Thanks Valentin. Very informative video. I bought the yamaha when it came out. Used it as uke. Yesterday, decided to dig it out of closet then saw your video up only 3 days ago. Fate brought me here for guitar tuning. Thanks again.! 🌹
I agree with you, the Yamaha Guitalele is very interesting; a cheap and portable instrument with its own very specific timbre. I just find one main shortcoming: it can be a bit hard to play barre chords up to the 7th fret, but I think this may be solved by tuning the instrument as a standard guitar - using the right strings, of course. Anyway, this is one of the most exhaustive videos about Guitalele on RUclips! Thank you very much, you definitely deserve many more subscribers ;)
Thank you very much! For me, the barre chords are possible up to the 8th fret without problems, and the 9th and up are partially possible but are progressively more tricky. In fact, I experienced the same on a full-sized guitar. I think it depends more on the width and flexibility of your palm, rather than the strings.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic The A shape barre chord is the more problematic... At some point you have to remove the 2nd finger and play one string less, or barre with the little finger and not play the treble 1st string... Beside that you can play a lot on a guitalele!
@@luc5798 I think it depends on the fingers you have. I do not have such an issue with A-shaped chords, for example. A good exercise for barre chords is Prelude in C minor by Agustin Barrios. Definitely playable on guitalele.
Probably it will not be the next one, but I definitely have such plans. At least about the saddle, since it is much more important and much easier to make.
This is the most comprhensive, practical treatment of using a Guitalele as a small guitar. It is enough to convince me I should get one. I think this setup sould sound really great for lute music.
The first thing i did was take it to the guitar shop and have them toss on Aquila Red strings, tune it to E, and install straplocks. The GL1 came out of the box good enough for the luthier to say no setup required, just a little oil on the board and the nut. I should have polished the frets, though, that didnt occur to me until just hearing you mention it...and I have the fricken polishing kit. Woops:) 100 bucks. Plays easy, sounds good. Small body is comfy. The price is exactly 1/10th the cost of my middle-range acoustic. When I cant make a stretch on the full sized guitar, I find myself practicing more on the GL1 to make the shape ring out, then transfer the finger memory back up to the big guitar. I think the GL1 is more understood because of guys like you that share a LOT of your thoughtful experience about them, by the way. I saw a video of someone explaining that new technology strings make Guitaleles tune to E, and immediately bought one because....it just makes sense for the quality and the money and the comfort. Nice video, Valentin. Im impressed youre self taught, but something about you suggests that youre likely one of those autodidacts running around being good at a lot of things;)
I bought the Cordoba Mini - all Mahogany - Santa Fe model which is slightly larger than the Guitarlelle and with a longer neck permits tuning in E with a standard classical guitar string set. But to your point, I gradually came to love playing it for it's quaint 'small sound' especially with certain pieces like Renaissance music and as you noted, it is great for initially learning a piece with challenging fingering and then transfering the skill to full size guitar. It's compact size makes it easy to comfortably noodle around without having to be in standard classical posture. The Mini comes with strap buttons already installed and using straps lets it lie comfortably against my chest while playing.
Thank you, I actually sold mine because I couldn’t get used to the A tuning- especially if I wanted to sing along. Size was perfect to carry on my motorcycle. I’m going to pick up another one and try the carbon strings and tune in E!
Very interesting review, well done! I´ve dwelled a bit on this matter and after testing a lot of high tension and extra high tension options for standard E tuning, I ended up with a solution I liked and have been using on my GL1 for the last 2 years. What I did was using a 7 string nylon guitar set, with the 7th as the 6th, 6th as 5th and so on (and abandoning the 1st string of course). I´ve sanded the nut to fit the new string gauge and this way I can get a satisfying feel and weight on the strings and still keep a reasonable tuning on the whole neck. 7 string nylon guitars are pretty common here in Brazil and I already had one so I could first test with an old set of strings I had. New sets are also cheap and fairly easily to find in any music store around here.
I own one of these. It is a fantastic little piccolo guitar that sounds great. It is currently the only nylon string instrument I own, but it makes me want a full size nylon string instrument. Sometimes the nylon string sound is the sweetest tone. Mine is nearly 10 years old and it only gets better with age. I've never had any issues with it. I play mine fairly often in a classroom setting. The kids particularly love when I play Spongebob theme music on it. But ABC songs also abound.
Bought one about 18 months ago for about $90 from Amazon. Still playing in A tuning. The 17" scale makes for a tight fretboard, but it is so fun to play this thing for this 70 year old guitar hack.
Fantastic review! I love this guitalale! The beautiful thing about it is you can put it anywhere in the house on a stand. I put mine next to tv. Play it while I watch the tv. The only thing I wish it had was built in pickup.
I've got a couple of these guitaleles and I use a KNA UP-1 stick on soundboard transducer on one of them. Unfortunately it doesn't sound quite as nice and balanced on the guitalele as on my solid mahogany tenor uke but it is just about usable. The guitalele has a bit more of that piezo "quack" that seems a lot harder to dial out than the uke which sounds really quite natural. I may have to play around some more with positioning the pickup on the guitalele. I have it stuck in the same place as on my uke (just behind and below the bridge) and it may actually work better elsewhere on the guitalele. I glue the pickups on (reversibly) with a Pritt Stick for best sound transfer so it's not a quick job repositioning it. Of course the right strings may help too.
Valentin, that was a fantastic video. Thank you for all the detailed information. I’m now subscribed to the channel. Some additional information could be very helpful. Please consider making more videos on the following: - Best first guitar cords to learn. - Correct guitar playing posture to avoid pain and injury. - A how-to polish the frets video. - A how-to restring the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele. - A how-to oil the GL1 tuners. - A review and comparison of popular strings for Yamaha GL1 Standard E tuning such as Hannabach Kinder Guitar Strings 1/8 size (44-48cm) 890MT, Aquila Guilele Strings 153C Standard E Tuning Red Series, D'Addario Guitar Strings (XTC46FF) which are popular in the USA. - A comparison video of a small 1/8 size classical guitar like the La Mancha Rubinito 1/8 CM/41 to the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele and explaining the pros and cons of each.
Thank you very much for the suggestions! I will definitely do videos for many of these topics! La Mancha Rubinito 1/8 seems to be an interesting instrument. Unfortunately, it is not available locally, but I will look for ways to try it.
For my guitalele (A tuning) I use Augustine Imperial: medium tension trebles, high tension basses. They tend to sound best, but this obviously depends also on other factors, like the soundwood used for the guitar. In my case it is masacara ebony (not very typical). I played a couple of different guitaleles and finally stuck with an Ortega model. For me A tuning is very useful, since guitalele is one of many guitars I play and sometimes I need a higher register. To have more fun I also sometimes play it through an amp (Boss Katana), which has many effects built in. It sounds great, especially with an octaver, which adds lower frequencies to bottom strings.
Great video! I ordered some strings after the original ones started smelling like something they really shouldnt. I've learned to love the GL1 because she's with me on nearly every adventure and i love singing to her even though my fat fingers only allow for chords to be played :). I'm looking so forward to playing my music in original tuning! Thank you very much!!
String Hint if you want A tuning for these shorties: look for requinto strings. D’Addario and labella both sell requinto sets, I’m sure there are others.
[15:50] D’Addario XTC46FF _Aquila_ 153C is a special E-tuning set for guitaleles. [ ruclips.net/video/WLfngssqfRM/видео.html ] Recommended way to string and wind: [ ruclips.net/video/UCwsh5_4n24/видео.html ]
Awesome video. I was curious what your solution was for E tuning. in the mean time I have tried a set of strings, Aquila 153C red series. I think they're nylon but metal powder infused so that the strings are higher tension at the same thickness. They seem nice in my opinion but i'm just a beginner in the classical guitar world. I will have to try carbon next
Thank you! Yes, I'm aware of the Aquila 153c. The description of them looks promising, but even their official sound demo is not that convincing. Maybe it's because of the player's technique, like plucking over the fingerboard which I do not tolerate. And the red winding is strange :) Probably, I will try them one day, to have a proper opinion about them. Anyway, it is a good starting point for learning the instrument in the guitar tuning.
