Testing Aquila Low-A Classical-Guitar Strings on Ramirez 1A

[@claus_zen2022]

I have always found classical guitar a bit disturbing for my ears, as it sounded too bright, especially when it's played with proper classical style (long nails and plucked perpendicular to strings). This low tuning sounds absolutely wonderful, as it's rich and full at the bottom end, as opposed to having articulated higher frequencies. Thanks for sharing this. I had no idea this type of strings existed for classical guitar.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Glad you like it. It's certainly fun playing it.

[@trevorowen6564]

Good to see you back on the Tube Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Only briefly, Trevor. These strings are too good not to share. :-)

[@mariussolbakken5043]

Great to see you back, Rob! Love that low bass sound. And beautiful playing too (as always). Your videos are a constant source of inspiration. You're the master of nail-less nylon playing (and of so many other things):)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, Marius. I'm no master, just a searcher. :-)

[@rowan7727]

Wonderful. Such a treat to get another video

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Rowan!

[@CapnCyprus]

with every fiber of my soul i'm so happy to see another video.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Taylor. Fibre is good for you ;-) Thanks for your kind comment.

[@progbarock]

THANKS GOD you're back, Rob! It's as though a bit of magic just returned to the world. I'm currently working on a literary fantasy novella, and your gentle interpretations carry my pen (keyboard, really) when everything else fails. Thank you. Your friend and student Yare.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, thank you, Yare! I am not back for long, so I hope that doesn't stop you writing your novel ;-) Best wishes for it!

[@JustClaude13]

The virus has all of us with too much free time. Trying new things on the guitar is a lot better than binging on Netflix. I'm trying to learn cornet and mellophone.

[@andrewbargh1623]

Good to see you’re doing alright rob. Best wishes from yet another convert to no nails.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yeah, cheers, Andrew. The revolution continues! :-)

[@cking1340]

I recently got a guitar that come to find, doesn't really have many overtones. I feel like they give guitars their sparkle. However I'm realizing less overtones means less muddiness on the Bass side of things. I may end up getting a lower set of strings :D

[@conlamusicaaotraparte6206]

Nice to see and hear you back here, Rob! You've been a great inspiration for making the decision of becoming a flesh-player recently. I play also the piano and nails are very annoying. I also feel that the tone that flesh can produce is sweeter and more delicate. But definitely one needs to adapt the technique. I Hope you are well. Thank you for all your videos! They help a lot. Keep it up! Greetings from Madrid Rodrigo Bravo

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Rodrigo! Best wishes for your guitar studies! Regards from Edinburgh :-)

[@maxwellbanjo]

Happy to see you back. Thank you for another video.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Just back briefly, Randy, but thank you!

[@kumannyer]

yeah u are back sir rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Briefly :-)

[@CAJMusic]

Good to see you Rob! Hope you're doing well, thanks for your video!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Carlos. All fine here, thanks. You too, I hope.

[@royh7911]

After watching this video, i promptly purchased your book and a set of these strings! The tensions a bit too loose for me, but they sound great.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good to know, Olly. Have fun with them!

[@Izznum]

Master Rob is back yeayy 😄

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Pop!

[@cathymcshannon]

So good to see and hear your voice and playing again, Rob, thanks! ☺️ hope you're all doing well, please keep safe xxx

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Cathy. We're fine, thanks, and trust you are too, Cathy?

[@cathymcshannon]

@@RobMacKillop1 yes thanks Rob, allowed out yesterday for exercise for the first time in 5 weeks, so it can only hopefully improve 😊🐾😘 stay well Rob and come back here soon 😊

[@RobMacKillop1]

Exercise? What's that? ;-)

[@cathymcshannon]

@@RobMacKillop1 mostly for the dog 😄💕

[@ArthvrMusic]

The sound has something of a theorbo for me.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Indeed. All for the price of a packet of strings :-)

[@ArthvrMusic]

@@RobMacKillop1 :)

[@biketron]

Maestro, you came back! KZbin didn't send notification at all. Glad I checked the channel.

[@RobMacKillop1]

A brief return for now. You have to click a little bell icon to get notifications. Stay safe!

