Strings - this one is fundamental important element for playing on many musical instruments, including guitars. In fact, they are the ones who determine the quality and richness of the sound. But for some reason sometimes even when choosing good tool, the quality of the strings is the last thing people pay attention to. Getting the perfect sound on an acoustic guitar is a combination of great equipment, talent, technique and practice. But without good strings and setting them up correctly is unlikely to achieve good sound.

Beginning musicians most often buy strings exactly those recommended by the seller, choose according to an inexpensive price category, or are guided by the colored packaging of the strings, thinking that the brighter it is, the better the quality of the strings.

But guitar strings are such an element of a musician’s equipment that, when correct selection may be the golden mean in finding and creating your own sound.

Become a certain “trick” of a specific performer. There are some fundamental factors to consider when choosing strings. Each of them is equally important.
Therefore, what should you pay attention to when buying strings for acoustic guitar?

You will need:

String choice: nylon or steel

When buying strings, pay attention to what kind of guitar you have. Because there are two types of guitars - acoustic and classical. Out of ignorance, many people generalize them and believe that they are all the same guitar, but this is not the case. There are special nylon strings for classical guitars, and the neck fastening is different from acoustic guitars, so installing steel strings on a classical guitar will damage the neck, move it and, with intense playing, may even crack at the base.

Therefore, there is a clear rule: for acoustics - steel, for classical - nylon.

Select the thickness (caliber) of the strings

Each musician selects the thickness of the strings to suit his playing style. String thickness is measured in inches. The diameter of the first string, which ranges from 0.008 to 0.013 inches in different sets, determines the subsequent thickness of the entire set. Most professional musicians play and advise starting to learn by installing a set of strings with a diameter of the first string of 0.009 (from nine).

The higher the gauge of the strings, the louder, richer and longer they will sound.

Thick strings have a variety of overtones, they are less bright, but they are much more difficult to play, especially for beginners, since a lot of effort is required to press the strings, and when playing for a long time, this is a big strain on the hands.

Select string winding material

The thicker the string, the thicker the winding on it. Winding is a layer of wire that is wound along the entire length of the string. Depending on the hardness of the material from which the winding is made, the strings will have different stiffness. This affects not only the finger feel, but also the sound of the guitar.

There are several types of winding:

• Copper

Quite a common winding. Often used on acoustic amateur guitars. It is not very expensive, so under good loads it quickly breaks and tears.

• Silver plated

These strings are more practical for concert performances, thanks to its aesthetic qualities. They do not fade over time, do not rust, do not accumulate dirt and dust, and as a result do not leave dark fingerprints on your hands while playing. But the sound qualities of such strings are not much different from copper ones.

• Brass or phosphor bronze

This counts best strings, many performers prefer them. Because they have a more colorful and lively sound. Several times more durable than with copper winding.

Select winding type

There are two types of winding on strings: round and flat. 80% of guitar strings installed are round wound. It is very common and popular, since flat is considered more studio and narrowly targeted for specific styles, and guitarist performance techniques.

Round wound strings have a ringing and colorful sound.

But still, after some time after their installation, it gradually decreases, the strings lose their properties, and sound more natural and monotonous.

Flatwound gives the strings a more stable and slightly muted sound. The sound is unusual with a characteristic matte sound. A good quality of a flat winding is the absence of whistling when the fingers slide.

If you have already purchased an acoustic guitar for yourself and want to take a set of spare strings for it, but still don’t know which ones to choose or have no idea about them at all, then in this article I will try to reveal all the secrets to you and answer such an important question: how to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?

What do you need to know first?

When choosing strings for your guitar, I would advise you to be careful about the opinions of the so-called “experts”. This is especially true for unfortunate salespeople in music stores, who for the most part are not particularly professional and want to push you the most expensive or stale product in the window, but are not as interested in helping you choose strings for an acoustic guitar.

I'm sure that for mine creative life Any guitarist will try more than a dozen different strings and change his preferences more than once, because a person’s requirements and tastes change over time, and string production technologies also do not stand in one place. Quite often, professionals have several different guitars and accordingly, for each, a separate set of strings is selected that are best suited in terms of physical and sound parameters. Therefore, it makes no sense to give any advice on choosing certain brands of strings. But then, I will try to introduce you to modern types strings and their design differences.

