Pyramid Authentic Gut Classical Guitar .031 b Single String

I've tried dozens of classical guitar strings. . . nylon, bio-nylon, carbon, wound metal trebles, gut. . . these trebles are the absolute best.

Compared to Aquila gut, the Pyramids aren't varnished like the Aquila's. They are well suited for playing without nails. The strings are highly rectified, making them fray a bit easier but also providing a very clear tone that has the warmth of nylon with the clarity of carbon. The tone is much more modern, clear. The Aquila's are more historically correct, sound more "plucky" and have less harmonics and clarity.

Compared to nylon / carbon, these strings have a lot clearer tone than nylon, and lot more warmth than carbon. These strings have far better vibrato as well. The downside is that tuning to A=440 is a little much. I tune to A=415 (same as drop tuning 1/2 step) and the strings last perform quite well. Capo on 1 to play in standard tuning.

The G and B strings are very robust, and can be brought up to tune in a day or two. The E string is another story. I recommend using a string stretcher (a suspended broom stick with holes drilled through it so you can tie strings to it and hang weights on the strings). This last round the string broke 3 times in 4 days while trying to bring it up to tension. 4th time was a charm.

Are they fragile? Only during the initial tune up. Once the strings stretch out, they get tougher. . . until they stretch, individual fibers are carrying all the load and subject to snapping. . . as they stretch, other fibers take over some of the load.

If you do tune higher than A=415, tune to A=415 first, play for a few days, then slowly increase. Those who tune to A=440 often say they play at A=415 for 2 weeks or more before stretching to A=440.

The high E string may only last a month or two before needing to be replaced. The G and B strings hold perfect tone for about a month, but even after 3 months they still sound great and way better than brand new nylon.

Do not cut your extra string hanging from the tuning pegs. . . I have had great success at flipping the high E and restringing it to get an extra month or two out it after it breaks. No intonation issues. I also use the extra length of my G and B strings to tie on leaders for the Aquila Silk Basses, which should never be directly attached to a tuning peg.

I buy 2 E strings for every 1 G and B string.

Despite all the hype, I've never found gut to be affected by humidity more than my nylon. If there is a difference, it is negligible.

If you've never used gut before, make sure your bridge and nut have no sharp edges.

I like the tone and the feel of the strings.Is it worth the extra price?I don't know but if you want to record something and want just the right sound they probably are.

The Pyramid gut strings are unvarnished and offer a brighter sound than Aquila gut strings (not sold on SBM). The b string, in particular, I found a bit too thin to my liking, and had to double it up at the bridge when restringing. Others may prefer the thinner feel, though.