Nylon strings. Which ones to choose?

Many musicians think that nylon strings are strings for beginner musicians only, who do not want to get in the process of learning calluses on their fingers. 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 line made of nylon. Now they are made of various copolymers and polymers, the basis of which is nylon. The remaining bass strings are made from a multi-filament synthetic twisted base. Sometimes it's called a nylon thread. As a winding, usually use a silver plated copper wire. This coating improves the sound of deaf copper and looks nice, but after a while it wears off. In some cases, various copper and silver alloys with the obligatory presence of zinc appear in the role of winding. However, this is not so practical and also more expensive. In some cases, other alloys can be used as a winding, which are inferior to the sound of silvered copper, but surpass it in durability.

What can have a string tension nylon

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. In this case, the stronger the tension and the thicker the string, the louder and juicier it will sound. A thinner string will sound thinner and more sonorous.

So all the same what to put? Nylon or metal strings?

Nylon strings were originally designed for classical guitars. And the instrument should have a glued finger, as the neck on the screw significantly worsens the sound of the instrument. This is one of the reasons why metal strings are most often used for cheap tools. Also, many masters do not recommend putting nylon strings on western guitars (otherwise they are also called folk guitars) and dreadnought. These tools are designed for a stronger tension and are unlikely to sound good with nylon.

How to choose nylon strings?

Usually, professional guitarists choose strings with a strong tension with a silvered winding. But the beginning musicians instructors advise to put nylon strings of medium tension, because they are easier to play on. But it is worth considering that at the same time the beginning musician will not be able to use some methods of sound production. Particular attention should be paid to frets. If they are poorly polished, then the best choice will be strings with a copper winding. They will last longer, but the sound will not be so bright.

The determining factor in choosing "voices" is the quality and the way they are processed. There is a matt (polished) and a polished surface. Each of them has its own nuances. Now the most widely used are polished strings, as they create fewer prisms on fast passages.

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