Deciding before purchasing

As I already talked about in the article, you first need to decide what kind of guitar you will master. Whether it is a classical guitar or an acoustic one, the strings will also be different; in fact, the strings are almost the whole difference between a classical and an acoustic guitar.

When choosing strings for your acoustic guitar in a store, you will definitely encounter a problem that did not exist when you were choosing your instrument. I’ll tell you what this problem is now. Before purchasing, you will not be able to listen to how the strings sound in order to choose the most suitable ones for yourself. Therefore, first, consult with friends or acquaintances of guitarists who have experience behind them before you decide to buy strings.

String thickness

You need to decide what thickness of strings suits you best. Keep in mind that you have for confident play on thick strings the fingers on the left hand should be well trained. As a rule, the diameter of the 1st string in different sets can vary from 0.008 to 0.013 inches. The thicker the strings, the richer and more voluminous the guitar will sound.

Winding material

Copper or its various alloys. These strings are the most common and most often used on acoustic guitars and are therefore less expensive.

Silver coating. This metal has little effect on the sound, but has a good effect on aesthetic qualities. Strings with this coating do not fade, look beautiful and do not leave dark marks on the fingers.

Brass or phosphor bronze. Such strings will be more durable and, unlike copper ones, will have a slightly different sound.

String winding type

Round winding. Strings with such a winding will have a ringing and bright sound, especially immediately after replacement, but not for a long time.

Flat winding. When choosing such strings, keep in mind that their sound will be dull, as if muffled.

The 1st and 2nd strings are always made without winding. 6th, 5th and 4th bass strings always have a winding. The 3rd string most often comes without a winding, but in thicker sets with a winding, which gives its sound a more beautiful and rich sound, but it also has a drawback. Due to the fact that the winding is very thin, it often breaks and becomes unusable, and because of this it is necessary to change the entire set.

Classical Guitar Strings

Synthetic (nylon) strings. The first three strings are made of nylon fishing line, but the bass strings are made of large number threads of exactly the same nylon and have an external metal winding, most often made of copper, less often of silver or brass (phosphorus bronze).

High density synthetic. These strings, unlike nylon strings, are made of carbon fishing line, and at the same time have an increased density and a thinner diameter. Such strings are characterized by a ringing, pronounced sound. The disadvantage is the high price.

Strings on a steel cable. The strings are relatively soft and have different windings: the first three are with nylon tape, and the 6th, 5th and 4th are with silver-plated copper. These strings have virtually no stretch and change pitch quite quickly when the pegs are turned. They are less popular due to their high price and are quite unusual.

Synthallic strings. They are characterized at the metal level by high sound brightness and the usual softness like nylon. They tune up quickly, the winding does not wear out so much from contact with the frets, and these strings also allow you to make “braces.” Maintains tune and rich timbre for several months without changing.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Monolithic steel strings. The core of these strings consists of high-strength, so-called “piano steel”, from which the first three strings are also made. Alloys based on copper or phosphorus bronze are most often used as windings, and the windings differ in hardness and elasticity, while imparting different rigidity to the strings. This in turn affects the sound of the instrument and the comfort of playing with your fingers.

Steel strings with semicircular or flat winding. Such a winding can lie flat side out. These strings are a type of string with a solid steel base. When sliding fingers along the coils, the windings do not make a “whistle”. They are characterized by a more matte sound on bass strings and a more ringing sound on unwound strings.

Steel strings covered with thin synthetic material. There are two types of them. The first type includes strings in which on top of the metal winding there is another additional thin tape winding consisting of Teflon - a synthetic material that has low friction and good wear resistance. Protects the twisted string from dirt and moisture and reduces wear from contact with the frets. The second type differs in that, according to the technology, the wire winding the strings is already enclosed in a plastic sheath. Disadvantage - the gaps between the turns are less protected from contamination and sweat from the fingers, but they more effectively reduce wear from contact with the frets. These two types of strings are quite expensive and lack the iridescent sound that is characteristic of round wound strings.