Went into my local store to pick up a GL1 and strings for standard tuning. Since they didn't have any carbon high tension strings, the salesman suggested the EF44 extra high tension strings. You are spot on with your description. They don't sound good. €14 wasted. By the way, I would love the video on the strap button installation.
Thank you for good advice! I have had one of these for many years, with ordinary strings in E tuning. I thought I had to accept the floppy string action, but now I know better. New strings are ordered 👍
Many thanks for the video and sharing. It is very interesting (I am considering buying guitar or guitar-like instrument). From what I checked with this guitalele Yamaha shaved off 0.7kg (compared to C40II 4/4), not bad. You playing is very inspirational, thank you for including those parts. If it is possible, yes, please add technical videos, i.e. what and how you changed stock guitalele.
Dear!A few years ago I bought the Gl1 for my girlfriend in Russia who is a singer songwriter.She plays a lot on that instrument bud in the A tuning.The strings I recommended her are D’adario EJ46 hard tension.After 3 years the bridge came of the body.Sombody repaired de guitalele but he used both glue and a screw.Not the right way to do this.For the moment the bridge is holding but now she uses Aquila strings with a lower tension made in Italy.I saw your whole video and I really liked it .I was surprised that you recommend Hard tension strings carbon for this instrument while it is tuned in E.but probably it is possible! I saw a comment to you in Russian,so I supposed you are from Russia .My girlfriend is from Stary Oskol.I’m from Belgium.By the way you play very beautiful on that instrument and with the pickup and the reverb it sounds like a real classical guitar!Thanks for sharing your knowledge ,playing and passion!
I found that for A tuning even normal tension D'Addario strings are, subjectively, too strong, as I said in the video. However, the hard tension carbon, which is even stronger than high tension nylon, is perfect for E tuning because this tuning is much lower, 5 semitones down. The resulting tension is just right. Of course, I do not recommend tuning carbon strings much higher than EBGDAE. And with any strings, except some very special "high E" sets, you should not tune the guitalele to the next higher E. P.S. I'm from Ukraine.
Your string guide for travel guitars is a real useful tool. Thank you! I subscribed because of the work put into this very well made video. You did excellent and covered everything people need to know to get started with travel guitars.
Great video - Subscribed. I have same GL-1. I got Amazon bone classical saddle/nut and installed. Tone is much better. One mod you might like to try is what I did. Have clumsy fat fingers. the string width was too small for me. Amazon standard classical nut width is 52mm wide. GL-1 nut width is 48mm wide. Shaved off 2mm either side of the new bone nut and installed. Now have width string spacings exactly the same as a standard full size classical - but - GL-1 normal string spacing from A to A (E to E), highest to lowest string is 38mm. Now GL-1 with standard classical nut it is 44mm with 2mm on each side between string and fret edge. Which means both outside E strings, or A, are very close to the edge of the frets. 2mm from the edge. Standard GL-1 is 5mm either side. This takes an hour or so to truly get used to playing, but after that you will compensate and not notice it. (May be off on my mm's, not by much, but you get the point. - modded the new nut to be standard classical width for ease of playing) Will try your string suggestion, currently on A to A Aquila Guilele Purple set. Sounds ok.
Thank you! My fingers are relatively thin, so I do not have any problems with spacing. But some people may find your approach useful. The wider strings spacing can be a problem with E to E tuning since it is still slightly lower tension than A to A, so you may experience that the 1st and the 6th strings are sliding off the fretboard when pressed at 5-12 frets. It depends on what and how you play though. I never buy pre-made nuts and always start with raw blanks, so I do not know exactly, but it seems that there are 50mm ones with 42mm spacing in case you have any problems with lower tension strings.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic 41mm or 41,5mm (instead of 39) between the two "E" strings is very good (middle of the strings). More would be too much... I tune it in G# with Aquila 96c strings, sometimes in G but less tension, so have to be more careful not to slide off the bridge...
@@ValentinKovshikMusic I think youre right on E tuning being problematic/looser for my modded nut spacing. At A-A, it is perfect, for me anyways, but any looser and yeah, easily the outside strings would be a hindrance. Luckily, I can buy another cheap second hand GL-1 and put E-E strings on that.
I can't believe I have NEVER seen or even heard of a GUITALELE before!!. This is so cool!!!.. Thank you for the review, it's a really nice little guitar... might have to put one on the shopping list :)
From u.k. Before you buy check out the baritone ukulele 4 strings tuned DGBE the biggest of all ukes. And a damn site easier than a guitar which I struggle with.
I got a baritone Ukulele about a year ago. It doesn't have the range of the guitarlele but definitely feels more guitar like to play. Recently I got a semi solid electric baritone Uke. The advantages are tone, strings are no trouble to find, and it's very easy to play. Currently working on Rondo Alla Turca. I can see myself going back to guitar but I'm having too much fun with folk and blues on the baritone uke.
I've learnt so much about my GL1 through your presentation ! Thank you for the valueable information, loved your improvement tips and opinion about this cute and awesome guitar
Valentin Kovshik Music You can use 1/4 Scale Classical Guitar Strings for EADGBE Tuning because its scale length is roughly like that of a 1/4 Scale Guitar.
Very frequently they are just thicker nylon strings, sometimes with wound G, and I think it's not a good option at all. Even for a 1/4 guitar. Sets with composite trebles and carbon trebles may be promising but considering availability and price, usual hard carbon strings are much more accessible for everyone and, I think, must be better in terms of quality. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to sell lower-quality products for kids.
Had no idea you could tune these to E tuning! Thanks, been looking for something for taking on travels and always discounted the guitarlele as I didn't want A tuning
Dear Valentin, your video is professional and highly useful as well as elegant. I will buy this Guitalele and restring with the D'Addario XTC46FF as you recommend for my 13 year old Son. Not only is he a child, but he inherited small hand from his mother (for now, maybe will get bigger as he grows). I would like to give you a patreon donation if you have this setup. It will be a modest amount but I want to support your wonderful music.
Thank you very much for the kind words! I hope your son will love the instrument! I do not have a patreon account yet. You can support the channel just by watching the videos, commenting and sharing.
Extremely helpful and incredibly well done presentation of this instrument. The contents convinced me to acquire a GL1 myself and restring it with D'Addario carbon high tension strings. The sound of the instrument is really incredible! Nevertheless, I've got a real problem with the A, D and G strings, which seem to hav a too short distance between nut and first fret. As you mentioned to have installed / built a compensated nut (08:44), I can understand why your GL1 sounds so clean. Would you mind to provide a description and measures of your successful approach to the nut? I'd be very grateful for that!
I do not think the factory-made GL1 has a too short 1st fret. They are all cut at once on a machine. You can check it, it should be 0.954 inches (2,423 cm) from the nut. But if it is closer, then a usual compensated nut will not help, since it is what it does: makes the first fret distance shorter. There is a good article about nut compensation. Google "The Compensated Nut by Stephen Delft". My specific measurements will not help because I have a custom saddle too, and the nut height, most definitely, is different. It's a trial-and-error process with no universal solution for every instrument. What I think you have is the nut which may be too HIGH, so it makes those strings sharper when pressed. It's a bit complicated to fix at home since it is easy to make the slots too deep. It's hard to explain the whole process in one comment. I have some ideas on how to explain it to non-luthier people, possibly I make a video eventually. In general, I think the saddle compensation is more important and I'm in the process of making a video about that.
I had to lower saddle and the grooves in the nut on mine. The action was ridiculously high for such a short scale length and even without the saddle, it was high enough to where there was no buzzing. I might have to try G tuning at some point, though I hesitate with E as I don't think the deck will be bassy enough for my taste. The low end is something I really appreciate on my classical guitar, as I've used a steel string parlor guitar with a mediocre low end in the past.
