Introducing: Gut Strings

[@brandonacker]

💥My new online guitar course is open! classicalguitar-pro.com Sign-up for lifetime access to this 6-hour course and start playing elegant classical music today!

[@displaychicken]

It takes a lot of guts to make a video like this.

[@frmcf]

Underrated comment.

[@Mo-zb1wu]

A LOT

[@aydenburris8631]

Perhaps an organ would accompany this instrument well :)

[@jgrossma]

Good one. I've actually seen vegans come in complaining why musicians can't use "cruelty free" strings (their term).

[@Gu1tar1st]

I see what you did there.

[@UncleRJ]

We need a full uncut and unedited video where you tune the Theorbo.

[@n7275]

Agreed!

[@dacoobob]

yes please!

[@BassistThan]

I'm not sure of there'd be enough memory for the video before editing...

[@kunkuno]

I don't think youtube allows videos that long

[@thirtyyearoldmulberryfield]

Livestream it to do a Q&A or something as well.

[@evanclark2656]

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.

[@BethDiane]

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.

[@liquensrollant]

And I'd love for you to do an A/B comparison like this when you do. Same for the quills!

[@Mr_Pickles_]

I'm really excited to hear the gut strings on your classical guitar.

[@gnome_with_the_iron_hands]

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. 😃👍

[@Gordito158]

Yes, me too... I have a gut feeling that the classical gtr will sound quite mellow, depending upon which piece is chosen.

[@chadtuinman5743]

I really want to see this video as well, as Im debating whether to try gut strings on my guitar as well!!

[@flundlip]

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! 😁😀👍

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

Gut is mellower, synthetic is resonating too much. I cannot hear the original tune.

[@MrTacklebury]

The gut was definitely more resonant and warmer. Love it.

[@habjanse9689]

40$ 1 string ouch D:

[@Caddynars]

Yeah, it’s a more demanding material to work with versus steel or nylon.

[@alexlasher2525]

I had to go back and confirm that he hadn’t said $4

[@rocketronica1652]

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.

[@kazoio6777]

wait, are strings usually not that much for the guitar?? im a violist--

[@intersanctum]

@@kazoio6777 Not even close. You can buy them for a few bucks and up to 30.

[@kallepronk7328]

Come for the historical insights, stay for his soothing soft voice

[@muazibnsophy447]

Aren't we all?

[@hannahjohnson4582]

@@muazibnsophy447 yep. we all are.

[@hannahjohnson4582]

Speak softly and carry a big guitar 🎸

[@GrulbGL]

i want to see classical with gut, please!

[@GrulbGL]

i want to hear how old musicians sounded.

[@yeezet4592]

@@GrulbGL they sound the same as young ones

[@jgrossma]

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!

[@isaacthecorncob]

@@yeezet4592 I think he meant old as in musicians from a long time ago

[@yeezet4592]

@@isaacthecorncob that's the joke

[@gewuerzgurkeev]

The real question is: Are vegans allowed to listen to the music if its produced from gut strings?

[@aaaahdjsn]

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?

[@jacemeldrum5052]

@@aaaahdjsn many instruments are assembled using hide glue out of both tradition and necessity btw

[@nickmasters8474]

@@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.

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

I was going to say thanx for the really funny comment, until I saw that people are actually in a quandary about it.

[@Ibakecookiess]

@@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...

[@k.l.graham5860]

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.

[@Mi-cha-el-Edward-Lee]

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.

[@decvoid261]

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.

[@timothymills733]

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.

[@scacchomattho]

They have more sustain, are brighter sounding and last longer

[@billme372]

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.

[@paulomelo1792]

Fantastic! It sounds warmer and more natural. Beautiful.

[@sorandom081]

I guess you could say they sound more “Organ”ic 😂

[@windmillwilly]

Good one, Ethan!

[@hary71]

no

[@blondedwings]

stop

[@dbeb48]

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.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Yeah synthetic strings will solve that problem.

[@Crovax]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwww

[@yuri_lhr]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 but they sound like shit

[@rotanux]

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?

[@rotanux]

I bought the guitar used btw

[@StaySafeDontDie]

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

[@josephballerini3730]

Gut has such nice bass tones. Fascinating instrument.

[@bany1688]

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?

[@rajgill7576]

Its like listening to vinyl music when all you've heard is digital. The warmth is real

[@jesusislord4656]

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.