Let's sum it up

When choosing strings for an acoustic guitar, you need to decide what sound you personally like, what kind of guitar you have and, not least, what kind of music you will play or already play. But for beginner guitarists who have no experience, I would advise the following:

Try to always tune the strings using a tuner or tuning fork, because the instrument will not be able to sound fully if it is not tuned correctly. Do not over-tighten the strings so as not to deform them or break them at the most inopportune moment. Also, you shouldn’t tighten the strings loosely, because the sound will be less dense and loud, and the tuning will “float.” Keep in mind that even if you take the most expensive strings, but don’t tune them correctly, they will sound much worse than cheap ones, but correctly tuned and matched to the hands and guitar of a particular player.

Perhaps this is the most important information for those who wondered: “How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar?” I hope that I was able to help you in some way and will be glad if you write a comment, adding your information to this article. Don't forget to share with your friends on in social networks, perhaps they will also be interested in knowing this. The next article will be about how to choose strings for an electric guitar. So, if anyone is interested, wait for updates on the site. Good luck to you!

Many guitarists, both beginners and more experienced, are preoccupied with searching better sound, as a result of which they subject their instruments to various kinds of modifications.

Musicians replace stock pickups, potentiometers and other electronics, replace the saddles with brass, bronze or bone, and sometimes even replace such significant parts of the instrument as the soundboard or neck in the hope of changing the type of wood to change the tone (and we talked more about wood types in article).

These manipulations certainly affect the sound of the guitar, but often such drastic measures are unnecessary, because it was possible to get closer to the desired tone by simply changing the gauge and alloy of the strings, but for some unknown reason many guitarists neglect such a simple and inexpensive procedure.

It is for this reason that in this article we will talk about various types strings, both for electric and acoustic guitars, we will consider various alloys and coatings, type of winding, manufacturing technologies, calibers and the most important effect of all this on the sound.

String gauge

First of all, all strings vary in size, usually for standard tuning the thickness of the first string in a set can range from 0.008 to 0.012, and for lower tunings it often reaches 0.013-0.014 inches.

The thickness of the strings primarily determines the richness of the tone and volume of the instrument, because the thicker the string, the richer the overtones and louder the sound, especially for acoustic instruments, but as the law of equal exchange says: if you want to get something, then you need to sacrifice something - then equivalent to this, in in this case we directly sacrifice the convenience of play, because the thicker the strings, the more physical effort is required when playing.

In this regard, it is not surprising that virtuoso performers whose music primarily focuses on filigree technique use sets with 0.8 caliber, such as Yngwie Malmsteen.

Braid

Round braid

Round braid is easy to manufacture and affordable, making it the most popular solution for both acoustic and electric guitars. It is a round wire in cross-section wound in a spiral on a round core. It has a ringing tone and medium tension.

Due to the rough surface, making slides is a little more difficult than on strings with a flat braid, but easier than with a hexagonal braid, and in terms of fret wear, the round braid is located exactly in the middle.

Flat braid

Flat-wound strings have complex production technology and a fairly high price. The braid of such strings is wound around a round core, but the wire itself has a square cross-section with rounded corners.

Strings with this type of braid have a rich, velvety tone with a beautiful low end and smooth top end, often used by jazzmen. It should also be noted that the use of flat winding has a beneficial effect on the service life of the frets. However, if you want to use an overdriven guitar sound, these are not the strings for you.

Hexagonal braid

Making strings with hexagonal braid is not much more difficult than with round braid, and their price is about the same. The design consists of a hexagonal core with a wound braid, most often round, with a hexagonal cross section.

The tone of such strings is very bright and expressive due to the tighter fit of the braid to the core. Durability is also excellent. However, the rigidity and sharp edges of the braid negatively affect the life of the frets and can cause discomfort when playing.

Types of strings for acoustic guitar

To begin with, it should be noted that despite general term“acoustic guitar”: classical-Spanish and western (jumbo) - these are essentially two different instruments, on which different strings should be installed to avoid damage.

Classical Guitar Strings

Strings made from sheep intestines are often called gut strings. Nowadays, they are no longer as widespread as in the past, but there are enthusiasts who bring these strings to our country in small quantities. They are usually used by folk music lovers.

