Hi Tommyollie,

My 13 string alto was indeed my first multi string guitar. I was fed up with simulating basses in Weiss pieces by playing octaves. For details see thread 'Extended Carulli Decacorde pitch on alto guitar?'. I wanted to have the necessary basses available, and I wanted to have them all. To go for a 13 string instrument was a logical consequence. So why consider buying an 11 string alto?

Before ordering the instrument I contacted all members of this forum, of whom I knew that they had Stromberg instruments, and asked for their experiences. Some of these also had 13 string altos. All responses were positive.

Following James' recommendation, I demanded a change in configuration from 7 plus 6 to 8 plus 5. I considered this to be a minor change, in all respects, and the luthier saw no problems.

I am completely satisfied with the instrument.

What was brave, to start with a 13 string alto, or to demand the change in configuration ?

I think it was brave to jump straight from 6 strings to 13 and I totally agree that maximum versatility is achieved by the 8/5 configuration. In my case I wasn't feeling confident that I would get on with a multi string guitar. I was considering 8 strings, 10 strings before discovering the alto and opting 11 strings. If I get on well with the instrument who knows,in a few years, I may move on to a 13 string model.(b]silvanig wrote:[/b]

QUOTE:
Hi Tommyollie,

My 13 string alto was indeed my first multi string guitar. I was fed up with simulating basses in Weiss pieces by playing octaves. For details see thread 'Extended Carulli Decacorde pitch on alto guitar?'. I wanted to have the necessary basses available, and I wanted to have them all. To go for a 13 string instrument was a logical consequence. So why consider buying an 11 string alto?

Before ordering the instrument I contacted all members of this forum, of whom I knew that they had Stromberg instruments, and asked for their experiences. Some of these also had 13 string altos. All responses were positive.

Following James' recommendation, I demanded a change in configuration from 7 plus 6 to 8 plus 5. I considered this to be a minor change, in all respects, and the luthier saw no problems.

I am completely satisfied with the instrument.

What was brave, to start with a 13 string alto, or to demand the change in configuration ?

I personally own an Asuturias, and have had the pleasure of trying several of their guitars of different price range. I absolutely love them. I'm not to certain about their altos though.So I really can't comment on that matter.
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