Wow, that’s VERY high action. It’s good that you managed to adjust the saddle to make it playable. Mine is surprisingly good at low end. In person it sounds better than on video. Especially with fresh Oasis basses. I’m not sure about your case with a saddle that was reduced in height. This reduced the break angle and strings may sound with less power.
Thanks, very interesting. I also bought this GL-1 when been in another country and had no guitar. I do not like A-tuning. So I found special set of strings for Guitalele for E-tuning. It was Aquila RED 153C. But anyway sound wasn't bright. So I will try your set of strings. I like GL-1, it's very comfortable to play.
Hello, may I get some advice please? I plan to buy this guitalele for my dad’s birthday. As guitar player, he used to E tuning so I plan to ask the shop to setup for him (I don’t know much about the instrument) Is it enough if I only ask them to change strings and tuning? Or is there something else I need to tell them too?
@@詩姫-m1c Hello, it depends. I only changed the strings and it works fine. Of course if compared to a guitar, the strings are more loose in the Guitalele. It is not exactly the same then the guitar strings would feel, but works just fine with XTC46FF strings.
@@詩姫-m1c Yes, for the beginning, new strings are enough. Also, ask for a strap button installation (only a single one like I have, no need for a button near the neck).
I just tried you recommendation of the D'Addario strings on my Romero Creations Tiny Tenor 6 string. I cannot thank you enough, it sounds really good. Of course not as much bass as my 6 string Baritone, but it is so much fun to play. It makes the perfect travel companion. Next time I will also try the Oasis as you mentioned, but so far I am liking just the D'Addarios . . .😄
i found one in a charity shop for 50£ and i was delighted with it. i must try the strings that you recommend for E tuning just as a bit of a change of tone colour and feel. thanks for the video, your advice, knowledge and your lovely playing. i particularly enjoyed the excerpt from Barrios.
I liked your video very much, in fact didn’t wait to watch it all the way through, but went out and bought one! I play jazz on electric and acoustic guitars, and I play ukulele, so this is fun for me, and very affordable at AUD$149. I now wish to find some suitable strings for guitar tuning. Thank you! ❤
Thanks Valentin for the video. I've had a GL1 for several years to play when I'm away from home especially abroad as it fits diagonally in my suitcase in the gig bag - and despite many, many long haul flights even without detuning - it has never been damaged. I've tried various Aquila strings and in general I cannot play classical pieces at the default high tension of A tuning. Instead I use Aquila 96C but with the strings tuned 6 to 1 as G-C-F-A#-D-G. This gives a tension similar to my medium tension on my normal classical guitar. Due to muscle memory I've ended up keeping specific pieces only for the instrument such as Aguado, Carcassi, and Carulli studies, plus some of the guitalelle pieces written by Wolfgang Vedral. Someone with perfect pitch might not be comfortable listening to me.... but nevertheless I find this a very workable solution when I cannot play my normal guitar for several weeks. I would be interested in how to put a strap catch in the base without damaging as currently I have to play by sitting on the edge of my hotel bed and not the normal position. Again, many thanks.
I'm glad that you like my video. And thanks for sharing your experience! I have tried to tune the guitalele to G too. I agree, this is a very good option to use with normal tension nylon or guitalele strings intended for A tuning. Yes, it is unusual to hear but the tension is just right.
I really like Aquila 96 strings. They're thinner (even the bass strings) and therefore very suitable for guitalele. I think they're a bit too flexible in G, so I prefer them in G#. In fact, G# 332HZ at the moment... For me, in A, it's a bit too tense and too high. I really like the sound when played in G or G#. But I don't really like it in E. Its little body resonates better when it's tuned higher!
@@luc5798 thanks. I'll try with G# (332Hz) and see how I get on. Essentially this shows the advantage of the GL1 in that one can experiment and find your own preference. I'm also going to look into carefully drilling a hole and fastening a clip to add a 'guitar' strap as Valentin mentioned. I've now noticed other makes of guitalele have this already.
Валентин, дуже дякую вам за пораду з використанням E-tunning. Нещодавно придбав гіталеле IBANEZ AUP10N (чудовий інстумент). Згідно вашої рекомендації - замінив струни на D'Addario XTC46FF Hard Tension. В E-tunning інстумент звучить якісно та правильно. Немає відчуття, що ноти "пливують" через недостатній натяг. Результат дійсно дуже приємно здивував!
Thanks for the tips. I've got two of these and an Aria (I don't recommend the Aria). I tried lots of different strings when I got my first one and ended up sticking in A tuning with Aquilla light gauge Ambra 800 nylgut strings. They are supposed to sound more like traditional gut and silk strings. The only problem with them as with various others I tried was the winding on the lightest wound string never lasts. Fortunately a standard classical D string works well enough as a replacement. I find the same with Aquilla's wound low G string for tenor ukulele. I'm going to have to try having a play around with string sets again for my second guitalele to find what tuning I like as an alternative. I've never tried carbon strings so that should be interesting. I currently play the original one in AEADEA (DADGAD at the fifth) with a pick. Everything's folky round here these days. My arthritis won't let me play the Bach and Dowland I used to enjoy. 😞 Любов і мир.
Congrats! I hope you will like it! Be careful with the nut and saddle though. If they are not specifically made for this model of guitalele, they will require some work to make them fit. Generic classical guitar parts will be too big in all dimensions. The saddle is easier to fit, but even with it be ready that the first couple of attempts will end up with wasted material if you do not have prior experience. I generally do not recommend that beginners try to DIY a custom nut because frustration is almost guaranteed :)
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Thank you for the advice. I will see if there is a guitar repair shop or even a Luthier near me. Your video was really expertly presented, you definitely deserve more followers.
Wow, you play so beautifully ❤ I have one but also couldn’t get used to the A tuning. I may try the E tuning Aquila Reds, and maybe I’ll get some fresh inspiration!
Thank you! I have never tried Aquila Reds, so I do not know exactly about their sound. Based on their official demo video and other videos on RUclips, it seems that fluorocarbon strings which I use must be brighter than Aquila strings.
Could you provide a commentary or a separate video on how to install a strap without damaging the guitalele? Thanks and more power to you and your YT channel!
What a difference the carbon fibre strings make! This sounds like a far larger and more expensive classical guitar. Thanks for a very informative video.
I got the Fender Sonora and find it is very nice, it’s not a Gretsch or my Yellow Wood but nice sound. Stand your guitar next to you TV sub and tube every day.
Very nice video, my friend. Well done! You covered all the bases and did a great job of explaining things. Also, I am a trained and experienced music instructor. Guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar are the 3 most requested for lessons. I would have no problem with this instrument. As an option for a higher end guitarlele, check out the Ortega. They are excellent.
An additional 6th string is needed if you follow that popular suggestion to use the 2nd string as a 1st one, the 3rd as a 2nd, etc. for E tuning. I do NOT recommend this.
Thank you for this video, it inspired me to pick up my guitarlele again... only to notice the bridge was coming loose due to me thoughtlessly throwing on some random strings and tuning it to A some months ago:( Let's hope it's repairable
The bridge definitely has to be repairable. Just loosen the strings until you visit a luthier so the bridge is not under tension, to avoid further damage.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Thank you for the response, I'll take it to heart. I needed to get it to a luthier for the strap button anyway:) Last question: which mic do you use? It sounds fantastic!
I used hannabach alto strings after getting advice from strings by mail, they were perfect but the wound third snapped quickly. But this was timed to A not E
Thank you very much for the video and review. Im quite new in the guitar world. So my question is: after following your instructions on the strings and tuning for the E-Tuning - is the the guitalele then like with a capo on the 5th fret?
With carbon strings, you can tune it like a normal full-size guitar. The original A-tuning is like a capo on the 5th fret (or like a ukulele with 2 additional strings). If you want this, then use light-tension nylon.
Спасибо Валентин! Очень хорошее видео и описание. Ямаха очень хороший производитель гитар по доступным ценам. Тем из нас кто играет на классической гитаре надо иметь что-то такое под рукой.
