Discovering the Perfect Classical Guitar Strings: An Interview with Valeria Galimova
At Siccas Guitars, we recently had the pleasure of speaking with concert guitarist Valeria Galimova about a often overlooked but crucial element of guitar playing – guitar strings. As a Knobloch artist, Valeria shared her experiences, career insights, and thoughts on how choosing the right strings has transformed her performances. Here are some of her reflections on how Knobloch Strings have influenced her musical journey.
A Path Through Classical Guitar and Education
Valeria's guitar career began in Weimar, Germany, where she studied with renowned teachers like Riccardo Gaglian. She is currently advancing her knowledge with a concert exam in Dresden, the highest level of musical education in Germany. Her professional development has been accompanied by numerous concert performances and collaborations, including with the Primavera Foundation in Armenia, where she supports young musicians.
One of Valeria's goals is to improve music education, particularly in Armenia. Her regular trips to the country to teach and perform reflect her commitment to fostering talent in regions that may have less access to classical guitar resources.
Collaboration with Siccas Guitars and Knobloch Strings
Valeria's collaboration with Siccas Guitars began five years ago with a video where she performed and danced to Ponce. This partnership was a pivotal step in her career, helping her reach new audiences and receive invitations to international festivals. Since then, Valeria has continued to grow artistically and maintains her partnership with Siccas Guitars through recordings and performances.
Her introduction to Knobloch Strings came through her studies with Riccardo Gaglian, a Knobloch artist. After trying the strings, Valeria instantly fell in love with their sound and durability. She describes Knobloch strings as "chameleon-like" because they can produce both warm and expressive tones while remaining flexible—qualities she greatly appreciates in her playing.
The Importance of Guitar Strings for Performance
Choosing the right guitar strings is critical for every classical guitarist. Valeria highlights several factors that are important when selecting strings:
- Flexibility and Responsiveness: Strings should respond to the player and allow both bright and round tones depending on the musical context. Valeria emphasizes that Knobloch strings offer this versatility, enabling her to switch effortlessly between different tonal demands.
- Durability: For artists, durability is crucial. Valeria appreciates that Knobloch strings last for several months, which is especially important for students and professional musicians who perform frequently.
- Sustain and Tone: Valeria loves the long sustain that Knobloch strings offer, especially on the first string, which resonates longer compared to other brands.
Finding the Perfect Sound: Customization and Variety
Valeria uses the Arithakos series by Knobloch and prefers medium to high tension for a balanced tone that is both warm and rich. She explains that while she has experimented with nylon strings, the carbon strings provide the tone and flexibility that best suit her playing style.
What sets Knobloch Strings apart is the variety of materials they offer. From nylon to carbon and even sterling silver, Knobloch provides options for guitarists who want to fine-tune their sound.
Eco-Friendly Practices and Innovation
Beyond performance, Valeria values Knobloch's commitment to eco-friendly practices. The company recycles old strings to make jewelry or repurposes the materials in other ways. This initiative reflects Knobloch's dedication to sustainability, something that resonates strongly with Valeria.
Conclusion: Enhance Your Sound with Knobloch Strings
Valeria's experience as a classical guitarist and Knobloch artist underscores the importance of choosing the right strings. Whether you're looking for flexibility, durability, or rich sound quality, Knobloch Strings offers a range of options that can transform your playing experience.
For Valeria, switching to Knobloch was a turning point in her career, allowing her to focus entirely on her music without constantly needing to change strings. As she continues her collaboration with Siccas Guitars and performs on international stages, Valeria's journey with Knobloch Strings serves as an inspiring example of how the right tools can enhance a musician's artistry.