[@harriskaragiannakis2713]

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.

[@edward_grabczewski]

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.

[@joeldcanfield_spinhead]

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.

[@YuliaHadassahK]

I really like the sound of the gut strings. The basses sound fuller and the overall music sounds softer yet strong. Love it 😊

[@andersf324]

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.

[@garysimkins2179]

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

[@nextlifeonearth]

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.

[@jgrossma]

The Aquila "gut-like" synthetics have a roughened surface that feels like gut.

[@nextlifeonearth]

@@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.

[@banjoboy01]

@@nextlifeonearth thank you, I'm ordering the CD basses to avoid using wound strings

[@josephbrandenburg4373]

he said something similar in a more recent video about putting gut strings on a modern classical guitar.

[@nextlifeonearth]

@@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.

[@guillotinedeath]

Want to learn more bout yourself? How you get into music? How long have you been playing ? Teachers? Maybe a Q&A vid?

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

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.

[@sananadil636]

I just came here to have someone talk politely to me with all honesty about anything ❤

[@JohnAzopardi]

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 KZbin. Absolutely wonderful stuff!

[@jazz-hb5ku]

It's so entertaining and educational watching your videos. Keep it up!!

[@drdavid62]

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!

[@LSpencer777]

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!

[@oldgoat381]

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.

[@johngiles132]

Nice video. There is a great performance by Carles Trepat on KZbin 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.

[@Carlosdamiano]

This channel is becoming the best thing on KZbin

[@speemerboy06]

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.

[@aldoronquillo1385]

Please make a piece with those strings, I love the warmth it provides, simply amazing

[@popsfitch7938]

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.

[@paulstan2449]

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.

[@951258tike22]

the attack of the plucking somehow sounds clearer yet less harsh than that of the synthetic, it's amazing

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

My reaction exactly. I didn't expect to like them so much. A beautiful tone.

[@Marcelo_Mammana]

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 :)

[@barabasgezu]

Its so nostalgic. I used those 500 years ago . Things have changed since then.

[@jordanerickson5794]

This man is so underrated, he deservers way more subscribers

[@hannahjohnson4582]

PREACH 👏

[@salottin]

The gut strings seemed to be bassier on the low notes... I really enjoyed their sound

[@sayan_tan]

Yes. Catgut comes from cattles. We have this same confusion in surgical sutures too :D

[@dmdecc]

I love your editing🔥

[@MustalgiaMTGBand]

the guts notes felt warmer and more meaningful. Thanks for the enriching experience!

[@maximusnickila4440]

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.

[@redicoyote]

Wow, the difference in tone quality is amazing! Thank you for sharing this comparison.

[@aryotaheri7421]

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.

[@Martin-sv1fz]

great video

[@KorKhan89]

I love that you had to clarify that there was no reverb added. Such a deep and powerful sound!

[@avremke24]

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 :)

[@aprilrosecortes4099]

The underrated channel

[@alfonseciaccio3205]

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!

[@kenyannelson2189]

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.

[@Swaggussnaregopingpinghaha]

I used to use nylon strings on lute. It worked but it was nowhere near the sound and feeling of playing with gut.

[@brooksrownd2275]

I'd guess that my student lute back in the 1990s had nylon/nylgut, but it did have gut frets

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

tastful life Synthetic strings last alot longer right?

[@nextlifeonearth]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 For the higher strings, certainly. They snap. For the lower ones I have had most of the strings on them for years and I don't expect they need replacing soon. Just keep them out of sunlight and keep them in a proper temperature and humidiy, as is important for all instruments.

[@richardpeej]

Loved listening to the different sounds made by the strings Brandon..

[@dhasshairon4539]

I got hooked on to your content after your collabs with Rob scallon, now I really love all your content

[@timgoodwintv]

This instrument sounds like it was made for gut strings it’s so much warmer and resonate I loved the sound.

[@QuynhNhuMandolin]

A beautiful historical instrument. Superb performance as always! Thank you so much 🎶🎼

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.

[@mariovalencia7167]

Muy interesante e ilustrativo Brandon, no hay videos como los tuyos, que enseñan y ejemplifican a ese nivel. Gracias.

[@jonnigoldfish2292]

Beautiful look forward to the Classical Guitar with Guts.

[@magaliberal]

I wish you had filmed the actual string changing! I'm curious about the way you string such an instrument.