Thank you for this amazing video. I am interested in buying one of these. How about learning how to play? It would be great if you could guide us on this matter as well.
@@onderozcan985 it’s basically a classical guitar if tuned to E, so the same learning process and repertoire is applicable. Actually I have some ideas for educational videos on playing. I cannot promise they will be released in the nearest future but stay tuned:)
@@onderozcan985 I did not study with a teacher or an online course. So I cannot say what methods or online resources definitely work. From what I see on RUclips, I think "This is Classical Guitar" channel can be a good start. There are plenty of online tutors, by the way, just find someone who is not skeptical about guitaleles :) I guess Brandon Acker's online school is good, they teach many instruments.
On strings, considering that I want to use it primarily as a ukulele, what about putting on 6 of the strings in a good quality set of strings for an 8 string tenor ukulele? I assume that there would be less stress on the integrity of the instrument.
I think it will not work like this. 8-string uke uses 4 pairs of strings (a.k.a. 4 courses). Technically, it's still played like a 4-string ukulele. Guitalele is a 6-string instrument with different chord shapes (unless you totally ignore the 5th and 6th strings). And you will not have correct strings among those 8 to put on the 5th and 6th place. If you want a ukulele sound from Guitalele, just use A-to-A tuning as it was from the factory and use light tension nylon strings, as Yamaha recommends.
Thank you for your prompt reply. I was looking at this from the point of view of a ukulele player deciding whether to buy a guitarlele and intending to use it as a 6 string ukulele. I was wondering whether you might use the low G and C strings of the 8-string set as the two low strings of the guitarlele tuned as G and C respectively making the guitarlele a six string ukulele with a standard tuning. The higher strings would be tuned to the most common pitches found on the unison strings of an 8-string tenor. Of course, it might be considered that you would waste two of the 8 string set. However, I have an 8-string ukulele so the 2 extra strings would not be wasted. Does your analysis still apply in this case?
I have answered your previous question using my second channel accidentally. I think it's possible technically because the scale length is the same, so if the strings are intended for a tenor ukulele, they will work; however, I'm not sure what it can give you in terms of playability. The 5th and 6th strings as G and C (instead of Aand D) will give you an unusual 6-string tuning which is different form guitalele, ukulele, and a guitar. As I said, if you want the sound of the ukulele + extended range due to additional strings, just use the standard guitalele tuning (6th string: A; 5th string: D; 4th string: G; 3rd string: C; 2nd string: E; 1st string: A) with light tension nylon guitar strings. Or using a special guitarlele set. The first four strings will be exactly the same as low-G uke tuning, so if you know ukulele chords, you can just ignore or mute the additional strings and play. Or you can learn guitar-style chord shapes but keeping in mind that the tuning is 5 semitones higher than a guitar one. This is as close to a 6-string ukulele as you can get. There is nothing wrong with experimenting but I would recommend trying the original way of tuning first.
I just got a yamaha GL1 guitalele, but I saw the Aquila guitalele strings for low E tuning. Have you tried those and would you still reccomend the ddadario xtc over the aquila ones?
I did not try them because I did not like their official sound demo. Maybe they are good. I guess they sound less bright than carbon strings. When buying xtc series be careful with different types. XTC46 (nylon) is NOT the same as XTC46FF (carbon). EJ46 vs EJ46FF is almost the same, just not coated.
Hello, thank you so much for the video. Could you make a video about how to change the chords? Is there anything specific we need to be aware of as these are not specifically made for guitalele. Thank you so much, I am excited to get started
Hello, strings changing is 100% same as on a classical guitar, so just watch any video about that. Keep in mind that carbon strings are a bit more slippery than nylon, so you definitely need to tie a stopper knot (figure 8 knot is great) at the end of the string on the bridge side before you tie the main knot on the bridge. It's for the first 3 strings that are plain plastic. Do not do questionable things like using fire to melt string ends, etc.
Have you tried the Hannabach 653059 Series 890 Duel 44-48cm Strings for 1/8 Children Classic Guitar? Great video! I’m thinking about also putting a LR baggs Anthem SL-C in it.
Great video - thank you. I'm getting one of these for Christmas & the setup looks invaluable. Can you advise what pick up you use at 19.49? Thanks, Jeremy
My current time of the video? Huh? I own a Gl1, natural finish, and like you, really like it. Can you tell me more about the microphone pickup that you are using? Thank you
The sound here is a mix of Boya BY-M1 lav microphone on the guitar + Fifine 669 USB mic. The lav mic is mostly to add a bit of stereo feel and to capture a bit of low end. In fact, it's not that necessary in this setup. Most of the sound in my recent videos is from the Fifine.
Hi Valentin, thanks a lot for the sharing ! You really sounds amazing. I'm curious too about the mike you use on the guitar ? You'll find a piece ( My Favorite Things ) play with the GL1 on my profile ( in standard A) , played when i just bought it some yeras ago, i found it so fun. Thanks again for the strings stories, i need to change them on the GL1 and found no serious advices before yours.
The mic on the guitar is Boya BY-M1 lav microphone. However the sound is a mix. That one + Fifine 669 USB mic nearby. The lav mic is mostly to add a bit of stereo feel. Most of the sound is from the Fifine.
Thanks Valentin. Very informative video. I bought the yamaha when it came out. Used it as uke. Yesterday, decided to dig it out of closet then saw your video up only 3 days ago. Fate brought me here for guitar tuning. Thanks again.! 🌹
I'm glad my video was helpful! Have fun with the guitalele!
I agree with you, the Yamaha Guitalele is very interesting; a cheap and portable instrument with its own very specific timbre. I just find one main shortcoming: it can be a bit hard to play barre chords up to the 7th fret, but I think this may be solved by tuning the instrument as a standard guitar - using the right strings, of course. Anyway, this is one of the most exhaustive videos about Guitalele on RUclips! Thank you very much, you definitely deserve many more subscribers ;)
Thank you very much!
For me, the barre chords are possible up to the 8th fret without problems, and the 9th and up are partially possible but are progressively more tricky. In fact, I experienced the same on a full-sized guitar. I think it depends more on the width and flexibility of your palm, rather than the strings.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic The A shape barre chord is the more problematic... At some point you have to remove the 2nd finger and play one string less, or barre with the little finger and not play the treble 1st string... Beside that you can play a lot on a guitalele!
@@luc5798 I think it depends on the fingers you have. I do not have such an issue with A-shaped chords, for example.
A good exercise for barre chords is Prelude in C minor by Agustin Barrios. Definitely playable on guitalele.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Lower than 5th fret, complete A shaped barre chord on the 5 strings is impossible on the guitalele...
Please more details about nut and saddle mods. Waiting for next video. Thank you!
Probably it will not be the next one, but I definitely have such plans. At least about the saddle, since it is much more important and much easier to make.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic I will also be eagerly waiting for this video!
@@ValentinKovshikMusicit would be great 😁 i dont really like the plastic one that comes with the guitalele
yes Valentin another one video for the saddle would be great !! and thanks for this perfect one !
Yes, I’m curious about the process too!
This is by far, the best video about Guitalele you will find online. Thank you so much Valentin.
This is the most comprhensive, practical treatment of using a Guitalele as a small guitar. It is enough to convince me I should get one. I think this setup sould sound really great for lute music.
Thank you!
Yes, it works great for baroque music!
They are great, I use mine daily, have had it for 3 years now. Makes a good travelling instrument.
The first thing i did was take it to the guitar shop and have them toss on Aquila Red strings, tune it to E, and install straplocks. The GL1 came out of the box good enough for the luthier to say no setup required, just a little oil on the board and the nut. I should have polished the frets, though, that didnt occur to me until just hearing you mention it...and I have the fricken polishing kit. Woops:) 100 bucks. Plays easy, sounds good. Small body is comfy. The price is exactly 1/10th the cost of my middle-range acoustic. When I cant make a stretch on the full sized guitar, I find myself practicing more on the GL1 to make the shape ring out, then transfer the finger memory back up to the big guitar. I think the GL1 is more understood because of guys like you that share a LOT of your thoughtful experience about them, by the way. I saw a video of someone explaining that new technology strings make Guitaleles tune to E, and immediately bought one because....it just makes sense for the quality and the money and the comfort.
