Ball End Bouzouki Strings

Subject: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Chris Green
Date: 02 Dec 07 - 06:48 PM

Hi all

I've just started playing my bouzouki on a regular basis again, but can't seem to find a decent set of ball-ended strings anywhere online. The only set that seems to exist is the D'addario one, which is loop-ended and a little too light for my taste. Any suggestions?

Cheers

Chris

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: mandotim
Date: 02 Dec 07 - 07:07 PM

Hi Chris; give Malcolm Newton a call at Newtone Strings; he'll sort you out with whatever gauge you need. Redwing strings do a ball-end set I think, as well, but the Newtones are better imho. Newtones are here . There are three standard gauges, but don't take that as a limit; Malc is well known for providing custom sets.
Tim

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Mooh
Date: 02 Dec 07 - 08:30 PM

I generally use regular guitar strings (D'Addario), though it takes two sets and there are leftover strings. Perhaps JustStrings.com or somewhere can make up special sets. Decent shops might just have enough spares to make you sets periodically.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 03:27 AM

Mandotim is spot on (Redwing are available from Music room in Cleckheaton they are happy to sort out any gauge combination)

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 03:31 AM

They dont seem to do a bouzouki Set , but try these people for single strings to mak a set up !

                      http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Chris Green
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 04:24 AM

Cheers guys! I'll look into it!

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: jonm
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 06:38 AM

I get ball-end cittern strings as either Newtone or d'Addario singles; I prefer the Newtone tone but the price, longevity and availability of the d'Ads. Basically, I'll fit Newtones if I have a gig but d'Ads the rest of the time.

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Mooh
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 09:45 AM

Fwiw, my zouk is currently strung with D'Addario Flattops. After its neck reset it got more trebley on the wound strings so I tried the flatwounds and they sound great! Smoother tone and feel with less finger noise.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 10:48 AM

I've just put a custom set of Newtones on my Fylde zouk - so far very pleased with the result.

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 11:33 AM

I have a question. Ball end strings are handy, but if they are not available, can't a person just use another kind of string and tie a knot?

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: jonm
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 11:40 AM

Ermm.... no. Steel strings are a lot harder to knot than thread, particularly those approaching 1mm thick. Certainly wouldn't work on my Fylde, which requires the ball to fit into a slot in the tailpiece.

Could be done the other way, I have cut balls in half to leave loop ends for emergency mandolin strings.

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 11:42 AM

IF your fingers are fairly nimble . there is no reason not to save the ball end from a 'dead' string , and fit it to a loop end string .
I regularly Re Use the broken string - Assuming it broken at the right end - by Re tying the ball end on an re fitting . Thats why i coil the Spare length at the machine head !!

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: GUEST,Mick
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 08:20 AM

I get mine direct from Fylde. See website fyldeguitars.com

Subject: RE: Ball End Bouzouki Strings
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 02:19 PM

Thanks chaps for useful contacts re Bouzouki/Cittern etc strings.
Although JonM...
i think that the dissecting of balls is a bit drastic,
It's only a bouzouki for gods sake...!!
Ah well, if it makes you happy.
Seriosly, thanks for the tips
Ralphie