Synthetic strings (nylon)

Synthetic strings, launched in the 40s in the USA, quickly replaced intestinal strings from the market, as they were cheaper and had greater wear resistance.

The basis for such strings is nylon, and copper alloys are used as the outer metal winding, which are durable and have a matte sound.

Western Guitar Strings

Bronze strings

As you might guess, the braid of such strings is made of bronze, or rather 80% copper and 20% tin, as a result of which the color of such strings is very similar to gold. Such strings are durable and have good anti-corrosion properties. The sound can be described as ringing and bright.

Phosphor bronze strings

Phosphor bronze strings differ from bronze strings in the presence of phosphorus 0.3% and a large amount of copper about 90-92%. Due to the amount of copper in the alloy, the strings have a red tint. The sound of such strings is very soft and warm, not as bright as pure bronze.

Types of strings for electric guitar

Due to the fact that an electric guitar transmits not acoustic, but electromagnetic vibrations to the pickup, it is impossible to use strings for acoustic guitars on it, but there is no problem with this, since there are simply a huge number of types of strings for electric guitars.

Steel strings

Steel strings are made entirely of steel, both the core and the winding. They have a bright and piercing sound, but they have great rigidity and very mediocre (especially without a polymer coating) anti-corrosion properties; add to this the severe wear of the frets from such strings and it becomes clear why they are not particularly popular.

The winding of such strings consists of nickel, they are much softer than steel, wear out the frets less and have a soft but rich tone. However, nickel strings quickly lose their acoustic properties and stop sounding within 2-3 weeks active play, but despite this they are the most popular electric guitar strings in the world.

How often should you change strings?

First of all, it depends on the intensity of the game, professionals change the strings before each performance, but most guitar lovers keep the strings fresh for 1 to 1.5 months, of course, if you limit playing the instrument, you can increase this period.

However, there are several factors that will help you know when to change your strings. Some of the advice is taken from the course by Mikhail Rusakov:

• First of all, there are visual signs of wear, such as breaks in the winding, dents in the strings and corrosion.
• The second is the sound, if your instrument begins to sound not as bright as usual or downright dull.
• And the last thing is the tuning, if it floats, tuning the guitar becomes uncomfortable or even impossible, you should change the strings.

Results

Such an abundance of different alloys and gauges suggests that there are no ideal strings. Therefore, you need to think about what it means for you highest value: brightness of tone, ease of play, durability or even appearance and make your choice based on this.

Strings are the main working element of a guitar, determining the comfort and quality of playing. Each musician has his own preferences on this matter, developed based on many years of experience. It’s more difficult for beginners - they only have to start searching, which may not always end successfully. How to reduce the error rate? What should you pay attention to?

How to choose strings for an acoustic guitar

Strings give a guitar its personality. The peculiarity of the game is influenced by their thickness - it contributes to the appearance of volume in the sound. According to this criterion, all strings are divided into three groups:

1. Thin. They do not require excessive pressure while playing, but they sound quiet.
2. Average. They represent the optimal balance between clamping force and pleasant sound.
3. Thick. Designed for experienced guitarists with trained left-hand fingers. They demonstrate rich and juicy sound.

Beginners are usually advised to use medium thickness strings. Sets 0.10-0.48 and 0.11-0.52 are considered the best in terms of sound transmission.

The second criterion when choosing strings for acoustics is the type of winding. It is characteristic of the fourth, fifth, sixth and sometimes third string. The winding is:

• flat – characterized by a matte, slightly muffled sound;
• round - has a bright and sonorous sound.

The third string can be either without winding or with it (in thicker sets). In the latter case, the sound becomes more beautiful and rich, but due to the thinness of the winding, it regularly has to be changed along with the rest of the set of strings.

Unwound strings are more durable, but exhibit fewer overtones, causing the sound to be perceived as lacking harmony. It should be remembered that the more often the winding, the more dull and “bass” the sound turns out.

Much depends on the material used. Typically there are the following options:

Choosing strings is a purely individual matter. You need to try and compare. It is recommended to study the “habits” of your favorite musicians and play with the same strings that they use.

Many beginners decide to go with copper. This material, due to its good performance qualities and low cost, enjoys continued popularity.

