, sir.
Hello! I just stumbled on this vid and I’ve had similar gut/synthetic questions for years so thank you for such a well played comparison. The gut strings sounded warmer and seemed to provide a “fuller” sound almost as if they allowed more balance and so the overtones sound out better. Noticeably different but oh my the cost difference! Thanks~P.S.
I love your editing🔥
Thanks Brandon!!!
It was a really interesting video again!!!
This channel is becoming the best thing on UA-cam
Please make a piece with those strings, I love the warmth it provides, simply amazing
I may be imagining things, but it sounded to me like the gut strings were at times ever so slightly out of tune (talking micro-tones here), but for inexplicable reasons, that fact made the music sound that much more authentic to me.
Would love to see a video on the classical guitar strung with gut strings if you ever get around to it.
I got hooked on to your content after your collabs with Rob scallon, now I really love all your content
I just came here to have someone talk politely to me with all honesty about anything ❤
The gut strings sound amazing. Much more rich in tone and timbre. Thank you for your informative and entertaining channel. Keep up the good work.
FASCINATING. Definitely can hear the difference (wearing top quality Bose headphones). I just watched a couple of "how are they made" videos. We stand on the shoulders of giants, in terms of music, architecture, and all things cultural. So much to learn from the past.
Thanks Brandon. I always enjoy your videos. I am not sure that I like the gut as much as the synthetic, perhaps because of the recording, though done with a really good mike or perhaps my ear has become accustomed to the synthetic sound. Maybe if heard live one might feel differently. As for me, from this recording, I will stay with synthetic...not to mention the idea of cost and constant retuning and replacing stings. Thanks for these and other videos. You have the ability not just for beautiful playing but also these instruments and their music really means something to you. That comes thru loud and clear. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I love that you had to clarify that there was no reverb added. Such a deep and powerful sound!
My reaction exactly. I didn't expect to like them so much. A beautiful tone.
Muy interesante e ilustrativo Brandon, no hay videos como los tuyos, que enseñan y ejemplifican a ese nivel. Gracias.
Omg so dynamic and emotional feel to those gut strings. Amazing!
A beautiful historical instrument. Superb performance as always! Thank you so much 🎶🎼
The gut strings seemed to be bassier on the low notes... I really enjoyed their sound
Nice video. There is a great performance by Carles Trepat on UA-cam from 2014 in Coruna, Spain. Somewhere in the comments it said he used gut strings for that concert. I really like the sound, and I've become intrigued by gut strings for guitars. Of course, they come with the downsides, as Brandon mentioned here.
Want to learn more bout yourself? How you get into music? How long have you been playing ? Teachers? Maybe a Q&A vid?
Its insane how big the sound difference is. I did a Iisten to it blind first and it was so clear. really loved the sound of the gut strings
You should definitely do a video where you play Rains of Castamere on a theorbo with gut strings!
Informative and fun. Great job. I loved the gut strings sound. Would love to hear a song on your classical guitar with the gut strings.
Yes, much more beautiful and full sound with the gut strings. Thanks for the opportunity to hear this! By the way, catgut, not so far ago, was used in surgery for sutures (and I guess, it's still in use in many places). It came in plastic containers, filled with saline solution, to maintain it wet. They were elastic, strong, and resorbables. They were much cheaper than the newer synthetic sutures... unfortunately, I think they were too short for use in instruments, but if I find some, I will try it :)
If you do end up stringing up the classical with gut strings, make another video! After watching this I went and bought some gut strings for my classical. I'd be interested to see which pitch you'd tune them to and what the general experience would be like. Fingers crossed you make one!
Astonishing sound from Gut strings. It makes harmonies function in much more sense and has a sound completely real, not virtual as nylon strings does.
Question to Brandon:
Do you notice a difference in your playing itself with the new strings? I personally notice it's easier to play on gut, since it's not as "slippery" if that makes sense.
The Aquila "gut-like" synthetics have a roughened surface that feels like gut.
@@jgrossma If you mean Nylgut, then I don't agree. They are rougher, yes, but my polised gut strings aren't. Gut is a bit more rubbery and Nylgut more plasticy. The CD Nylgut come closest, but they don't come in thin diameter for the highest 3 courses on my lute and are still not quite there.
Nylgut feels like old gut strings that are so dried out you wouldn't want to use them anymore. Not dissing Nylgut, I like and use it a lot, that's just my best description.
@@nextlifeonearth thank you, I'm ordering the CD basses to avoid using wound strings
he said something similar in a more recent video about putting gut strings on a modern classical guitar.