Nice video, Valentin. Im impressed youre self taught, but something about you suggests that youre likely one of those autodidacts running around being good at a lot of things;)
Thank you!
I am surprised that he’s self-taught, too! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I bought the Cordoba Mini - all Mahogany - Santa Fe model which is slightly larger than the Guitarlelle and with a longer neck permits tuning in E with a standard classical guitar string set. But to your point, I gradually came to love playing it for it's quaint 'small sound' especially with certain pieces like Renaissance music and as you noted, it is great for initially learning a piece with challenging fingering and then transfering the skill to full size guitar. It's compact size makes it easy to comfortably noodle around without having to be in standard classical posture. The Mini comes with strap buttons already installed and using straps lets it lie comfortably against my chest while playing.
Thank you, I actually sold mine because I couldn’t get used to the A tuning- especially if I wanted to sing along. Size was perfect to carry on my motorcycle. I’m going to pick up another one and try the carbon strings and tune in E!
same
Very interesting review, well done! I´ve dwelled a bit on this matter and after testing a lot of high tension and extra high tension options for standard E tuning, I ended up with a solution I liked and have been using on my GL1 for the last 2 years. What I did was using a 7 string nylon guitar set, with the 7th as the 6th, 6th as 5th and so on (and abandoning the 1st string of course). I´ve sanded the nut to fit the new string gauge and this way I can get a satisfying feel and weight on the strings and still keep a reasonable tuning on the whole neck. 7 string nylon guitars are pretty common here in Brazil and I already had one so I could first test with an old set of strings I had. New sets are also cheap and fairly easily to find in any music store around here.
Just subscribed!
I was blown away by how nice the guitalele sounds tuned as a guitar. This channel deserves ALOT more subs!
Thank you!
Excellent video on this instrument, Valentin. You covered all the bases with your thorough treatment of the instrument and its setup.
Love this! Just got one of these for my bardcore jams! LOVE IT
I recorded my second album using this guitar for 2 of the works . It actually worked really well, I was completely shocked.
I own one of these. It is a fantastic little piccolo guitar that sounds great. It is currently the only nylon string instrument I own, but it makes me want a full size nylon string instrument. Sometimes the nylon string sound is the sweetest tone. Mine is nearly 10 years old and it only gets better with age. I've never had any issues with it. I play mine fairly often in a classroom setting. The kids particularly love when I play Spongebob theme music on it. But ABC songs also abound.
Bought one about 18 months ago for about $90 from Amazon. Still playing in A tuning. The 17" scale makes for a tight fretboard, but it is so fun to play this thing for this 70 year old guitar hack.
Fantastic review! I love this guitalale! The beautiful thing about it is you can put it anywhere in the house on a stand. I put mine next to tv. Play it while I watch the tv. The only thing I wish it had was built in pickup.
I've got a couple of these guitaleles and I use a KNA UP-1 stick on soundboard transducer on one of them.
Unfortunately it doesn't sound quite as nice and balanced on the guitalele as on my solid mahogany tenor uke but it is just about usable.
The guitalele has a bit more of that piezo "quack" that seems a lot harder to dial out than the uke which sounds really quite natural.
I may have to play around some more with positioning the pickup on the guitalele.
I have it stuck in the same place as on my uke (just behind and below the bridge) and it may actually work better elsewhere on the guitalele.
I glue the pickups on (reversibly) with a Pritt Stick for best sound transfer so it's not a quick job repositioning it.
Of course the right strings may help too.
Superb review..intelligent presentation..no wasted words.Sold! Thank you!
Valentin, that was a fantastic video. Thank you for all the detailed information. I’m now subscribed to the channel. Some additional information could be very helpful. Please consider making more videos on the following:
- Best first guitar cords to learn.
- Correct guitar playing posture to avoid pain and injury.
- A how-to polish the frets video.
- A how-to restring the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele.
- A how-to oil the GL1 tuners.
- A review and comparison of popular strings for Yamaha GL1 Standard E tuning such as Hannabach Kinder Guitar Strings 1/8 size (44-48cm) 890MT, Aquila Guilele Strings 153C Standard E Tuning Red Series, D'Addario Guitar Strings (XTC46FF) which are popular in the USA.
- A comparison video of a small 1/8 size classical guitar like the La Mancha Rubinito 1/8 CM/41 to the Yamaha GL1 Guitalele and explaining the pros and cons of each.
Thank you very much for the suggestions! I will definitely do videos for many of these topics!
La Mancha Rubinito 1/8 seems to be an interesting instrument. Unfortunately, it is not available locally, but I will look for ways to try it.
I love mine, had it for about 7 years. Tuned it to E about two years after i got it. It's got a beautiful voice
Please do a video on your nut and saddle modifications if you haven’t already. Thank you for giving me reason to play my GL1 more! Great video!
For my guitalele (A tuning) I use Augustine Imperial: medium tension trebles, high tension basses. They tend to sound best, but this obviously depends also on other factors, like the soundwood used for the guitar. In my case it is masacara ebony (not very typical). I played a couple of different guitaleles and finally stuck with an Ortega model. For me A tuning is very useful, since guitalele is one of many guitars I play and sometimes I need a higher register. To have more fun I also sometimes play it through an amp (Boss Katana), which has many effects built in. It sounds great, especially with an octaver, which adds lower frequencies to bottom strings.
Great video! I ordered some strings after the original ones started smelling like something they really shouldnt. I've learned to love the GL1 because she's with me on nearly every adventure and i love singing to her even though my fat fingers only allow for chords to be played :). I'm looking so forward to playing my music in original tuning! Thank you very much!!
String Hint if you want A tuning for these shorties: look for requinto strings. D’Addario and labella both sell requinto sets, I’m sure there are others.
Please give some info on What will they do? Why you prefer them?
Bro, you did a fantastic job on this analysis. Really detailed and intelligent. Much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
I used to own a Luna guitarlele which the factory tuning is already E tuning. Great quality and affordable instrument.
[15:50] D’Addario XTC46FF
_Aquila_ 153C is a special E-tuning set for guitaleles.
[ ruclips.net/video/WLfngssqfRM/видео.html ]
Recommended way to string and wind:
[ ruclips.net/video/UCwsh5_4n24/видео.html ]
Thank you Valentin, I replaced the string set on my Guitalele with D'Addario XTC46FF and it worked. Very useful video. Cheers.
You are welcome!
Awesome video. I was curious what your solution was for E tuning. in the mean time I have tried a set of strings, Aquila 153C red series. I think they're nylon but metal powder infused so that the strings are higher tension at the same thickness. They seem nice in my opinion but i'm just a beginner in the classical guitar world. I will have to try carbon next
Thank you! Yes, I'm aware of the Aquila 153c. The description of them looks promising, but even their official sound demo is not that convincing. Maybe it's because of the player's technique, like plucking over the fingerboard which I do not tolerate. And the red winding is strange :) Probably, I will try them one day, to have a proper opinion about them.
Anyway, it is a good starting point for learning the instrument in the guitar tuning.
Went into my local store to pick up a GL1 and strings for standard tuning. Since they didn't have any carbon high tension strings, the salesman suggested the EF44 extra high tension strings. You are spot on with your description. They don't sound good. €14 wasted. By the way, I would love the video on the strap button installation.
Thank you for good advice! I have had one of these for many years, with ordinary strings in E tuning. I thought I had to accept the floppy string action, but now I know better. New strings are ordered 👍
Many thanks for the video and sharing. It is very interesting (I am considering buying guitar or guitar-like instrument). From what I checked with this guitalele Yamaha shaved off 0.7kg (compared to C40II 4/4), not bad. You playing is very inspirational, thank you for including those parts. If it is possible, yes, please add technical videos, i.e. what and how you changed stock guitalele.
