This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in October of 2016. No matter how high-end an acoustic guitar is, you'll definitely need to replace its strings at some point. Whether you're rehearsing for an unplugged television appearance, leading singalongs around a campfire, or even working up the nerve to sign up for your first open mic, this list ranks a range of trusted brands, so you'll be able to find a set that works for you and your instrument.When users buy our independently chosen editorialchoices,we may earn commissions tohelp fund the Wiki.Skip to. This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in October of 2016. No matter how high-end an acoustic guitar is, you'll definitely need to replace its strings at some point.
Whether you're rehearsing for an unplugged television appearance, leading singalongs around a campfire, or even working up the nerve to sign up for your first open mic, this list ranks a range of trusted brands, so you'll be able to find a set that works for you and your instrument.When users buy our independently chosen editorialselections,we may earn commissions tohelp fund the Wiki.Skip to. If you’re looking at acoustic guitar strings, you probably already know a few of the basics. For example, one way they differ from classical guitar strings lies in the materials. Acoustic strings are normally made from some type of metal, whereas classical strings are often made from nylon (or ). You may know, too, that acoustic strings come in different sizes, affect the way the guitar sounds, and are produced by many manufacturers, such as Martin and D’Addario. But there is much, much more to know about this crucial guitar component.For instance, when it comes to materials, you’ll most commonly hear about bronze strings, either 80/20 bronze or phosphor bronze. In actual fact, these aren’t exactly made of bronze.
How to Select the Best Classical Guitar Strings for Your Nylon String Guitars The best strings in the world won't make a poor classical guitar sound great but poor strings will ruin the sound of a great classical guitar. You may or may not have a great guitar but you will certainly be better off with the best strings you can find for it. Look for an instrument that has a built-in pickup and a preamp with tone controls. By the way, here’s a tip: Steel-string guitars usually need to go through a console or special acoustic guitar amp to sound acoustically true. Nylon-string guitars, though, often sound quite good played through an electric guitar amp.
The former contains 80 percent copper and 20 percent zinc, while the latter contains similar materials wrapped with a phosphorous wire. Where you’ll really notice this difference in composition is in the sound. A set of 80/20 strings tends to be brighter, more ringing, whereas a set of phosphor bronze will give you a warmer, darker sound.Another favorite of both novice and experienced players is the silk and steel variety. These have a steel core wrapped with nylon, silk, or some other material that’s softer than a metal. This makes the strings both a little easier on the fingers and a bit more mellow sounding. Many folk guitarists and fingerstyle players opt for these.No matter the string material, gauge is extremely important. Gauge refers to the thickness of the string and is an exact measurement given in inches.
Since guitar strings are thin, these numbers are tiny; a really thin E string might be 0.011 inches. Most people have a hard time picturing a size this small and understanding the difference between gauges at this size, so manufacturers use a along with the exact numbers. This system ranges from extra light to heavy. Making Sense Of The OptionsKnowing the basics about types of strings (e.g., bronze vs. Nylon, light vs. Heavy) is a great start to choosing strings, but you might notice that there are a few other factors to consider. Manufacturers have many ways of improving string sound, quality, and life, including different winding methods, cores, coatings, and manufacturing processes.
You’ll probably even notice that string makers come out with new strings relatively regularly, offering new-and-improved this and longer-lasting that. So, unless you’re a, how on earth can you be expected to choose?You don’t want to put light nylon strings on a guitar made for steel strings, just as you shouldn’t put heavy steel strings on a classical guitar.The answer is much simpler than you’d suppose, and it’s this: You’re going to have to try a range of different strings.
This may seem like the most unhelpful advice ever given, but before you grab a pitchfork, consider the ultimate subjectivity of playing the guitar. Yes, there are foundational musical principles and good practices, but how a guitar feels and sounds is going to be different for every player. That’s just one part of the reason why the world gets to enjoy both Jimi Hendrix and Sungha Jung. The truth is, if you like a set of strings, the way they feel and sound, then that makes them right for you.That said, brand-new guitar players might keep a few simple ideas in mind as they make their selections. Lighter strings are perhaps better at first, because they’ll let you build up your strength and calluses comfortably, as are coated strings for the sake of durability.