Be careful when purchasing silver wound strings. Most often, these are just copper wires coated with a very thin layer of silver, which quickly wears off (especially if the product is made in Korea or China). It is believed that such winding mainly affects aesthetics, and not sound quality. Although some musicians are confident in the indispensability of silver when performing fingerpicking. If possible, it is better to try such strings yourself and draw your own conclusions.

The choice of strings is influenced by the type of acoustic guitar - classical or pop. Classic models mainly used when teaching the game. The following strings are used for such instruments:

Pop instruments require working with the following strings:

1. On a monolithic steel base with copper or bronze winding.
2. With semicircular or flat winding. A subtype of the previous option. They do not emit the characteristic “whistle” when sliding your fingers, they are distinguished by their dullness on bass strings and their ringing quality on windless strings.
3. Steel, covered with a layer of thin synthetics.

A pop guitar assumes that the user already has some experience in playing, so the strings used are harder and stiffer, which has a positive effect on the brightness of the sound.

How to choose strings for an electric guitar

All electric guitar strings are based on a steel core. It may have a winding made of the following materials:

Nickel-plated strings are most popular; steel models are much less common.

There are several types of winding:

1. Round. The simplest and most inexpensive option, which has pronounced disadvantages in the form of:
   • lack of attachment to the core, which causes “looseness” of the winding in case of string damage;
   • a relief profile that provokes the appearance of a “whistle” when the fingers slide;
   • roughness, which accelerates the wear of the fingerboard and frets.
2. Flat. An improved type of winding that does not exhibit “whistle” and provides less wear on the pickguard and frets. The strings are comfortable to play, but they do not have as bright a sound as models with round winding.
3. Semicircular. Combines the bright sound of round strings with the tactile feel of flat strings.
4. Hexagonal. Due to the close contact of the core with the winding, it is achieved best quality sound. True, at the same time the wear of the lining and thresholds accelerates (the process occurs in less time than in the case of a round winding). Also, hexagonal strings are not very comfortable.

You need to select a winding based on your own ideas about what the sound should be, as well as the budget allocated for the purchase. Any option can be good choice in a specific case.

Best caliber electro guitar strings– “ten” (0.010). It is this thickness that allows you to combine a sufficient level of rigidity with sound density. “Eights” (0.008) are only suitable during the learning period; you should not linger on them for a long time: the strings are very soft and thin, which affects the sound. Strings from 0.011 and above are considered complex due to their thickness, but they demonstrate a voluminous and powerful sound.

Recognizing your instrument is the main task of a musician. Therefore, the selection of strings should have an experimental touch. “Like” the guitar? Did it sound? Only through trial and error can you find “those” strings that will help you achieve your own sound and develop it.

Strings for acoustic or classical guitar significantly affect its sound, so from the widest range of strings on the market, you should choose exactly those that are ideal for you and your instrument. This guide will help you choose the right strings that best suit your guitar and playing style.

Acoustic Guitar Strings

Since there are no sound effects or amplification in an acoustic guitar, the strings are key to its sound. Thus, the material and caliber acoustic strings must be carefully considered, and the type of winding is also an important factor.

Acoustic or classical guitar

The first thing that determines the choice of strings is the type of instrument - classical or western guitar (it is most often called acoustic). In most cases their strings Not interchangeable. Usage metal strings on a guitar designed to be used nylon strings, may seriously damage the instrument. The neck design of a classical guitar is not designed to withstand the pressure from the tension of metal strings. Usage wrong strings may also damage the bridge and saddles.

String gauge

Before we dive into the specific characteristics various types guitar strings, let's look at the concept of string gauge, since it applies to both of them. Strings come in different thicknesses or gauges. Caliber is indicated in thousandths of an inch. The most thin strings for acoustics they are usually 0.010 gauge, and the thickest ones are 0.059. The gauge of the strings greatly affects their playability and sound.

Please note that classical guitar strings also vary in tension. Below we will discuss the effect of tension on the sound and playability of classical strings.

Thinner strings (smaller gauge):

• - it’s easier to pinch the strings and play by fingerpicking;
• - tear faster;
• - their sound is less deep and long;
• - can cause fret buzzing, especially on guitars with a small distance between the neck and the strings;
• - place less pressure on the guitar neck and are safer for older instruments

Thicker Strings (Higher Gauge):

• - require a lot of effort to pinch the strings and play chords;
• - the sound is deep and long;
• - cause more pressure on the bar.