[@MarkHoemmen]

Sounds like a theorbo!!! I dig it 😁👍

[@RobMacKillop1]

Exactly, Mark. And the guitar loves the resonance!

[@ido9988]

These would be great for ensemble playing or duets! I might order those or those standard tuning down an octave set to have for arrangments.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Since making this video I've discovered this ensemble using Low A and also High A, a 4th above. triosonate.it/?page_id=130 The two guitar players are also in a guitar quartet featuring two standard guitars, plus the high and low A guitars. Worth a listen.

[@marcweber4599]

Thanks for coming back with another video. Made my day!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Marc!

[@banjopa]

Nice to see you Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Steve. I've been watching you and Marcus lately. Great stuff!

[@Morayharper]

Rob, the strings, the wonderful guitar and [most of all] your playing sound robustly rounded and rich... Thanks for making the video...

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ta, lass!

[@tenorbanjo4]

It comes always great music from you...thank you for sharing!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you, my friend!

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Great to hear from you Rob. Loved this. These strings were not on my radar. Definitely have to try them now. Thanks.

[@RobMacKillop1]

My pleasure!

[@RuiNamora]

Was I the only to give a thumbs up on the video even before watching it? Glad to see you again, Rob! Exquisite sound, as usual.

[@RobMacKillop1]

You probably were, Rui :-)

[@PavelBortnik]

Glad to see you on KZbin again!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Pavel!

[@mattbod]

Fascinating: thanks for this.

[@RobMacKillop1]

See? Here's one video already! :-)

[@giovi.0]

Really beautiful playing and lovely sound. I just bought the Aquila Low E set but noticed that the tension is approximately 49kg so I am a bit apprehensive to mount them on my 1A. I might find a cheaper guitar and check that it won't turn into a crossbow. Did your 1A cope with that tension? Many thanks

[@RobMacKillop1]

Not at all, in fact the opposite. Aquila claim they are designed for regular classical guitars…

[@giovi.0]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thank you so much Rob, really appreciate it. I have mounted them. They are very easy to play but a tad too low for my taste. The low E feels a bit breathless and muddy. Your low A set seems much more focussed, musical and clear... no doubt that this also depends from your elegant playing. Best

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@giovi.0 Yes, I don't think the Low E set would be for me. Try the A set - not expensive.

[@edwardmcguigan1442]

The maestro returns 👏👏

[@RobMacKillop1]

Briefly ;-)

[@KyleGrayYoung]

Love seeing you back! I just ordered a set of these after hearing you play. Can't wait to try them out. Any other pieces that you've come across that sound especially good in this tuning? I might have to try an open tuning from your Scottish book. ;) Thanks, Rob!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Kyle. Yes, I think they will sound great with those open-tuning pieces, though I haven't tried them yet. So far I've only used them with 16th-century lute pieces. Some Bach might suit them...

[@KyleGrayYoung]

@@RobMacKillop1 My set arrives Saturday. Can't wait! It got me thinking about the possibilities. If the low E set just has an extra low string, you could put it on a Russian 7-string guitar. Who knows? Cheers, Rob!

[@murattaner7384]

Edit: Briken Guitars carved handmade classical is NOT fitted with Optimas on the video :)))

[@andreyfedorenko4110]

И правда, очень интересно! Спасибо!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Спасибо!

[@gtrgeorge348]

Also, have you ever tried the Aquila 143C set, which is a full octave down?

[@RobMacKillop1]

They feel like medium tension. And no, I haven't gone to Low E, which seems a bit low, even for me.

[@gtrgeorge348]

@@RobMacKillop1 Oh, yeah, that would be low, but I'm thinking of it as an acoustic bass...

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@gtrgeorge348 Yes, it could work that way. Let me know what you think, if you ever try it.

[@gtrgeorge348]

@@RobMacKillop1 Well, they're something near $30 for a set, so I was hoping somebody, somewhere, might have tried them before... looks like I'll have to be the pioneer...