The size and type of the guitar is important, too. You don’t want to put light nylon strings on a guitar made for steel strings, just as you shouldn’t put heavy steel strings on a classical guitar.
Ignoring the type of strings the guitar requires could lead to instrument damage.You should also know that strings will wear out, they will snap, and you’re going to have to replace them. Don’t be hesitant to try something new. There’s a vast difference between reading about sets of strings and playing them, so you probably won’t find your new favorites through research alone.
And should you happen not to like the new ones, they’ll need to be replaced at some point — so you aren’t stuck with them forever. A Change Would Do You GoodOne common question guitar players have is: When do I need to change my strings? Unfortunately, there isn’t a truly definitive answer to this, either, such as “after every 100 hours” or “every three weeks.” There are some signs to keep an eye out for, however, that will let you know it’s probably time for a change.There are some signs to keep an eye out for, however, that will let you know it’s probably time for a change.If, for instance, you notice that the old strings look dull or discolored, appear to have some rust, or are unraveling, then a new set of acoustic strings may be overdue. Rely on your ears, too, and not just your eyes.
If the guitar won’t stay in tune or it’s lost a lot of its brightness, you might need to put a new set of strings on. Where you live and how much you play are important factors to consider, as well. You’ll need new strings more often if you live in a climate, expose the guitar to a lot of smoke, have sweaty hands, or play often.One way you can extend the life of your strings is by taking good care of them. Before you play, wash your hands, and when you finish, wipe the strings with a clean cloth.
Take the time to wind them properly, too; don’t do a quick or careless job. You’ll probably want to get a string winder to make the process easier and faster. And, finally, always keep an extra set of strings handy so that a broken string doesn’t ruin your jam session. Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships,free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, exceptin cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking.For our full ranking methodology, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programsfrom Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising feeswhen you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price,which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website.If you believe that your product should be includedin this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.
DisclosureAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.This guide is supported by Sweetwater and contains links to their product pages, however the recommendations below have been made independently by us at Gearank.Further information is in our.Nylon has been the material of choice for flamenco, classical, and many fingerstyle guitarists for decades. First introduced as an alternative to the gut strings used before the material’s introduction, nylon has proven itself to be a valuable alternative due to its affordability and resilience.Just like steel strings, nylon guitar strings are available in a wide variety of different options. However, the materials used in the strings, their composition, and their tension aren’t as well documented as the variables that create the tone of a steel string.Because nylon strings aren’t as widely discussed as steel strings, it can be hard for beginning musicians to find the best nylon strings for their skill level, preferences, and desired tone.For this 2019 update, we made improvements by arranging our recommendations according to tension (high, regular and low) as well as a separate portion where we select the best ball-end classical guitar string set. This increased our shortlist from 23 to 33 different sets from various manufacturers. We examined over 7,500 reviews and rating sources to come up with our new recommendations.We also provide an in-depth look at the materials used and the differences between them, including information on ball-end nylon strings.
There is also additional information about string tension and a quick tutorial on how to change nylon guitar strings. The Best Nylon / Classical Guitar Strings. The La Bella Elite 820 is tuned to be brighter for Flamenco guitars. The strings can also be used to brighten up dark sounding guitars and provide additional attack. Features:.
Red nylon treble strings. Silver-plated wound bass strings. Treble gauges:.029,.034,.041. Bass gauges:.029,.034,.042ProsUsers loved the bright sound and the sensitivity to being plucked. Longevity is also reported to be very good. It is also reported to give more clarity to instruments with a warm base tonality. ConsOne report of breakage during re-stringing but no other details were outlined.
OverallThe La Bella Elite 820 Flamenco strings are generally regarded by users as a great set for darker/warmer toned guitars or to provide additional snap and attack to players with mellower playing styles. D’Addario EJ45s are a standard among entry and mid-level classical guitar players The treble strings are made from nylon. The windings on the bass strings are silver-plated copper, a combination that offers a balanced combination of clarity and warmth. Features:.