Gauge designation on acoustic guitar string sets

Most manufacturers mark the gauge of the string set with labels such as “extra light” or “heavy” on the packaging. Although string gauges of the same markings may vary slightly among different manufacturers, the following are standard string gauges for acoustic guitars:

Selecting String Gauge for an Acoustic Guitar

When deciding which string gauge to choose, the following factors must be considered:

Type of shell: general rule is that on guitars with a smaller soundboard, that is, with less resonance, it is better to use smaller gauge strings, on guitars with a larger soundboard - thicker strings. Thus, large dreadnoughts (western dreadnoughts) or jumbos, as a rule, sound better with medium gauge strings: thanks to the large soundboard, the sound resonates well and is balanced deep and loud. Folk and grand audience guitars will sound better with thinner strings.

Playing style: Picking is much easier on smaller gauge strings. If you prefer to play, it is better to choose medium-gauge strings, although for beginners who are not roughened, they may seem harsh. If you combine both plucking and strumming in your playing, light-medium gauge strings may be a good option. Such sets consist of thinner three lower strings and the thicker three top ones.

Desired tone: As you probably already guessed, heavy gauge strings produce a deep low sound with pronounced bass. On the other hand, thinner strings give a bright and ringing sound. high notes, making busting very effective.

Condition and age of the instrument: Vintage guitars are often fragile and putting too much tension on thick strings can cause the neck to change angles and damage the bridge. If you are not sure how large caliber safe for your guitar, please contact the manufacturer or luthier.

Acoustic Guitar String Materials

Below are the features of the sound of strings with various materials windings of their basses.

Bronze: the strings have a clear, ringing and bright sound, which, unfortunately, fades quite quickly due to the tendency of bronze to oxidize.

Phosphor bronze: the sound is lower and warmer, but still quite sonorous, phosphorus in the alloy increases service life.

Aluminum bronze: The sound is cleaner than phosphor bronze, with pronounced bass and ringing highs

Copper: the strings have a bright, ringing, metallic sound, but they get dirty and oxidize very quickly.

Polymer coated: less sonorous and bright than equivalent bare strings, the sound is warm and deep; Corrosion resistant.

With silk wrap(Silk and Steel): A steel core with silk, nylon or copper winding on the lower strings, giving them a softer feel and sound. These strings are popular among folk performers and for fingerstyle.

What is special about electric-acoustic strings?

Most electroacoustic speakers are equipped with a piezoelectric pickup (or simply a microphone) located inside the soundboard, which converts the sound vibrations of the strings and soundboard into an electrical signal using a built-in preamp. Since piezoelectric pickups are not affected by the magnetic properties of the string materials, regular acoustic or classical guitar strings will work just fine for an acoustic-electric guitar.

If the electro-acoustic is equipped with an electromagnetic pickup, when choosing strings, you should follow the recommendations of the guitar or pickup manufacturer.

Nylon strings

Characteristics of nylon strings

Nylon strings are typically used for performance classical music, flamenco, bossa nova and folk music. However, their smooth, rich tone with excellent touch sensitivity is used by guitarists in other styles, such as jazz and country.

Some beginners choose nylon strings due to the belief that they are less likely to cut their fingers. This belief is true, since nylon is more soft material and the tension of nylon strings is weaker than metal ones. However, all beginners must go through a stage of roughening their fingertips and correct settings he passes the guitar quickly. Nylon strings should not be chosen for their initial ease of play, but for their sound.

Because nylon strings tend to stretch more than metal strings, they require more frequent tuning, especially if the set is new. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Nylon string tension

In addition to the gauge, manufacturers indicate the tension of the set on the packaging of nylon strings. Unfortunately, there is no single scale for determining it, so to find strings with the ideal tension for you, you need to change several brands. The choice is complicated by the fact that there are sets in which the strings have different tensions, while only one value is indicated on the packaging. Below are the most common tension symbols and their sound characteristics.

