So, you have your trusty classical guitar that you play daily and it’s now time to change the strings. There are many classical guitar strings on the market to choose from, but which ones are the best? What are the things to look for in a set of classical guitar strings? We are here to help you figure out which ones are right for your guitar.
Best Classical Guitar Strings
In this buyer’s guide we will review some of the best classical guitar strings that are available for your guitar. If you already have a consistent brand and type you have been purchasing, perhaps you are wanting to try something different. This may also be the first time that you are changing your strings so this knowledge will be very useful. We will look through 6 different classical guitar string sets, talk about the details and go over the pros and cons of each.
1. D’Addario Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings
Made in the USA but originated in a small Italian town. D’Addario has been in the string making business since 1974. This set of strings comes in 4 different tensions/gauges; extra-hard, hard, normal, and light. Remember the preferred gauge is based on your playing style.
These strings are known for sustaining a variety type of tensions and delivering clean and clear tone each time. The silverplated winding assists with the overall warmth of the sound.
The lower strings (E, A, D) are plated so don’t get confused with these being steel strings as they are nylons.
The range of these strings will be dynamic in offering clarity when you are accenting certain notes while playing. Being long-lasting also helps that clarity stay around for a while.
Temperature variations will cause nylon strings to potentially lose tune so that is something to be aware of. The overall loudness and volume on these strings will not be as loud as your typical steel strings and that is to be expected.
At an affordable price and offering a great balance in overall sound it is clear to see why these strings are one of the more popular on the market.
Pros
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- Comes in 4 different tensions/gauges.
- Soft to the touch.
- Long lasting.
- Great clarity and tone.
- Affordable price.
Cons
Cons:
- Tone may be lower based on your liking.
- Non coated strings could at times sound flat.
2. Martin Guitar Classical M260
Next on our list for Best Classic Guitar Strings is by non-other than Martin. C.F. Martin & Company has been in business since 1833 so they know what they are doing.
Designed to give your guitar a nice and clean tone, these strings are easy on the fingers and therefore making the overall playing classical guitar easy.
This set has normal tension and has a ball end that makes them easy to install and play. These strings are perfect for beginners and experienced classical guitar players.
It is important to note that the bottom three strings (G, B, E) are clear nylon while the top three (E, A, D) are brass wrapped nylon (not to be confused as steel strings). Once installed and settle within 2 days, these strings will stabilize and sound amazing!
These Martin classical guitar strings sound brighter than most nylon string sets. If you like that sound while playing classical guitar then these are great for you.
These strings also are better for corrosion resistance and sustains that clear tone everyone looks for.
Pros
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Ball End to sustain tension.
- Easy to install and play.
- Easy on your fingers.
- Gives a nice warm and mellow tone.
- Great for beginners and advanced players.
Cons
Cons:
- Tone may be lower based on your liking.
- Non coated strings could at times sound flat.
3. Augustine Classic Blue set, High Tension Classical Guitar Strings
Augustine is perhaps a brand that you may not have heard of. Besides classical guitar strings, they also make acoustic strings, electric strings, and have a line of classical guitars.
Made in New York since 1946, these strings have a great clean tone and overall feel. Augustine’s clearer and more rigid nylon formula is something they refer to as “Cristal.”
These do not have a ball end. You would have to tie them at the bridge when installing them. The strings are also silver plated metal and they are wound on the nylon core bases. The higher tension on the strings keeps them from buzzing. This also allows for the action to be a very desirable height.
Augustine strings are known for brightening the overall sound and improving the projection of what you are playing. They also settle into the guitar nicely which leads to less constant re-tuning.
Pros
Pros:
- Higher tension keeps strings from buzzing.
- Projects a nice bright and loud overall sound.
- Easy to install and play.
- Great balance.
- Affordable price.
- Long lasting.
Cons
Cons:
- Initial tuning may need to be adjusted several times to ensure tension is perfect.
- No ball end meanings strings will need to be tied to the bridge.
4. D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte DynaCore Classical Strings
This is the second set from D’Addario to make our list for best guitar strings. Like the set mentioned earlier, there are different tensions and gauges. This set is offered in normal, hard, and extra-hard.
These strings are titanium nylon and silver plated wound. The titanium produced a nice brightness to the overall sound. The flexible feel and smooth, silky texture makes it easy to play while also avoiding string corrosion.
There is no ball end on these strings so they will need to be tied to the bridge. These strings will also vibrate for a long time which is really great for those harmonic overtones.
If you play daily, then within a month, the tone will more than likely be dull. The slippery nature of these strings may make installing them a little challenging. However, the more you use them and change them, the easier it will get.
I’ve known quite a few guitar players put these on their inexpensive classical guitar and it made the guitar sound very rich and bright.