Rich tone. Nylon and silver-plated copper strings. Treble gauges:.0280,.0322,.0403. Bass gauges:.029,.035,.043ProsThese strings are considered by reviewers to be one of the most consistent sets available, with reports of quality concerns being few and far between. ConsStrings take some time to settle in according to some reviews.
OverallBecause of their composition, these strings are a great fit for classical guitar pieces of all styles and levels. The silver-plated copper winding helps to tighten up the bass response, though darkly voiced instruments may lack the high-end response necessary to give the treble strings an articulate tone. And while they may not compare to high-end nylon strings they are widely considered to be a very good value.
As far as classical guitar string tech is concerned, Savarez offers some of the more advanced in terms of material composition. The 500AR set features a special formulation for the treble strings and special winding and polishing for the bass strings. Features:. Alliance KF Carbon Fiber treble strings. Silver plated copper wound bass strings.
Treble gauges:.024,.027,.033. Bass gauges:.027,.034,.043ProsUsers report great sustain especially in the higher registers of the fretboard. One user who was mixing and matching strings from different sets and brands found he didn't need to do so with this set. ConsOne report of detuning over time while a couple of users didn't like the way the treble dulled more quickly than they expected - these reports were from a tiny minority of users.
OverallThe Savarez 500AR strings are generally applauded as being one of the best premium sets available in the market today. For those who feel that no set gives them everything they want, the 500AR might be worth a shot for your next string change. The Pro-Arte series is arguably one of the most popular being available at nearly every guitar store.
The EJ43 set is a light tension set for those who prefer a softer touch coupled with a more mellow tonality. Features:. Nylon treble strings.
Silver-plated copper Bass strings. Treble gauges:.0275,.0317,.0397. Bass gauges:.028,.033,.042ProsSeveral people report that the set improved the playability of their guitars; particularly older guitars with compromised string action due to body warping or age.
Affordability and availability were also a plus for people who are looking to consistently use the same set. ConsSeveral low rated reviews point to the strings stretching and not staying in tune over time.
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Volume and depth were also said to be lacking by other reviewers. OverallIf you are looking for a string set that will improve your guitar's playability and that you can get almost anywhere, the EJ43 set by D'Addario is a consistent favorite as evidenced by the thousands of Pro-Arte reviews from our sources. The Hannabach 815 series is the brand's best selling set of strings and is presented as an all-rounder for most playing styles. The LT or Lower Tension set has lower gauges for lighter feeling playability.
Features:. Nylon treble strings. Silver-plated Bass strings. Treble gauges:.0280,.0319,.0398. Bass gauges:.0280,.0350,.0429ProsUsers report that despite being a lighter gauge, the volume and projection were very good. A few reviews commended the feel and balance of the set. ConsThere are very few negatives in user reviews - one report of early string breakage.
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OverallThe Hannabach 815 LT is a set for those who want both light tensions without sacrificing balance and volume. D'Addario strings go through machine selection in their string making process as a means to ensure consistent string sets. The EJ46 Pro-Arte Hard Tension set offers increased resistance and stronger projection over lower tension strings. Features:. Clear nylon treble strings.
Silverplated Copper wound on Nylon bass strings. Treble gauges:.0290,.0327,.0410. Bass gauges:.029,.036,.044ProsThe general availability of this set is what brought several users to purchase them. On their tone, players with a harder attack and playing style appreciate the added tension and the strings' ability to translate their nuances. ConsGiven the manufacturing process, there are conflicting accounts of consistency by users; while many say the strings are consistent enough to buy regularly, some have had negative experiences with batch quality, but these were most definitely in the minority. OverallIf you want to be heard and every bit of your attack on the strings felt, the D'Addario EJ46 Pro-Arte Hard Tension set can handle almost any level of aggressive playing styles. Rectified nylon strings are extruded and then ground to playing quality.
Savarez 520R Rectified Treble strings have a slightly more textured feel than clear nylon. This is to prevent finger slippage and allow for a different tone than clear nylon. Features:. Rectified nylon treble strings. Silver plated copper wound bass strings.