Dear!A few years ago I bought the Gl1 for my girlfriend in Russia who is a singer songwriter.She plays a lot on that instrument bud in the A tuning.The strings I recommended her are D’adario EJ46 hard tension.After 3 years the bridge came of the body.Sombody repaired de guitalele but he used both glue and a screw.Not the right way to do this.For the moment the bridge is holding but now she uses Aquila strings with a lower tension made in Italy.I saw your whole video and I really liked it .I was surprised that you recommend Hard tension strings carbon for this instrument while it is tuned in E.but probably it is possible! I saw a comment to you in Russian,so I supposed you are from Russia .My girlfriend is from Stary Oskol.I’m from Belgium.By the way you play very beautiful on that instrument and with the pickup and the reverb it sounds like a real classical guitar!Thanks for sharing your knowledge ,playing and passion!
I found that for A tuning even normal tension D'Addario strings are, subjectively, too strong, as I said in the video. However, the hard tension carbon, which is even stronger than high tension nylon, is perfect for E tuning because this tuning is much lower, 5 semitones down. The resulting tension is just right.
Of course, I do not recommend tuning carbon strings much higher than EBGDAE. And with any strings, except some very special "high E" sets, you should not tune the guitalele to the next higher E.
P.S. I'm from Ukraine.
Thank you for your reply!
I use Hannabach 890 Guitar Strings 1/8 (Fits Scale 44-48 cm).Good tension, beautiful sound.
One of the better videos I have watched in a while!
Thank you!
Your string guide for travel guitars is a real useful tool. Thank you! I subscribed because of the work put into this very well made video. You did excellent and covered everything people need to know to get started with travel guitars.
You are a great demonstrator and educator ! Thank you so much.. peace
Thank you!
Great video - Subscribed. I have same GL-1. I got Amazon bone classical saddle/nut and installed. Tone is much better. One mod you might like to try is what I did. Have clumsy fat fingers. the string width was too small for me. Amazon standard classical nut width is 52mm wide. GL-1 nut width is 48mm wide. Shaved off 2mm either side of the new bone nut and installed. Now have width string spacings exactly the same as a standard full size classical - but - GL-1 normal string spacing from A to A (E to E), highest to lowest string is 38mm. Now GL-1 with standard classical nut it is 44mm with 2mm on each side between string and fret edge. Which means both outside E strings, or A, are very close to the edge of the frets. 2mm from the edge. Standard GL-1 is 5mm either side. This takes an hour or so to truly get used to playing, but after that you will compensate and not notice it. (May be off on my mm's, not by much, but you get the point. - modded the new nut to be standard classical width for ease of playing) Will try your string suggestion, currently on A to A Aquila Guilele Purple set. Sounds ok.
Thank you! My fingers are relatively thin, so I do not have any problems with spacing. But some people may find your approach useful.
The wider strings spacing can be a problem with E to E tuning since it is still slightly lower tension than A to A, so you may experience that the 1st and the 6th strings are sliding off the fretboard when pressed at 5-12 frets. It depends on what and how you play though.
I never buy pre-made nuts and always start with raw blanks, so I do not know exactly, but it seems that there are 50mm ones with 42mm spacing in case you have any problems with lower tension strings.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic 41mm or 41,5mm (instead of 39) between the two "E" strings is very good (middle of the strings). More would be too much... I tune it in G# with Aquila 96c strings, sometimes in G but less tension, so have to be more careful not to slide off the bridge...
@@ValentinKovshikMusic I think youre right on E tuning being problematic/looser for my modded nut spacing. At A-A, it is perfect, for me anyways, but any looser and yeah, easily the outside strings would be a hindrance. Luckily, I can buy another cheap second hand GL-1 and put E-E strings on that.
Great tips, this makes my guitalele a dream to play. I got a strap, new strings and tuned it to E
That's awesome! Have fun!
I can't believe I have NEVER seen or even heard of a GUITALELE before!!. This is so cool!!!.. Thank you for the review, it's a really nice little guitar... might have to put one on the shopping list :)
From u.k.
Before you buy check out the baritone ukulele
4 strings tuned DGBE the biggest of all ukes.
And a damn site easier than a guitar which I struggle with.
I got a baritone Ukulele about a year ago. It doesn't have the range of the guitarlele but definitely feels more guitar like to play. Recently I got a semi solid electric baritone Uke. The advantages are tone, strings are no trouble to find, and it's very easy to play. Currently working on Rondo Alla Turca. I can see myself going back to guitar but I'm having too much fun with folk and blues on the baritone uke.
Great video. I’ve had one of these for a long time and I LOVE it. Fantastic little guitar.
I've learnt so much about my GL1 through your presentation ! Thank you for the valueable information, loved your improvement tips and opinion about this cute and awesome guitar
Valentin Kovshik Music
You can use 1/4 Scale Classical Guitar Strings for EADGBE Tuning because its scale length is roughly like that of a 1/4 Scale Guitar.
Very frequently they are just thicker nylon strings, sometimes with wound G, and I think it's not a good option at all. Even for a 1/4 guitar. Sets with composite trebles and carbon trebles may be promising but considering availability and price, usual hard carbon strings are much more accessible for everyone and, I think, must be better in terms of quality. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to sell lower-quality products for kids.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic The 1/4 Scale Guitar strings have improved
@@ValentinKovshikMusic But the 1/4 size strings improved.
Had no idea you could tune these to E tuning! Thanks, been looking for something for taking on travels and always discounted the guitarlele as I didn't want A tuning
Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks
Dear Valentin, your video is professional and highly useful as well as elegant. I will buy this Guitalele and restring with the D'Addario XTC46FF as you recommend for my 13 year old Son. Not only is he a child, but he inherited small hand from his mother (for now, maybe will get bigger as he grows). I would like to give you a patreon donation if you have this setup. It will be a modest amount but I want to support your wonderful music.
Thank you very much for the kind words! I hope your son will love the instrument!
I do not have a patreon account yet. You can support the channel just by watching the videos, commenting and sharing.
An excellent review and guide to this instrument. Thank you
Extremely helpful and incredibly well done presentation of this instrument. The contents convinced me to acquire a GL1 myself and restring it with D'Addario carbon high tension strings. The sound of the instrument is really incredible!
Nevertheless, I've got a real problem with the A, D and G strings, which seem to hav a too short distance between nut and first fret. As you mentioned to have installed / built a compensated nut (08:44), I can understand why your GL1 sounds so clean. Would you mind to provide a description and measures of your successful approach to the nut? I'd be very grateful for that!
I do not think the factory-made GL1 has a too short 1st fret. They are all cut at once on a machine. You can check it, it should be 0.954 inches (2,423 cm) from the nut. But if it is closer, then a usual compensated nut will not help, since it is what it does: makes the first fret distance shorter.
There is a good article about nut compensation. Google "The Compensated Nut
by Stephen Delft".
My specific measurements will not help because I have a custom saddle too, and the nut height, most definitely, is different. It's a trial-and-error process with no universal solution for every instrument.
What I think you have is the nut which may be too HIGH, so it makes those strings sharper when pressed. It's a bit complicated to fix at home since it is easy to make the slots too deep. It's hard to explain the whole process in one comment.
I have some ideas on how to explain it to non-luthier people, possibly I make a video eventually. In general, I think the saddle compensation is more important and I'm in the process of making a video about that.
I had to lower saddle and the grooves in the nut on mine. The action was ridiculously high for such a short scale length and even without the saddle, it was high enough to where there was no buzzing. I might have to try G tuning at some point, though I hesitate with E as I don't think the deck will be bassy enough for my taste. The low end is something I really appreciate on my classical guitar, as I've used a steel string parlor guitar with a mediocre low end in the past.
Wow, that’s VERY high action. It’s good that you managed to adjust the saddle to make it playable.
Mine is surprisingly good at low end. In person it sounds better than on video. Especially with fresh Oasis basses.
I’m not sure about your case with a saddle that was reduced in height. This reduced the break angle and strings may sound with less power.