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@gtrgeorge348 We're all waiting for your review, George! :-)

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

Thanks again Rob! This and the other video inspired an idea to convert my Córdoba Koa to a lower register and get a Pro Negra for louder and brighter sounds. A game changer for sure. 😃

[@RobMacKillop1]

Sounds like a good plan, Joshua. Best wishes for it!

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

The intro showcases my low-E Córdoba Koa. My main axe is the Córdoba 45LTE. Let me know what you think. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJLKiKWLqahlfNE

[@johnnyramsay9064]

I have a wee steel strung Travel Guitar, usually tuned to G C F A# D G, can you get similar/lower steel stings ? so I could tune the Guitar down to EADGBE. I’ve tried tuning it to E but it’s a bit “loose” with normal strings.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Not Low A, but look for baritone guitar strings. They are like standard tuning, but all strings tuned down to B for the first and sixth. Close.

[@johnnyramsay9064]

Rob MacKillop thanks very much, didn’t know you could get baritone strings, I will have a google for some. Any kind you would recommend.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@johnnyramsay9064 I don't play baritone, just heard about them. Best ask on an acoustic guitar forum.

[@johnnyramsay9064]

Rob MacKillop, will do, thanks again.

[@gtrgeorge348]

This sounds very nice. How is the string tension/feel? Is it firm enough for you? Or do they feel loose or floppy? It doesn't sound like it.

[@efekoparan6486]

Play tanbur again you are good at tanbur

[@RobMacKillop1]

I wasn't good at all. Sold the instrument. Sorry.

[@efekoparan6486]

no you were good

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@efekoparan6486 okay :-)

[@MichaelNeverisky]

Very compelling sound. The low tones transform those old pieces somehow. Remarkable sustain, yes.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Michael. I'll have to try some Barry Galbraith arrangements :-)

[@fredhoupt4078]

Hooray, Rob has a new video. Celebrations.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Fred.

[@nunocastro1810]

Glad to see you and playing again Mr. Rob!! One more beautiful performance!! Keep well!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Nuno. You too!

[@zykamania2952]

great emotion.. take care of yourself and yours. in this strange, difficult period, we search good and bright moments, persons, talents. Maybe inside, like you. Thank you very much.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Music therapy is good therapy. I felt I had to give something during this time.

[@aldinobatangtaris]

Beautiful arrangements, Sir! Also low A tuning sounds so melancholic. So relaxing!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Aldino. Glad you like them.

[@chopsddy3]

Wow. Oh buddy..... I’m trying a set of those. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder “. Enlightening video Rob. Thanks a lot. And.....what d’ya mean “ ...a long time ago?. Why......I remember 1508 like it was yesterday. They were plagued by mysterious cooties too. Only fashion and tools seem to change. Is your book on Amazon? It seems a fitting companion to those strings. If you would be so kind, I have two more questions Did you have to change your bridge saddle , or nut , to accommodate those strings? Will the sixth string support being tuned down to a lower octave of the fourth string? (or does it get “flubbery” if done?)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yes, the book is on Amazon. Buy ten! :-) The strings are designed for normal bridge holes and nut grooves. No problem with the tuning machines either. The equivalent of Dropped D isn't a problem. Cheers.

[@garryb4072]

Refreshing! I think that I'd have to be very careful with that stringing: I'm sure I'd muddy things up. Definitely rich and dark, though!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Gary. You are right, they don't suit everything. One day I might try the set which is an octave below standard...

[@JelmavanAmersfoort]

Hi Rob, that is interesting! It sounds good. Useful in ensembles or to accompany singers with low voices. Or to do Bach cello suites? Hmm!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Jelma. It sounds great in the room, often leaving me with a big smile on my face. I won't use them all the time, of course, but they are fun to mess with. Of course, they weren't created for solo playing, and do make a great addition to an ensemble. Keep well!

[@markbuzminski7336]

Man, I love the tone of that Ramirez, even like this! I guess this is maybe the one silver lining in a pandemic - the time to explore and try new things? Side note - I recognize that last piece - it is in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) repertoire books that I use.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Yes, it's a great guitar, takes whatever I throw at it. I had no plan to do another video, but these strings are too much fun to just keep to myself :-)

[@lindatsardakas]

So nice to see you here again Rob. Wonderful fullness those strings give your Ramirez!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Linda. I didn't intend to upload so soon, but these are fun strings. They were not designed for solo playing, though...