[@wapolo1974]

That would make for quite a long video! ;)

[@nextlifeonearth]

There's little to it. Unwind the peg, pull the string, unbind the bottom, pull it out, put the new string in, knot, put the other end through the peg, then tune it and every hour for the rest of the day you can retune it, because it's still setting its tension. I could play a 5 minute piece with a newly stringed lute and at the end some strings would have dropped an entire note. It settles more and more during the next weeks. With a constant climate you don't need to retune much more often than you would synthetic ones.

[@nibel13]

Omg so dynamic and emotional feel to those gut strings. Amazing!

[@nealzshipe]

I look forward to hearing more. I agree, playing with gut strings creates an intimacy that is unmatched. Something about the instrument being 100% organic, the instrument becomes a product of mother earth, and her resources, in every sense. A very cosmic feeling.

[@GreenLarsen]

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

[@brianheyburn4981]

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!

[@GlennHigley]

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.

[@markdayneowalla]

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.

[@jameslouder]

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.

[@snoopaka]

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.

[@Waldlaeufer70]

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.

[@Gichanasa]

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!

[@acolddarkgentlebruh8205]

I noticed the warmer sound of the gut immediately.

[@2010georgian1]

I love the Gut string's mid range and full warm tone...

[@craigmonteforte1478]

awesome ! I’m a fan of the Gut strings for sure never personally played them although I bought a used Ovation years ago that I didn’t realize were Nylon string only and although I like the guitar for feel and tone I never found a set of Nylon strings I liked on it so I play a Steel String Takamine and Martin instead I could never get the Nylon to play bright enough for my liking oh btw I traded that Ovation for a SteelString model to a family member that liked the Nylon so all was happy inthe end the Ovation people told me putting Steel on it would destroy the integrity of the guitar as it wasn’t built to handle that tension so I never tried it as my instruments are kept in pristine condition under my care

[@lucasgaleano550]

What's the name of the piece he plays? Sounds gorgeous.

[@MrCucumber416]

You should definitely do a video where you play Rains of Castamere on a theorbo with gut strings!

[@paulysguitarjournal]

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

[@CaptJackAubreyOfTheRoyalNavy]

Wow, the sound of gut on the bass strings especially is so much nicer!

[@MrZnarffy]

I must say I was surprised on how much nicer the gut string sounded. Very interesting video....

[@lfgoncalv]

I can't imagine this sound in a live concert!!! By internet, it just sounds pure magic!!!

[@aske3211234]

Brandon reminds me so much of Hugh Grant in “Notting ham”. Everything about him

[@666louis]

Please, don't insult the man ;-p

[@aske3211234]

hahah

[@frmcf]

Notting Ham... classic movie.

[@PeterJohnsonWales]

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.

[@spaxxor]

The re encoding by youtube when you uploaded this ran right over most of the differences in sound (I'm an audio snob) but I can tell if I just sit and listen that there really is a difference. It would be more stark if we had a standalone file to listen to (lossless preferably, but anything is better than youtube's re encoding.)

[@richardreyes584]

I totally understand that esoteric connection to gut strings,( back in the 80s they made a comeback) l used them and fell in love instantly. Then swiching back to nylon l understood why Segovia and many others never went back. I love them but nylons are just more practical.

[@seanc8054]

before he says anything , i just want to say i like how the gut string sound much better, they seem less punchy, or just slightly more mellow , i dunno anything about music, the gut strings make my ear holes happier, thats all i know. now i'ma finish watching the video

[@ronpowers745]

I agree with your comments regarding gut strings sounding better, and in addition it seems to me that they are also better balanced high to low, that is no single string seems louder than the another. For example, with many string manufacturers, the G string seems to sound louder when plucked with the same force. Of course, it is impossible to know how you modulate your string attack from a video. Can you comment on this apparent evenness? Thanks, and love your channel.

[@h.a.1543]

Could you please do a vidéo about choosing one's strings ?

[@Robobagpiper]

The gut is amazing. As someone who plays fiddle on both modern strings (modern "Celtic" music) and gut (playing Scottish baroque fiddle music), the pros and cons are pretty similar. For us, our smallest string (E) turns fuzzy and breaks after a relatively short life as well. Still love playing on it.

[@sessionvideomag]

Yes, the shorter sustain is crucial, and really warm mids, i prefer guts too!!

[@CatsPajamas23]

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!