olderisbetter - Posted - 02/08/2012:  07:39:23

I just bought another set of the nylgut classical strings and noticed that on this set the fourth string is not wound. On all of the sets I have bought previously the fourth was a wound string. Is it possible that they were mislabeled minstrel strings or is this an optional thing with the classical set?

trapdoor2 - Posted - 02/08/2012:  07:42:21

It was optional in the past. Some vendors list sets "wound 4th" and "plain 4th". I don't know if Aquila has completely switched over to solid 4ths or not.

The wound 4ths wear out faster than the rest of the set, so Mimmo has been experimenting with solid 4ths. They do last a good bit longer but I personally prefer the tone and feel of the wound 4ths.

olderisbetter - Posted - 02/08/2012:  07:51:25

Hmm....I have never tried out the solid fourth. Seems a little odd but I guess I will give it a shot.

SqeemNeason - Posted - 02/08/2012:  10:32:10

The minstrel strings that I've bought have a wound 4th. I'm still using the classical until I wear them out and I can set up the bridge and nut for minstrel, and those had a wound 4th as well. Now I'm kind of curious about the solid 4th. . .

rudy - Posted - 02/08/2012:  11:25:20

To elaborate, both the Minstrel and classical Aquila Nylgut strings have wound fourths, although the classical set is available with wound or plain fourth.   I've seen many posts about folks not liking the plain fourth and switching back to the wound variety after trying both.  It's a balancing act between wearing out the string prematurely on the wound string or going with a plain string that doesn't sound as good.  I think the shortened lifespan of the wound fourth is attributable to folks who use them on fretted banjos.  I'm not sure if the Minstrel set is available with a plain fourth, though.

B0bIII - Posted - 02/08/2012:  13:06:17

Does anybody know what the diameter of the plain nylgut fourth string is?

At the moment I'm using 100 lb. (.039") trilene monofilament leader for a fourth string and it is dull.  I'm wondering if I'm in the right ballpark.  

Bufo Bill - Posted - 02/08/2012:  13:37:09

I would love to know how you get on with this plain string, so let us know how it goes Olderisbetter. I am also linking this thread to the Polymer Strings group page, feel free to drop in over there too.
All the best from Bill.

Dave 93 - Posted - 02/08/2012:  15:55:38

I bought the classical Aquila Nylgut strings, and mine came with a solid 4th. I didnt like it at first, but with time I came to enjoy the super smooth action and feel of the string.

DEmery - Posted - 02/08/2012:  16:26:31

I just tossed a set of Nylguts on a Menzie tack-head and the non-wound 4th is fine in my view. I have always had a wound 4th and am accustom to the look and feel; but the non-wound sounds good. I have some single wound 4th strings to use and in time will change it out to see if going back makes a difference. David E.