Thanks, very interesting. I also bought this GL-1 when been in another country and had no guitar. I do not like A-tuning. So I found special set of strings for Guitalele for E-tuning. It was Aquila RED 153C. But anyway sound wasn't bright. So I will try your set of strings. I like GL-1, it's very comfortable to play.
Hey! Thank you for this video. Yesterday I changed XTC46FF strings to my Yamaha Guitalele and they work really well!
@@elamantiella you are welcome!
Hello, may I get some advice please?
I plan to buy this guitalele for my dad’s birthday. As guitar player, he used to E tuning so I plan to ask the shop to setup for him (I don’t know much about the instrument)
Is it enough if I only ask them to change strings and tuning? Or is there something else I need to tell them too?
@@詩姫-m1c Hello, it depends. I only changed the strings and it works fine. Of course if compared to a guitar, the strings are more loose in the Guitalele. It is not exactly the same then the guitar strings would feel, but works just fine with XTC46FF strings.
@@elamantiella thank you for reply☺️
@@詩姫-m1c Yes, for the beginning, new strings are enough. Also, ask for a strap button installation (only a single one like I have, no need for a button near the neck).
I just tried you recommendation of the D'Addario strings on my Romero Creations Tiny Tenor 6 string. I cannot thank you enough, it sounds really good. Of course not as much bass as my 6 string Baritone, but it is so much fun to play. It makes the perfect travel companion. Next time I will also try the Oasis as you mentioned, but so far I am liking just the D'Addarios . . .😄
I'm always happy to see that people find my videos useful!
Чудовий звук і техніка. Дякую за відео!
i found one in a charity shop for 50£ and i was delighted with it. i must try the strings that you recommend for E tuning just as a bit of a change of tone colour and feel. thanks for the video, your advice, knowledge and your lovely playing. i particularly enjoyed the excerpt from Barrios.
Great playing and video
Thanks!
Sir, you make playing look effortless.
Thanks!
I liked your video very much, in fact didn’t wait to watch it all the way through, but went out and bought one! I play jazz on electric and acoustic guitars, and I play ukulele, so this is fun for me, and very affordable at AUD$149. I now wish to find some suitable strings for guitar tuning. Thank you! ❤
I use the GL1 as a template for size for my guitar builds.
Such a beautifully detailed video!
So relevant 🤌🏽🤌🏽
Thank you!
Super job!. You sold me. My GL1 arrives in two days. I'm having to hunt, though, for the carbon strings, but that's OK. Thanks so much.
I hope you enjoy the new instrument!
Thanks Valentin for the video. I've had a GL1 for several years to play when I'm away from home especially abroad as it fits diagonally in my suitcase in the gig bag - and despite many, many long haul flights even without detuning - it has never been damaged. I've tried various Aquila strings and in general I cannot play classical pieces at the default high tension of A tuning. Instead I use Aquila 96C but with the strings tuned 6 to 1 as G-C-F-A#-D-G. This gives a tension similar to my medium tension on my normal classical guitar. Due to muscle memory I've ended up keeping specific pieces only for the instrument such as Aguado, Carcassi, and Carulli studies, plus some of the guitalelle pieces written by Wolfgang Vedral. Someone with perfect pitch might not be comfortable listening to me.... but nevertheless I find this a very workable solution when I cannot play my normal guitar for several weeks. I would be interested in how to put a strap catch in the base without damaging as currently I have to play by sitting on the edge of my hotel bed and not the normal position. Again, many thanks.
I'm glad that you like my video. And thanks for sharing your experience!
I have tried to tune the guitalele to G too. I agree, this is a very good option to use with normal tension nylon or guitalele strings intended for A tuning. Yes, it is unusual to hear but the tension is just right.
I really like Aquila 96 strings. They're thinner (even the bass strings) and therefore very suitable for guitalele. I think they're a bit too flexible in G, so I prefer them in G#. In fact, G# 332HZ at the moment... For me, in A, it's a bit too tense and too high. I really like the sound when played in G or G#. But I don't really like it in E. Its little body resonates better when it's tuned higher!
@@luc5798 thanks. I'll try with G# (332Hz) and see how I get on. Essentially this shows the advantage of the GL1 in that one can experiment and find your own preference. I'm also going to look into carefully drilling a hole and fastening a clip to add a 'guitar' strap as Valentin mentioned. I've now noticed other makes of guitalele have this already.
@@luc5798 332 Hz is not G#, at least in conventional tunings. It's close to E (329.6 Hz) in standard tuning (A=440 Hz)
@@ValentinKovshikMusic I set the tuner to 432Hz and tuned it to G#, if that's clearer...
I recently bought an Ortega requinto. Similar in nature the the guitarele. Very fun to play!
Валентин, дуже дякую вам за пораду з використанням E-tunning. Нещодавно придбав гіталеле IBANEZ AUP10N (чудовий інстумент). Згідно вашої рекомендації - замінив струни на D'Addario XTC46FF Hard Tension. В E-tunning інстумент звучить якісно та правильно. Немає відчуття, що ноти "пливують" через недостатній натяг. Результат дійсно дуже приємно здивував!
Сергію, дякую за відгук! Радий, що допоміг. Успіхів з новим інструментом!
Thanks for the tips.
I've got two of these and an Aria (I don't recommend the Aria).
I tried lots of different strings when I got my first one and ended up sticking in A tuning with Aquilla light gauge Ambra 800 nylgut strings. They are supposed to sound more like traditional gut and silk strings.
The only problem with them as with various others I tried was the winding on the lightest wound string never lasts.
Fortunately a standard classical D string works well enough as a replacement.
I find the same with Aquilla's wound low G string for tenor ukulele.
I'm going to have to try having a play around with string sets again for my second guitalele to find what tuning I like as an alternative. I've never tried carbon strings so that should be interesting.
I currently play the original one in AEADEA (DADGAD at the fifth) with a pick.
Everything's folky round here these days.
My arthritis won't let me play the Bach and Dowland I used to enjoy. 😞
Любов і мир.
I love the tone you create.
This was very interesting. I’m planning to buy a guitarlele :) thank you!
Great analysis of the strings timbre. I used to use Galli but they were a little light sounding.
I have never heard of this brand. I think many different sets can be good for guitalele, depending on what is the goal.
Very nice, thanks for sharing 🤗
I want one!
edit: I just ordered mine in black with the strings you recommended plus a bone saddle and nut. Very exited!
Congrats! I hope you will like it!
Be careful with the nut and saddle though. If they are not specifically made for this model of guitalele, they will require some work to make them fit. Generic classical guitar parts will be too big in all dimensions. The saddle is easier to fit, but even with it be ready that the first couple of attempts will end up with wasted material if you do not have prior experience.
I generally do not recommend that beginners try to DIY a custom nut because frustration is almost guaranteed :)
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Thank you for the advice. I will see if there is a guitar repair shop or even a Luthier near me. Your video was really expertly presented, you definitely deserve more followers.
@@OzymandiasRex Thank you!
Wow, you play so beautifully ❤ I have one but also couldn’t get used to the A tuning. I may try the E tuning Aquila Reds, and maybe I’ll get some fresh inspiration!
Thank you! I have never tried Aquila Reds, so I do not know exactly about their sound. Based on their official demo video and other videos on RUclips, it seems that fluorocarbon strings which I use must be brighter than Aquila strings.
thank you so much for your in-depth presentation. Loving it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Could you provide a commentary or a separate video on how to install a strap without damaging the guitalele? Thanks and more power to you and your YT channel!
Thank you! Yes, it will be a video about the strap installation.
Thank you Valentin
After such good review I think you need to test for us the aquala Red strings close the issue with the strings :)
Maybe one day :)
What a difference the carbon fibre strings make! This sounds like a far larger and more expensive classical guitar. Thanks for a very informative video.
Yamaha also makes an electric/acoustic Parlor Guitar that I really like.
I got the Fender Sonora and find it is very nice, it’s not a Gretsch or my Yellow Wood but nice sound. Stand your guitar next to you TV sub and tube every day.