[@Isbin_]

Wonderful to have you back on YT Rob !! And again some great playing .

[@RobMacKillop1]

Deep and low down!

[@NiklasFite]

I'm very curious if you ever put gut strings on an archtop or if you played them with a pick? Maybe it would make as much (or little) sense as doing it with nylon, but nevertheless I would be very curious to hear that. :-)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Niklas. In my mind an archtop is always steel strung. Steel can drive the arched top better than nylon or gut. Plus you might need to change the tail piece. But you can experiment, and let me know your findings. Cheers. Rob

[@roxxxstudio]

Please, what is the Aquila model # for low-A string set. Excellent playing BTW!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Can't remember. Search their website.

[@koksilah1818]

So great to see you and hear you. Missed you! You have a special talent and sound Rob.

[@koksilah1818]

Stay well.

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@koksilah1818 Thanls, koksilah. You too.

[@fredoliveira4882]

Nice to see you again! Beautiful sound. I have your book, by the way. 😊

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Fred. I hope you like it.

[@brianmullany9549]

Good to hear from you Rob, there is gorgeous sustain and tone from those Aquila low A strings, quite an interesting tuning too. Hope all is well there!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Brian. The tuning is the equivalent of standard, down a 5th, but with the third string down a semitone, as happens on a lute.

[@yellowrosecottag]

Thank you! Enjoyed listening!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks, Paula. Glad you liked it.

[@piptar1996]

ALL wound?! I knew of 3rd but not all! The consistency is such a step forward & I now really want a set! I'm getting more used to your emotive renditions

[@RobMacKillop1]

Aquila revised the set, which now comes with nylon 1st and 2nd strings. As for emotive... it's a bit unfashionable these days, but it's the only way I know how. Cheers, Rob

[@martenfalk9680]

Wow! That is absolutely wonderful. What a magical sound! ❤️

[@RobMacKillop1]

Isn't it just, Mårten? You should get some. The power! :-)

[@martenfalk9680]

@@RobMacKillop1 I am tempted!

[@nicclarkmusic]

Random question: What strings should I buy if I want to use gut, but still tune to A440?

[@RobMacKillop1]

The new gut strings developed this year from Aquila Course, only available in their Gut and Silk set from their website. They are so new they are not in the stores yet. Recommended.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Very nice Rob, love the sound and tone

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, you found me, Martin. Nice to see you here. Do you play guitar?

[@martinhensonphotography]

@@RobMacKillop1 Well you might not say play, Rob, more like dabble a few tunes on a couple of classical guitars I have, because photography has been a big part of my life, playing the guitar has always been on the back seat, so I have a great appreciation of the time and study put in to play like you, keep posting Rob I am sure many take great pleasure in listening to your music and style

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@martinhensonphotography Well, your photography is first rate. Anyway, see you around.

[@monasticbacon1972]

Thank you so much. I've been wondering how you've been going. That's a huge sound you've got there. Low strings for low times. ;)

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, indeed. I'm doing fine, thanks, and hope you are too. We'll get through this.

[@monasticbacon1972]

@@RobMacKillop1 I'm getting through this period with a pile of your ukulele books. Thank you :)

[@94josema]

What a pleasure... many thanks

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, José!

[@thomasstone1363]

what a sound!! lovely playing

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Thomas.

[@blueskystudioaudiovideo870]

Dear Rob, glad to see you again! One question: what about tha tension of these strings? I am a lute player, so no fingernails of course...

[@RobMacKillop1]

I'd say medium at 440. Cheers.

[@blueskystudioaudiovideo870]

Thank you! So I ˋm going down to 415 ...Cheers and stay well💛

[@stephenquick3370]

So glad to hear from you again!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Stephen. Appreciated.

[@carlcurtis]

Wonderful. Solves the matter of looking for a baritone classical! But is there any worry about tension on the neck--or does the lower tuning take care of that?