@@josephbrandenburg4373 Yeah, I figure he didn't notice it that much when he played with nails, But now that he plays with his fingertips instead he oughtta notice.
the guts notes felt warmer and more meaningful. Thanks for the enriching experience!
Beautiful look forward to the Classical Guitar with Guts.
This man is like the Bob Ross of guitar playing, he can even make gut strings sound innocent! I loved the gut strings btw, they sound way better than the synthetic ones.
The underrated channel
Waiting!
That’s great, thanks for doing this! I agree about the sustain, I heard that straight away on the bass notes. However your explanation how this is a benefit, based on actually playing them, was a great insight. Also I love the lutenist joke, I’d not heard the 2nd part before! 👍😀
The Gut sounds so much better. I was saying the exact same thing you ended up closing with at the end of the video. beautiful,
Its so nostalgic.
I used those 500 years ago .
Things have changed since then.
thank you so much , I LOVE YOU
You should see the UA-cam postings of Rob MacKillop who plays guitars and lute, and theobromine with gut strings. And has an extensive discussion of sources.
Rob is great! :)
Cool video man!
Thank you very much, very informative.
those sound absolutely amazing
Yes. Catgut comes from cattles. We have this same confusion in surgical sutures too :D
I have always loved the sound of gut strings they are so warm sounding, and I play violin so I really want to try them.
It is quite exactly the same thing with gut strings on bowed instruments. Nice comparison.
I like how clear and warm the sound starts with the gut strings. The sound is less metallic while still very clear. The fact that the sound fades away much faster helps with transparency, especially in faster pieces.
I must say I was surprised on how much nicer the gut string sounded. Very interesting video....
In the 30+ years of playing Classical Guitar, I have not had the opportunity to even hear the difference between synthetic and gut strings until today. Thanks for sharing your experience with them. I thought the sound difference was very noticeable on the recordings. There is a resonance and richness that synthetic did not have. In the De Visee Chaconne, i thought the strums at the beginning was much more pronounced and had a much better effect. Thanks again for the great video!
Great video. Great concept-love seeing the historical instruments. I liked the gut better. Time to restring my classical guitar.
Didn't expect to hear much difference, but it was night and day. I preferred the gut strings hands down, although I was hoping I wouldn't! But the price ... Bloody hell.
I honestly didn’t hear a difference until you pointed it out, then I definitely heard a difference. I’d love to try a set on my classical guitar
Thanks for the great content man. I would love to hear a classical guitar with guts
I do love the sound of gut strings. I use gut for my bass Viola da Gamba, on my treble Gamba I have silk strings...I am super happy with those. Great tone and very stable. I use nylgut on my classical and Baroque Guitars. I enjoy your videos. Please keep up the great work
hi brandon, you can see the difference between gut strings versus synth strings. And there is that particular sound. I have never tried gut strings. but I will try them and with this video it motivates me to discover it on my own. I would like you to make a video with your guitar with gut strings. Thank you.
I think you're right the Gut sounds much warmer and more resonant. I would be really interested to hear what the Gut strings sound like on your classical guitar!
Wanting to replicate the sound of the instrument from the baroque era (or earlier) makes sense. My opinion is that the modern (steel?) strings sound better. i think its a cleaner, clearer sound, especially the bass notes. There are reasons why gut isn't used anymore, some which you mentioned. I guess it's a matter of preference.
Some of your music has almost moved me to tears, some has lifted my heart & spirit.
A few weeks ago you posted that it was a Tarrega song that made you want to become a classical musician. ( I had wanted to ask. Thx.)
Hope u enjoy the day!
Had to come back a second time and listen to this with my earphones on. I did hear a difference. The synthetic sound sharper/crisper to me, while the gut strings sound more mellow. I have also noticed that the more natural something is, the better it sounds, but I'm sticking with my nylon strings...I just can't afford gut. :D
The timbre of gut was super enjoyable. The synthetics have a slightly sibilant tone in the high end and you didn't get that at all from the gut, as well as your comment on the fast decay of the bass. Just very pleasant, easy listening.
This instrument sounds like it was made for gut strings it’s so much warmer and resonate I loved the sound.
the attack of the plucking somehow sounds clearer yet less harsh than that of the synthetic, it's amazing
Superb musician skills as always. I must agree with you that the gutstrings hold more warmth and mellowness to them, despite costing a small for-tune.I'm actually amazed by the fact the treble and mid strings doesn't appear to sound as "forced/ twangy" as e,g the nylon ones. But they are still more clear and resonant. So if I was a renaissance/baroque "plucker" I'd go for the gut ones, tis a mere gutfeeling i have.