|
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | My apologies if this seems like a dumb question ...
How often do I need to replace the strings of a nylon string guitar? Also, what would you recommend? Just like steel strings, there are many brands, but the colors confuse me. While strings 4-6 looks universal, I noticed different varieties for strings 1-3. I've seen black strings, transparent white, and red strings. How do they differ, and for what type of music are they intended for?
Sorry for my lack of knowledge about nylons. After years of owning steel stringed guitars, I've never owned a nylon string until today. I normally replace the strings on my guitars once every 2 to 3 months or as needed. But when it comes to nylons, I absolutely have no clue. Your comments, suggestions and advices are appreciated. Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | I noticed that unlike steel strings that have that "ball-like" attachments on one end - some are even color coded as per D'Addarios. But they don't have that with nylon strings, and I also would like to know how to properly secure them on the bridge and saddle area. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I've got 2 sets that need changing. You have to do a kind of fisherman's not. I think mountainbikerfred wrote a treatise on this awhile back. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Here's a link that might help you.
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/Classical/Cla...
I usually change mine about every 3 months. Depends on how much you play it.
I like D'Addario EJ46 Hard Tension. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Oh cool!
Thanks for the link Mike ... the info. is definitely going to be very helpful. Now to make a trip to the store and buy me a set of them strings.
:) Thanks again! :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Here's a page from a old owner's manual I found.
Stringing a nylon String Guitar |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 140
| I use the cheaper ghs ball end nylon strings. call me lazy, but don't call me late for last call |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15677
Location: SoCal | Nylon strings are fairly cheap (at least compared to steel strings -- about $7 vs. $15-20). I follow Sergio Lara's advice and change just the bass strings as needed and the treble strings about every 6 months. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Is there a good source for buying individual strings? Otherwise I can see that in time you keep changing the wrapped ones and you end up with a whole pile of treble nylons. Of course you could put those on your ukulele, I guess. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | i asked the same question 3 years ago when i bought my ca. Do a search. This board is a fantastic resource. That said, I go about 6 months before I change. As for which strings, I've experimented with a lot of them, ernie balls, dean markelys, daddarios and others. I've tried the kind you tie on, and the ball ends, and different tensions.
I've found that the consistantly best strings, that have given me no problems ever, are the daddario tie on #46 hard tensions.
daddario black ball end strings are the worst! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Actually I just ordered some ukulele string sets from a small family owned manufacturer in LA called Guadalupe Strings. I went back to their website and son-of-a-gun, they actually sell HALF sets of classicals, which are the three bass strings only. Pretty cool. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Muscian's Friend sells singles |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 375
Location: Rocky River, Ohio | I always used the Daddarios pro arte...
they used to (might still) sell the 9 string set with the extra set of bass strings.
I always liked those as the trebles would always outlast the bass. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Thanks for all the help and suggestions! I think I've practiced enough to be able to do it on my own. One more question: is there any difference between the black, transparent white, or red treble strings? Or it's just for looks and aesthetic purposes?
Thanks again! :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Looks. I think. :confused: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Just based on my own experience, I found a different response from the black and the clear strings. The clear strings seemed to ring longer. The black seemed to have less sustain. Initially the same volume and then a more rapid fall off. The black were the ball end kinds from ernie ball and daddario. The clear were always tie ons. |
|
| |
nylon string change question
