The Sound Of Silence on steel strings

Just recorded a steel strings version of my arrangement.
I’m curious what you guys think. Better steel or nylon?

(Nylon version: https://youtu.be/K7zpx-kYogE )

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Alexey

I prefer the version on your nylon strung guitar: the sound is warmer and fuller with less piercing treble. The arrangement is an astonishing piece of work. The only change I might make would be to simplify the passage c. 2:20 - 2:50: this part seems over elaborate and, for me, less true to the nature of the song.

Two wonderful renditions of a great song.

A s I was writing this Paul Simon’s American Tune was playing on my media player: I’d love to hear your interpretation of that song.

Brian

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Cheers :slight_smile:
I call this part “getting possessed by Disturbed for a few seconds”. I won’t change it, because I like it, and because I implement a few new to me classical guitar tricks, but I need to play it better for sure.

I prefer the steel version.

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That’s such a tough call, Alexey. Both guitars have such lovely tone and some particular endearng qualities in each. If forced to pick I’d end up opting for the steel string. I think the great clarity, the harmonics would tilt it that way.

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I give first two verses to nylon and the rest to steel.

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Just fabulous. Personally I love the crescendo created by the change of pace 3/4 through. A wonderful arrangement.

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I can relate to that.

Both are really good but if I was to be picky I would say the Classic has a sweeter sound and is more in keeping with the song; that said when the song ‘ramps up’ arguably the steel string is better, but I think that could be done on the classical guitar by picking nearer the bridge.

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I’m don’t feel the need to choose, they’re both immense

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Lovely arrangement and well played. :clap:

I like both of your versions but I prefer the steel string. Not sure why. Maybe it reminds me more of Paul Simon?

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So tough to say. I first listened to the steel string version and thought it was going to be a clear winner over the nylon. Then I listened to the nylon version.
If forced to choose I think I’d go nylon.
Both are excellent. Nice sounding classical guitar you have there!

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I preferred the steel sting version. There’s more dynamics for me with the steel string.

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Excellent Alex.

Good thing Justin didn’t teach the song that way I’d of been flummoxed ! :sweat_smile:

Well done mate

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I preferred the nylon version Alexey. If you were to play with a vocal then perhaps steel would be better.

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I prefer steel string version. There is something in that cold twang that works better for this song for me. I listened a few times your arrangement, it is beyond brilliant.

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Blown away still.
As a huge Paul Simon fan I cringe with so many versions I hear although I encourage everybody to make their own version. Your version though :ok_hand:

as said, your rendition captures the vocal harmonies and guitar in one guitar and I think this steel version does more justice to that feeling of 3 voices playing along.

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Me too. I like the nylon string when things are less busy and the notes have space to ring and breathe (I don’t know how to describe this well). When there are faster passages the steel string sounds better, notes seem to still have time to “form and end” before the next one comes along.

And like someone else said, the steel string reminds me of the original, perhaps it’s also on the same Martin model or similar sounding guitar?

But nylon or string, what a lovely arrangement and a privilege to hear both!

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Thank you. It very well might be my lack of control over nylon strings sound. It’s an art, and I didn’t invest enough in it.

They’re both astonishingly beautiful Alexey and I can’t pick one…on the nylon strings you create a more kind of misty feeling, while on the other hand I find the basses to be rounder and fuller on the steel strings. You’re of great inspiration!

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