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Carl. I don't know how they managed it, but there is no more tension on the neck. The strings feel about medium gauge, and the sound is huge. Yes, much cheaper than a baritone classical!

[@carlcurtis]

@@RobMacKillop1 All right! What's to say except that that's music to my ears.

[@liamp1379]

Glad to see you! Stay safe!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Liam. You too!

[@macleod41069]

It’s renaissance djent, I like it.

[@RobMacKillop1]

I usually bin comments saying, "Does it djent?", but yours is a variation on that. I've lost count of how many dent questions I've binned.

[@leonardocecchi1198]

Your no-nails technique is serving you well on those strings! The sound is so charming. I usually find Aquila strings to be too high tension for me. What's your opinion on that? You used the Ambra 900 set a lot. It's such a pleasure to see you in KZbin!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Hi Leonardo. Well, I usually tune to a lower pitch, so the string tension is not a problem for me. I have these at 440 pitch, as I thought they were low enough! Feel fine to me. Cheers.

[@leonardocecchi1198]

This is a brilliant idea, I'll try tuning to a lower pich. Your sound is so refreshing in these days where playing classical guitar seem a competitive sport... thinking about volume and speed... bravo!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thank you. Art is not sport...some people have not learned that.

[@karli34]

Rob, can you please tell what the exact product name of the Low-A string set is? Can you provide an "official" product name and/or number by Aquila? Searching regional dealers I could not find this particular set though of course many others Aquilas. From what I understand so far, it might be possible to attach these strings to a A-D-G-C-E-A Guitalele (or alike) which standard tuning is a 4th higher. Thus, a Guitalele could theoretically be tuned from "A-D-G-C-E-A" to standard guitar tuning "E-A-D-G-B-E" ... unless the Low A string set's string diameter isn't too thick .... Any insights or ideas welcome - thanks!

[@RobMacKillop1]

I don't have time to do this for you, so please go to the official Aquila corde website, where you will find them. Failing that, email them from the website. They are very helpful.

[@karli34]

@@RobMacKillop1 - Thanks to your recommendation I found a surely better fitting solution for the Guitalele at Aquila's website to my surprise: instead of (ab)using "your" deep A string set on the smaller Guitalele, Aquila already offers an intenionally deeper E-A-D-G-B-E (standard guitar tuning) string set for it. Your video pointed me to the right direction but as I had not expected to finding a guitar like string set, I searched at the wrong place - within guitar string products and not within those for guitalele. Thanks anyway, you triggered me!

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@karli34 Excellent. The manufacturer's websites should always be a first port of call.

[@Wiesie-Central]

someday I'll buy it

[@RobMacKillop1]

:-)

[@wapolo1974]

Unexpected, but most welcome new upload from you! Love the sound of those strings.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Cheers, Wilson. I hope all is well with you? All fine here.

[@wapolo1974]

Rob MacKillop Health wise, yes. Financially, that’s another story, but many besides us are experiencing hardships at this time. ‘Tis life.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Indeed. Good luck! I've lost quite a few students, but am scraping by.

[@wjchivers]

Thanks Rob, this is really interesting (and beautiful). I have tried Orkney tuning (CGDGAD) on my Ramirez Estudio 3 with the standard Ramirez strings but I felt that the guitar probably needs heavier strings for this tuning, especially the two low strings. Can I ask for your suggestions please? (I do play with nails.) The Estudio 3, by-the-way, is wonderful. The growling bass and the beautiful trebles, the low action and perfect setup - my other guitars never get played since I bought it! I will order the book today, Cheers, Bill

[@RobMacKillop1]

I'd not heard of CGDGAD being called Orkney tuning before. Just off the top of my head, there are dedicated DADGAD sets, with heavier than normal 5th and 6th strings, which might sound alright tuned down a tone. Failing that, Aquila might have something if you email them from their website. I see you like a low action...not me, I prefer high action with low-tension strings. I find this is better for vibrato, and letting the music breathe. But everyone has their own thing, and it would be boring otherwise. Cheers, Rob.

