Nylon strings. Which to choose?

Many musicians think that nylon strings are strings exclusively for beginner musicians who do not want to get corns on their fingers in the process of training. This is a fairly common misconception that we intend to dispel in this article.

Features of Nylon Strings

The first three strings are a calibrated nylon fishing line. Now they are made from various copolymers and polymers, the basis of which is nylon. The rest of the bass strings are made of multifilament synthetic twisted warp. Sometimes it is called filament nylon. As a winding, silver-plated copper wire is usually used . Such a coating improves the sound of deaf copper and looks beautiful, but after a while it is erased. In some cases, various copper and silver alloys with the obligatory presence of zinc act as windings. However, this is not so practical and also more expensive. In some cases, other alloys can be used as a winding, which are inferior in the sound of silver-plated copper, but surpass it in durability.

What tension can nylon strings have

String tension can be normal (Normal / Regular), strong (High / Hard) or very strong (Extra High). In some cases, the manufacturer indicates the packaging and thickness of the strings. Moreover, the stronger the tension and the thicker the string, the louder and juicier it will sound. A thinner string will sound thinner and louder.

So still what to put? Nylon or metal strings?

Nylon strings were originally designed for classic guitars. Moreover, the instrument should have a glued neck, since the neck on the screw significantly impairs the sound of the instrument. This is one of the reasons why metal strings are most often placed on cheap instruments. Also, many masters do not recommend putting nylon strings on western guitars (they are also called folk guitars in another way) and dreadnought. These instruments are designed for higher tension and are unlikely to sound good with nylon.

How to choose nylon strings?

Typically, professional guitarists choose heavily tensioned strings with silver plated windings. But for beginner musicians, teachers are advised to put medium-tension nylon strings, as they are easier to play. But it is worth considering that at the same time, a novice musician will not be able to apply some methods of sound production. Particular attention must be paid to the frets. If they are poorly polished, then strings with copper winding would be the best choice. They will serve longer, but the sound will not be so bright.

The determining factor in choosing “votes” is the quality and the way they are processed. There is a matte (polished) and polished surface. Each of them has its own nuances. Now the most widely used are polished strings, since in fast passages they create fewer overtones.

As for brands, the most famous are Martin Strings (American) and Savarez (French), as well as Pyramid, La Bella, D'Addario and many others. Choosing a brand of nylon strings is a personal matter for every musician.