Pros
Pros:
- Made in the USA.
- Flexibly composite core.
- Great projection and tone.
- Can improve an inexpensive classic guitar’s overall sound.
- Flexible feel and easy to play.
Cons
Cons:
- Brightness in tone may dull if played everyday.
- No ball end which can make installation sometimes challenging.
5. Fender 130 Classical/Nylon Acoustic Guitar Strings
Next up on our list for Best Classic Guitar Strings comes from Fender. These classical nylon strings are available in both ball ends and tie ends. Fender takes their nylon strings and winds the bases with pure silver.
These strings are nice and smooth and have a great timbre. Once you get used to these strings you will be able to hear the clear and bright sounds that they bring. They can also work on steel string guitars if you just do thumb and finger picking.
Like many strings, once they settle in they will make the guitar sound bright and full of rich tone. You may need to give them a good stretch as well after installation.
Pros
Pros:
- Bass strings (E, A, D) are wound.
- Bright clarity and tone.
- Available in ball end and tie end.
- Easy to install.
- Soft on the fingers.
- Stays in tune.
Cons
Cons:
- May need to be stretched more to settle and stay in tune.
- Tie ends may take longer to install.
6. Ernie Ball Earthwood Folk Nylon Ball End Set, Clear and Gold
The Ernie Ball Folk Nylon strings are great for your classic guitar. With a medium tension and made of a solid nylon clear filament, they produce a pure and clean tone while playing.
They are made of an 80/20 bronze wrapped around a nylon core. Soft to the touch these strings are great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Many acoustic guitar players have actually used these strings on their non-classical guitar.
With a punchy sound after installation, they may appear to give a little twang to your sound. However, they will eventually dull and settle in.
Pros
Pros:
- Super affordable.
- Easy to install.
- Soft on your fingers.
- Creates a nic, warm ,and bright sound.
- Great for fingerstyle and playing with a pick.
Cons
Cons:
- Nylon is fragile if pressed hard against the frets.
- Need to be wound tight for optimal sound.
Best Classical Guitar Strings Buyers Guide
After reading about the strings listed on our Best Classical Guitar Strings, there are some questions that should be asked. The questions below will be your buyers guide so you will be able to make the best possible purchasing decision.
What are classical guitar strings made of?
Classical guitar strings are made of nylon as opposed to metal strings used on non-classical guitars. Now they are always 100% nylon. As we saw with several sets above, the E, A, and D strings are wrapped in metal while the treble strings (G, B, E) are clear.
What is the difference between nylon strings and steel strings?
Nylon strings last for quite a bit longer than metal strings. Once stretched out and worn-in, you will see that you will be changing them less frequently. Unlike steel strings they are not going to rust therefore being more durable.
With regards to the overall sound, Nylon strings are ideal for those that fingerpick. The strings will be much warmer and bright in the overall tone. They will also be easier to play and more gentle on your fingers.
How to install classical guitar strings?
Classical guitar strings are to be installed a little different than your regular steel string guitars. Since the neck on a classical guitar, there is a different stringing method.
Some will have ball ends which will make it easier but if you are looking at tie ends then it’s going to be a little different. The strings will have to be tied onto the bridge.
It’s best to slide the nylon string through the bridge and then wrap it around a few times to ensure it’s secure. Classical guitar headstocks have the strings wound through the middle of them.
What is the recommended gauge?
This is a personal preference. At a lighter gauge, you will experience easier playability but not that full of a sound. The heavier and gauge and tension will give you that full and robust tone.
Can you put nylon strings on a steel string guitar?
The answer is yes you can. It’s not suggested to put nylon strings on a steel string guitar as the tension will not be good for the neck and may even snap it.
Even though nylon strings will work on a steel string guitar you may experience the strings buzzing and a very low action. So please take your time when putting them on a steel string guitar.
How to choose the best strings?
The good news is you already taking the right steps by reading the information in this post. We can sit all day and look at some of the best strings out there but it’s going to come down how you feel once you start playing them and of course how they make your guitar sound overall.
My suggestion when it comes to strings is to always test a few out. Sometimes you will put a set on and know right away that it’s not the best for your and your guitar. Other times you will put on a fresh set of strings and know right away that these are the ones for you and your guitar.
Best Classical Guitar Strings Conclusion
So there we have it. Our top 6 picks for the best classical guitar strings and some answers to some questions that you have when researching nylon strings.
Do you research and go with the decision that’s best for your style of playing, comfortability, and of course your guitar.
Some of the brands you more than likely have heard of and maybe there were some new brands that we have introduced you to. Guitar strings will be a constant in your world so it’s good to establish some “go-tos.”
Thank you for reading and remember to HAVE FUN!!!
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