Treble gauges:.0280,.0325,.040. Bass gauges:.030,.0335,.043ProsReviews generally note how the texture helps secure their fingers on the strings while fretting. The textured feel also allows them to hold complex chords easier even with the higher tension. ConsUsers say that string noise is a problem with the set as the textured feel gives off squeaks when changing fretting positions. OverallIf you want more control over your playing, particularly on the treble strings, the Savarez 520R may be the set for you. If string noise bothers you, look elsewhere.
The M260 80/20 ball-end strings offer a rich tone from the crystal nylon trebles and deep and warm tones from the 80/20 bronze bass strings. Features:. Crystal nylon treble strings. 80/20 bronze bass strings. Treble gauges:.028,.032,.040. Bass gauges:.030,.035,.043ProsBall-end strings like the M260 are generally easier to string up as reported by most reviews.
Longtime players say they don't notice much of a difference in feel or tone from traditional string tying. Great for beginners who have yet to learn how to tie strings securely. ConsSome reports of the ball-end coming off and breaking the string. OverallIf you're a beginner and still learning how to securely tie your strings or if you're a veteran that just wants the convenience of a ball-end when restringing, the Martin M260 80/20 is our highest rated pick for ball-end classical guitar strings.
Things to Consider When Buying Nylon Guitar StringsEvery term you’re going to need to know to make an informed purchase is explained below, and we would encourage you to refer back to this section before you make a final purchase. This way you can be sure you’ve got a good idea of how your strings will perform. Classical Strings: Is There a Difference?Nylon and classical guitar strings are the same. There’s not a type of string which is considered to be the classical guitar string. Rather, players use a variety of different types (we’ll go into these different types in more depth below) based on their preferences and what works well with their instrument.However, some strings are marketed for flamenco guitar exclusively.
Flamenco guitar is characterized by its bright and percussive tone, and strings intended for flamenco are meant to emphasize these elements. These strings may pair well with a darkly voiced instrument, but they’ll offer less of the overtone-ridden and gentle sound that defines the classical guitar. They also tend to sustain less than other nylon strings, making them a good fit for flamenco and some fingerstyle arrangements but a poor fit for a more traditional classical playing style.With that being said, even flamenco players use a variety of different strings. If you’re looking to play flamenco guitar strings designed for the genre are a good place to start, but they aren’t your only option.
MaterialsThere are three main types of nylon string: genuine nylon, fluorocarbon (technically not nylon, but deserves to be included due to its popularity) and titanium nylon. To avoid repeating ourselves, we would like to state that the differences inherent to each type of string are going to vary based on your technique, the instrument you use, and the proficiency/intent of the manufacturer. Consider the information below a rough guide as to what you should expect from these strings, not a definitive guide as to how they sound. Genuine nylon strings are what most players think of when they hear the term “nylon guitar string.” These strings are made from nylon, and the three bass strings are coated with a bronze or silver alloy. These strings have a warm and rich tone, though they don’t have the volume of the other types.
Cheaper nylon strings also tend to sound muddy when compared to cheap titanium or fluorocarbon strings. Another advantage of nylon strings is that they help to facilitate vibrato more so than the other two types of strings. Fluorocarbon strings, commonly referred to as carbon fiber, are voiced brighter than classical strings. These strings have more volume than nylon and a very articulate tone, but there are instances where they suffer from intonation issues.
They also lack sustain when compared to nylon strings, which depending on the pieces you play may or may not be a good thing. Faster pieces benefit from the articulation that comes from a lack of sustain, but slower pieces may sound brittle and/or unemotional. For a look at how these two (carbon and nylon) strings compare, check out this video. Titanium nylon strings are either made from a titanium-nylon polymer or a polyamide (a repeating molecule chain linked by a certain type of chemical bond) formula, depending on the manufacturer. Galli’s GR45 Titanium Genius is of the former category, while others are called “titanium” strings due to the coloration caused by their composition. These strings have a brighter sound than nylon strings but have a lesser representation of mid-range frequencies than true nylon or fluorocarbon strings. Some musicians state that the strings have a more metallic sound than a traditional nylon string.
