Aquila 143C Orchestra Classical

Nice and warm sound, bad marketing

I purchased this set to calm my dire needs for a bass guitar.

The string set came nicely packaged and I could fit it without difficulties. The installation of the low E string was a bit strange but in the end it worked nicely. The high E string felt really nice to the touch, it had a silky matte surface.

Feel:

I have big hands and with this set I could finally really feel each string and where my finger is exactly on the string.

Sound:

All strings were tuned an octave below regular tuning, this produced a quite warm feel. It must be my ears, but I had difficulties hearing the pitch of notes the low E string in the first position. I had to apply more force plucking that string to hear it properly. There was a volume step for me between low E and A string, hence the 4 stars. I really liked the tone of the high E on any note.

Conclusion:

After three weeks I changed back to regular nylon strings as I was missing regular guitar tonal range more than I was enjoying the warm bass sounds. If I ever have the opportunity to upgrade my classical guitar I will put a set of these on the second one and keep it forever as a six string short scale nylon bass guitar. But for someone with only one guitar this is only a rather expensive gag.

Don't buy a bass

I play in a classical guitar quartet. To expand our repertoire I invested in an acoustic bass, which opened up many possibilities. I decided to try these strings on a regular guitar and am delighted with the results. It's louder, has a richer sound and blends better.

I couldn't understand how the low E would fit through the bridge, but the clever design means it's not a problem.

Of course, you've got to have a spare guitar!