Very nice video, my friend. Well done! You covered all the bases and did a great job of explaining things. Also, I am a trained and experienced music instructor. Guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar are the 3 most requested for lessons. I would have no problem with this instrument. As an option for a higher end guitarlele, check out the Ortega. They are excellent.
Thank you very much!
Строй гитары на 5 ладу adgcea такой же как на гиталеле, в чём необходимость менять 6ю строну?
An additional 6th string is needed if you follow that popular suggestion to use the 2nd string as a 1st one, the 3rd as a 2nd, etc. for E tuning. I do NOT recommend this.
Thank you for this video, it inspired me to pick up my guitarlele again... only to notice the bridge was coming loose due to me thoughtlessly throwing on some random strings and tuning it to A some months ago:( Let's hope it's repairable
The bridge definitely has to be repairable. Just loosen the strings until you visit a luthier so the bridge is not under tension, to avoid further damage.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Thank you for the response, I'll take it to heart. I needed to get it to a luthier for the strap button anyway:) Last question: which mic do you use? It sounds fantastic!
Great sharing. I wish to try out too. Very interesting topic indeed.
Thanks!
Nicely done video, thank you
Thank you. You made a great video. I love the Yamaha GL-1. But I prefer playing it in A-Tuning. Sounds really great for the price. 👏🎶✨
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks loved the detaild review, stay blessed.
I used hannabach alto strings after getting advice from strings by mail, they were perfect but the wound third snapped quickly. But this was timed to A not E
Yes, those strings must sound quite good in A. The wound third string is something I always avoid: not durable and feels weird.
strap button tutorial would be great!
Thank you very much for the video and review.
Im quite new in the guitar world. So my question is: after following your instructions on the strings and tuning for the E-Tuning - is the the guitalele then like with a capo on the 5th fret?
With carbon strings, you can tune it like a normal full-size guitar.
The original A-tuning is like a capo on the 5th fret (or like a ukulele with 2 additional strings). If you want this, then use light-tension nylon.
Спасибо Валентин! Очень хорошее видео и описание. Ямаха очень хороший производитель гитар по доступным ценам. Тем из нас кто играет на классической гитаре надо иметь что-то такое под рукой.
Thank you for this amazing video. I am interested in buying one of these. How about learning how to play? It would be great if you could guide us on this matter as well.
@@onderozcan985 it’s basically a classical guitar if tuned to E, so the same learning process and repertoire is applicable.
Actually I have some ideas for educational videos on playing. I cannot promise they will be released in the nearest future but stay tuned:)
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Any resoure recommendation such as youtube channel or books for those who does not have access to local guitar teacher then?
@@onderozcan985 I did not study with a teacher or an online course. So I cannot say what methods or online resources definitely work.
From what I see on RUclips, I think "This is Classical Guitar" channel can be a good start.
There are plenty of online tutors, by the way, just find someone who is not skeptical about guitaleles :) I guess Brandon Acker's online school is good, they teach many instruments.
On strings, considering that I want to use it primarily as a ukulele, what about putting on 6 of the strings in a good quality set of strings for an 8 string tenor ukulele? I assume that there would be less stress on the integrity of the instrument.
I think it will not work like this. 8-string uke uses 4 pairs of strings (a.k.a. 4 courses). Technically, it's still played like a 4-string ukulele. Guitalele is a 6-string instrument with different chord shapes (unless you totally ignore the 5th and 6th strings). And you will not have correct strings among those 8 to put on the 5th and 6th place.
If you want a ukulele sound from Guitalele, just use A-to-A tuning as it was from the factory and use light tension nylon strings, as Yamaha recommends.
i want a guitalele so baddd
Thank you for your prompt reply. I was looking at this from the point of view of a ukulele player deciding whether to buy a guitarlele and intending to use it as a 6 string ukulele. I was wondering whether you might use the low G and C strings of the 8-string set as the two low strings of the guitarlele tuned as G and C respectively making the guitarlele a six string ukulele with a standard tuning. The higher strings would be tuned to the most common pitches found on the unison strings of an 8-string tenor. Of course, it might be considered that you would waste two of the 8 string set. However, I have an 8-string ukulele so the 2 extra strings would not be wasted. Does your analysis still apply in this case?
I have answered your previous question using my second channel accidentally. I think it's possible technically because the scale length is the same, so if the strings are intended for a tenor ukulele, they will work; however, I'm not sure what it can give you in terms of playability. The 5th and 6th strings as G and C (instead of Aand D) will give you an unusual 6-string tuning which is different form guitalele, ukulele, and a guitar. As I said, if you want the sound of the ukulele + extended range due to additional strings, just use the standard guitalele tuning (6th string: A; 5th string: D; 4th string: G; 3rd string: C; 2nd string: E; 1st string: A) with light tension nylon guitar strings. Or using a special guitarlele set. The first four strings will be exactly the same as low-G uke tuning, so if you know ukulele chords, you can just ignore or mute the additional strings and play. Or you can learn guitar-style chord shapes but keeping in mind that the tuning is 5 semitones higher than a guitar one. This is as close to a 6-string ukulele as you can get.
There is nothing wrong with experimenting but I would recommend trying the original way of tuning first.
I just got a yamaha GL1 guitalele, but I saw the Aquila guitalele strings for low E tuning. Have you tried those and would you still reccomend the ddadario xtc over the aquila ones?
I did not try them because I did not like their official sound demo. Maybe they are good. I guess they sound less bright than carbon strings.
When buying xtc series be careful with different types. XTC46 (nylon) is NOT the same as XTC46FF (carbon). EJ46 vs EJ46FF is almost the same, just not coated.
Hello, thank you so much for the video. Could you make a video about how to change the chords? Is there anything specific we need to be aware of as these are not specifically made for guitalele. Thank you so much, I am excited to get started
Hello, strings changing is 100% same as on a classical guitar, so just watch any video about that. Keep in mind that carbon strings are a bit more slippery than nylon, so you definitely need to tie a stopper knot (figure 8 knot is great) at the end of the string on the bridge side before you tie the main knot on the bridge. It's for the first 3 strings that are plain plastic.
Do not do questionable things like using fire to melt string ends, etc.
Very helpful! Thanks
You're welcome!
Have you tried the Hannabach 653059 Series 890 Duel 44-48cm Strings for 1/8 Children Classic Guitar?
Great video! I’m thinking about also putting a LR baggs Anthem SL-C in it.
Not yet, but they are in my list of strings to try.
Great video - thank you. I'm getting one of these for Christmas & the setup looks invaluable. Can you advise what pick up you use at 19.49? Thanks, Jeremy
That's not a pickup. That's a lav microphone, BOYA-BY-M1. However, the sound is a mix of it and another microphone in the room.
You are really making me want one! I need it like I need a hole in the head but I have to admit....Im falling in love with this little thing ❤
You play beautifully. ❤
Thanks!
My current time of the video? Huh?
I own a Gl1, natural finish, and like you, really like it.
Can you tell me more about the microphone pickup that you are using?
Thank you
The sound here is a mix of Boya BY-M1 lav microphone on the guitar + Fifine 669 USB mic. The lav mic is mostly to add a bit of stereo feel and to capture a bit of low end. In fact, it's not that necessary in this setup. Most of the sound in my recent videos is from the Fifine.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic thank you, very useful
Can you show how to install a strap button or is there a tutorial already
Hi Valentin, thanks a lot for the sharing ! You really sounds amazing. I'm curious too about the mike you use on the guitar ? You'll find a piece ( My Favorite Things ) play with the GL1 on my profile ( in standard A) , played when i just bought it some yeras ago, i found it so fun. Thanks again for the strings stories, i need to change them on the GL1 and found no serious advices before yours.
The mic on the guitar is Boya BY-M1 lav microphone. However the sound is a mix. That one + Fifine 669 USB mic nearby. The lav mic is mostly to add a bit of stereo feel. Most of the sound is from the Fifine.
@@ValentinKovshikMusic Thanks for your answer Valentin, i'll check those. Could be usefull for me and others here.