School me on Nylon Strings.

[redir]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Was it only the D string that gave you your initial impressions or did the other strings also need a breaking in period?

Just the D. The others seemed to have a normal period.

Originally Posted by fitness1

Did you see the little note in the pack that said unlike other strings these need a break in period?

Almost sound to me like you might have a minor nut issue or something on the D string.

That's a good point and I should look into it however I didn't notice it with normal strings. It's a double top guitar too so it could be more sensitive to the new strings. YEs I did read about the break in period, I believe it's true!

Originally Posted by Special B

Nylon strings change in tone over the first few days, and sometimes even weeks, of use. As they stretch the diameter shrinks, which changes the tonal characteristics and attack. Once they start to go south, it is nothing but a downward spiral (basses especially), but it is not uncommon for a nylon string to sound better on day 3 than day 1, which is unexpected if you are typically a steel string user.

Yup absolutely. I don't perform but I'd imagine a performer would want to string up and let it break in for at least 4 or 5 days.

[rickyc]

Are any coated like the Elixir polyweb acoustics that last almost forever?

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by rickyc

Are any coated like the Elixir polyweb acoustics that last almost forever?

In my short period of experience with classical strings I'd say coating would be a waste of time because the windings wear through much more rapidly than any "standard" brass or bronze sets I've played over a lot of years of experience. You have to change the basses (4, 5, and 6) long before they degrade tonally, and about twice as often as the treble strings which seem to remain fine for a long time.

[Red_Label]

Originally Posted by fitness1

And the ProArte composites come with a composite and a nylon G string.

Those are my favorite by a long shot - use normal tension and they sound great and last forever.

Totally agree. Have been through a lot of strings over the past three decades and when I found the D'Addarios my search was over (specifically the EJ44C Extra Hard Tension). They last a long time despite my heavy handed playing style. Have tried other strings since (including the Titaniums) and always come back to the Composites. I always use the wound-G when I restring.

[Luke_]

Wow am I ever confused.... My 1st nylon is in the way and looking into educating myself on strings

I'm also a heavy plucker... I worry about low tension strings being "floppy" slow responding. One thing I like about steel strings is they snap back into place for the next pluck. I also don't want them to play like jello.

I have no experience with the treble springs so all the carbide, titanium or other material strings are just names. I have no idea what strings to buy to try based on my playing style which is more ragtime than classical or flamenco.

Suggestions?

[Paikon]

Originally Posted by Luke_

Wow am I ever confused.... My 1st nylon is in the way and looking into educating myself on strings

I'm also a heavy plucker...
I worry about low tension strings being "floppy" slow responding. One thing I like about steel strings is they snap back into place for the next pluck. I also don't want them to play like jello.

I have no experience with the treble springs so all the carbide, titanium or other material strings are just names. I have no idea what strings to buy to try based on my playing style which is more ragtime than classical or flamenco.

Suggestions?

Start with hard tension strings. Nylon strings are darker than carbon. Like the rest of us you have to experiment.

[bohemian]

Why start with hard? You have only one direction to go and no other options.

Why not start with medium/normal/standard.?

At that point you have two directions to go, softer or harder.

[Paikon]

Originally Posted by bohemian

Why start with hard? You have only one direction to go and no other options.

Why not start with medium/normal/standard.?

At that point you have two directions to go, softer or harder.

when someone says :
"I'm also a heavy plucker...
I worry about low tension strings being "floppy" slow responding. One thing I like about steel strings is they snap back into place for the next pluck. I also don't want them to play like jello."

I say go with hard tension.

[Luke_]

Originally Posted by Paikon

when someone says :
"I'm also a heavy plucker...
I worry about low tension strings being "floppy" slow responding. One thing I like about steel strings is they snap back into place for the next pluck. I also don't want them to play like jello."

I say go with hard tension.

Thanks Paikon, I was hoping to be descriptive enough to get a direct response. I don't pick heavy on purpose just kinda happens.

If I'm understanding it correctly there are no sizes, just tension... Anyone have a preference on brand of string? I drink even know which knew are "name brand" I consider myself an intermediate player and would like to rule out the "cheap" or "crappy". I am going to try as many sets as possible, just don't wanna buy ones that are no good.

[Paikon]

Originally Posted by Luke_

Thanks Paikon, I was hoping to be descriptive enough to get a direct response. I don't pick heavy on purpose just kinda happens.

If I'm understanding it correctly there are no sizes, just tension... Anyone have a preference on brand of string? I drink even know which knew are "name brand" I consider myself an intermediate player and would like to rule out the "cheap" or "crappy". I am going to try as many sets as possible, just don't wanna buy ones that are no good.

These are very good brands but all depends on your ears and the guitar you ll put them on.
Savarez,Galli,Dogal,Oasis,Knobloch,Aquila,Dadario, Augustine.

[Luke_]

What about Martin, EXP's, DRs, luthier strings.....

[GuitarsLover]

I use mixed brands for my all guitars: D'addario ej45 for treble and Savarez light for bass (cedar top) . The another guitar has different combination (spruce top). Their tones are unique way that I like.

[Luke_]

Can I ask the relationship between light bass and cedar top?

[GuitarsLover]

Savarez light tension = Daddario normal tension, IHOP

[AlVal]

Flamenco strings, generally, have a nylon wound 3rd string.

Not true
Flamenco players will use normal classical strings like pro arte med tension
Popular choices are
Luthier 20
Labella 820b
Savarez red card
Mari 300

Flamenco players generally prefer med tension

All a hit and miss so quite a bit of try and buy
I use either luthier 20 or savarez red (rectified nylon ) on my Conde hermanos media luna
Not sure there is a fundamental difference in classical or flamenco strings
Just packaging
But luthier, savarez and la bella for instance have thinner trebles than say d'Addario or hannabach
We look mainly for brightness in trebles and growl in basses
The guitar really is everything to how a string sounds and pulsates