Lowtension(Low Tension alsoModerate orLight Tension)

• - it is easier to pluck strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the strings and the neck;
• - the sound is less sonorous and rich;
• - the sound is soft, without pronounced intonation;
• - more suitable for legato technique;
• - prone to fret buzzing.

Averagetension(Normal Tension/Medium Tension)

• - is usually a happy medium between low and high tension characteristics.

Hightension(High/Hard/Strong Tension)

• - more effort is required to clamp the strings, especially on instruments with a large distance between the neck and the strings;
• - the sound is clearer and brighter;
• - the sound is expressive, more abrupt;
• - more suitable for rhythmic picking;
• - May cause damage to the neck, bridge and tuning machines on fragile instruments.

Some manufacturers produce strings with extra-light tension and extra-hard tension, and there are also sets labeled Medium-hard tension. To choose the string tension that best suits your playing style, we recommend first deciding on the manufacturer and winding material of your bass. After that, try sets with different tensions in the selected line.

To reduce the pressure on the instrument when using strings with high tension, it is recommended to loosen them after playing, store them in a slightly deflated state, and tune them immediately before playing.

Nylon string material

First of all, the very definition of “nylon strings” is somewhat erroneous. There are several materials from which strings are made, which would be more accurately called “classical guitar strings.” The structure and materials of treble and bass strings in the same set are also different.

Until the 1940s, classical guitar strings were made from the intestines of cows and sheep. The trebles were made from simple gut, and the bass strings were made from silk thread wound with gut.

The trebles of modern classical guitar strings are made from nylon, fluorocarbon or other synthetic threads, the basses are a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various materials.

Materials of treble strings for classical guitar and their sound characteristics

Clear Nylon : the most common strings are transparent nylon fishing line, cast in the required gauge, and have a ringing and bright sound. The strings are smooth to the touch.

Rectified Nylon : also represent a nylon fishing line of the required caliber, which is then processed by a laser to achieve the most accurate compliance with the specified diameter along the entire length of the string. They have a warmer, velvety sound. Matte and rough to the touch.

Black nylon : besides appearance It has a soft and clear sound with a predominance of high notes.

Nylon with titanium added : Smooth to the touch with a brighter sound than regular nylon strings. They are often used on low sounding guitars.

Combined : woven from several threads, have a bright, loud sound. Strings of this structure are often used as a G-string, as a transition between treble and bass strings.

Bass string winding materials for classical guitar

Classical bass strings consist of a core of twisted nylon thread with a winding of various metals. The most common ones are presented below.

80/20 bronze : The alloy contains 80% copper and 20% zinc. The sound of the strings is clear and bright.

Silver plated copper : Silver coating makes the strings smooth to the touch, copper gives a warm sound. Some manufacturers label this winding “silver”.

Roundwound basses are the most common for classical basses. Some manufacturers sand the surface of the Roundwound to smooth out the surface, which makes the strings smooth to the touch and reduces finger noise.

Most classical guitar strings have straight ends (tie-ends) that tie them to the bridge.

Signs it's time to change strings

• - the guitar is increasingly out of tune, and tuning it is becoming more and more difficult;
• - rust has appeared on the strings or they have changed color;
• - in the places where it is attached to the bridge, the winding has delaminated and the base of the bass strings is visible;
• - the sound of the strings is flat and dull;
• - You don’t remember when last time changed the strings.

How often should you change strings?

There is no single answer to this question, but the following are reasons for shortened string life:

• - You play in a hot room, you sweat while playing;
• - You play aggressively with loud fighting;
• - You play often;
• - You often change the tuning of your guitar;
• - You smoke or play in smoky rooms.

• - Have a clean cloth on hand to wipe down the strings after playing.
• - Wash your hands before playing.
• - Buy a stringwinder, they are inexpensive and will greatly speed up the process of changing strings.
• - Write down the date of replacement on the package of strings, put the package in the guitar case, so you can compare which strings last you longer.
• - Buying strings in bulk can be cheaper, especially if you use thin strings that are easy to break.
• - Pay attention to the packaging: it is better to choose polyethylene - it will protect the strings from corrosion during storage.
• - Keep a spare set or single first, thinnest strings in your guitar case, they will come in handy in case of emergency string replacement.