[@wjchivers]

@@RobMacKillop1 Thanks for the advice Rob! I got the term "Orkney tuning" from Stephen Wake ("Stephen Wake Guitar" on KZbin). Cheers, Bill

[@sebastiansullivan4770]

@@wjchivers I heard the same term from steve baughman. The best player of the claw hammer style on guitar.

[@wjchivers]

I just realised that Orkney Tuning as referred to by Stephen Wake is CGDGCD, not CGDGAD! My mistake sorry.

[@heinzwefel5902]

Tune in em

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

Just ordered some for my 1a today!!!

[@RobMacKillop1]

Good decision! Have fun.

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

@@RobMacKillop1 well the string height is dreadful and I’m no yamashita so I decided to go baritone!

[@zakbraverman]

I love the sound! I know so little about music theory, though. Can you just play TAB music as-is with those tunings? How about music written in regular notation? Would you have to convert on-the-fly in your head? Seems difficult. (Just got my Aquila gut strings in the mail--going to put them on tomorrow. Can't wait.)

[@RobMacKillop1]

TAB is just the same. You can read all the violin, viola and cello music, not to mention mandolin music - a HUGE repertoire. But yes, you must know where the notes are. Start with a mandolin method book.

[@zakbraverman]

@@RobMacKillop1 I just got my Aquila Gut and Silk 900 strings. Unfortunately, out of two sets, both high E strings broke before I could even tune fully. One B string broke almost immediately too. So now I'm using a nylon high E and everything else the gut. I have to say, it sounds amazing. The one nylon high string stands out as being overly sparkly and artificial. There is something especially about the gut G string that I like. It sounds just...right. I wrote Aquila and asked for replacements. I hope they oblige, because I would hate to have to go back to nylon after experiencing the gut, but would have no choice to be out so much money without recourse. :)

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@zakbraverman You have to check that every contact point of the string is smooth: bridge holes, frets, nut grooves, and tuners. Gut strings are made of strands, and a rough edge can cut into them. Also, tune a semitone low, or even a tone low at first with new strings. I hope you can get it sorted.

[@zakbraverman]

@@RobMacKillop1 It occurred to me after the fact that maybe I should start really low, like you said. Guess I'll chalk it up to a learning experience. Maybe it's one of those things where by the time most people buy gut strings, they already know stuff like that. :)

[@zakbraverman]

@@RobMacKillop1 I was tuning to 432, which is lower than the 435 it mentions on their website, so I thought I was playing it safe. They should post an in-depth guide. :) In the meantime, I found a place here in Japan that carries Toro gut strings. Have you ever tried them?

[@maxcuthbert100]

Velvet .....braw !

[@RobMacKillop1]

Ha, cheers Max.

[@maxcuthbert100]

@@RobMacKillop1 I forgot to mention ; I have a cousin who lives close by you in Stockbridge,near the water of Lieth. It's a shame I can't get back there more often....

[@RobMacKillop1]

Oh, that's very close. Give me a shout next time you visit.

[@maxcuthbert100]

@@RobMacKillop1 Will do ! My dad's side were from the Dumbiedykes/Fountainbridge, but everyone else is in Fife(the 'alive' ones).Who knows when that'll be,tho! Lockdown means I have now nearly completed my first two Sarenko pieces and there's a lot more in the pipeline,thanks to Russian friends who kindly send me PDFs.Perhaps we can even have a wee tune !

[@sebastiansullivan4770]

Lovely sound. I really enjoy the emotional sentiment of your playing. Unique tone.

[@RobMacKillop1]

Thanks again, Sebastian. Appreciated. I play without using the right-hand finger nails.

[@sebastiansullivan4770]

@@RobMacKillop1 yes I had noticed. You make it work so well. I try to play steel string without nails. I'm interested in all kinds of fingerstyle music including classical. But I find getting good tone on steel to be very difficult. Did you have any hurdles to overcome with your approach?

[@RobMacKillop1]

@@sebastiansullivan4770 No, no there was no problem as long as I used low-tension steel strings. My steel playing is not loud, but loud enough. I'm not an aggressive player. I like to coax the sound out of a guitar, rather than imposing one on it, if you see what I mean.