The video below doesn’t have the same guitar player using the same guitar showing off the differences between different strings so it doesn’t provide as accurate of a comparison, but it does help to give you a basic idea of how titanium nylon strings respond. Classical Guitar String Tension and GaugeThe playability and tone of steel strings are largely decided by their gauge.
Gauge is the thickness of the string, with thicker strings having a higher representation of low to low-mid frequencies and thinner strings having more high-mid and treble frequencies.Nylon guitar strings are generally divided by tension. Tension is the tension the strings are under, with low tension strings feeling easier to play and high tension strings feeling stiffer.
Compared to steel strings, the difference between low and high tension strings isn’t quite as dramatic, but tension has a huge impact on tone. Gauge has the same impact on the tone of nylon strings that it has on steel strings, but the main variable is tension.Tension influences the following variables: volume, playability, and frequency representation. Low tension strings have the least volume and are easier to play, with high tension having the opposite characteristics.
Medium tension strings are a middle-ground between the two.Low tension strings have more “body” and a higher representation of low and low-mid frequencies. Body is the presence of overtones, so a low tension string will generally have a more complex and musical tone. High tension strings have more high-end representation and more “attack.” Attack is the immediacy with which you hear a note, so the more attack a string has the more notes seem to leap out of your guitar.Another thing to note about tension is that some instruments may not be able to hold up to the strain of high tension strings. Older instruments, in particular, aren’t designed to hold up to the strain, so before you slap on a set of high tension strings research the specifications of your instrument. If you can’t find them, take your guitar to a luthier and get their opinion on the issue before you commit to high tension strings.If you’d like a bit more info, check out this video.
It’s a bit long, but it goes into the topic in way more depth. PlatingsThe bass strings (the thickest three) are usually plated, almost always with a metal.
Different manufacturers use different metals and alloys, all of which have their pros and cons. The general rule of thumb with platings is that denser materials offer more clarity, while less dense materials create more warmth. Pairing Your Strings with Your GuitarThe two biggest variables on how your strings are going to perform are the tonewood the instrument is made from as well as your technique. For the sake of brevity, we’re not going to go into much depth here, but as a general rule, you should look for strings that balance out the tone of your guitar. If you have a darkly voiced instrument (cedar topped guitars are a perfect example of this) you’d likely get great results from a brightly voiced string. The inverse is true with spruce-topped instruments, which are considered to have a brighter and more lively voice. What About Ball-End Nylon Strings?Nylon strings are a bit of a hassle for beginners because you have to learn how to tie them, which takes some practice.
So rather than learning how to properly tie nylon strings, many beginning musicians prefer ball-end strings. Ball-end nylon strings have a ball-end just like steel strings. You just feed one end of the string through the bridge, wind it around the peg, tune it up, and you’re good to go.Nylon strings also come in more price tiers than steel strings, with some strings being aimed at beginners and others at more advanced musicians. Because they’re more convenient for beginners, ball-end strings get a reputation of being beginner-tier strings. Companies don’t launch professional quality ball-end nylon strings because professional classical guitarists generally won’t buy them due to their reputation.With that being said, ball-end strings aren’t any better or worse than other strings in the same price tier. However, you do limit your options by not knowing how to tie plain end nylon strings. How to Change Plain End Nylon StringsOnce you purchase a set of plain end nylon strings, refer to this video (or follow the link and bookmark it).
It’s a solid tutorial on how to change a nylon string, and once you watch it through a couple of times you’ll be able to get a handle on how to tie the necessary knot (generally the same knot, tied two or three times). Best Classical Guitar Strings Selection MethodologyWe looked at all the ranges of nylon strings available from major online retailers.
We collected user comments and reviews from retailers, magazines and forums and analyzed them with the Gearank Algorithm to produce the scores out of 100 you see above - we used over 7,500 sources for this process. Finally, we selected the highest rated sets per tension category as well as having a separate section for the best ball end classical guitar strings. For more information about this process see.