String tension in classical strings

[TBman]

Classical strings are much easier to play for me than steel strings, yet my steel strings are set up well and playing them is not a struggle.

I'm sure that the experienced classical players here have more hand dexterity and strength than this old guy so I'm wondering why string tension is mentioned whenever a discussion of strings comes up.

Are lower tension treble strings more mellow than higher tension? Or are lower tension strings just preferred for extended playing? I have used a few sets of strings, some lower tension, some higher. I have found that the most recent set I put on, the Aquila Alabastro Superior, to have no real difference in feel as opposed to the Augustine Classic Black that they replaced. The Nylgut trebles do have a bit of a crystal/bell-like tone that that Augustine strings didn't have.

[Carey]

Lower tension strings feel a little easier to play on for the LH, but the main reason I like them is the overtones they produce, which go away as the tension goes up. Also, the thinner string acts more like a theoretical 'perfect string', though this is partly negated by the lower tension, I think. Speaking primarily of nylons, though I do use a carbon third. Just a personal preference.

[rick-slo]

Higher tension would likely brighten the tone somewhat and have more potential volume.

Some subtleties in tonal variation and things like vibrato could be harder to achieve.

Some chording, especially considering the classical guitar's fretboard (flat (or fairly so) and wide) can be fatiguing and high tension nylon strings could noticeably increase hand fatigue.

[redir]

I would also add that every guitar is different so you just gotta try lots of strings. Much harder to do with Classical guitars as it takes days for the strigns to harden up.

[dkstott]

And one manufacturers idea of normal tension is another's idea of high.


Here's a general tip from strings by mail;

How Do I Choose Classical Strings?
Harder materials sound brighter (e.g. carbon)
Softer materials sound warmer (e.g. nylon)
Higher tension has a louder attack
Lower tension has more sustain
Lower tension gives easier vibrato
Precious metal content gives fuller sound (e.g. pure silver)

[TBman]

Originally Posted by dkstott

And one manufacturers idea of normal tension is another's idea of high.


Here's a general tip from strings by mail;

How Do I Choose Classical Strings?
Harder materials sound brighter (e.g. carbon)
Softer materials sound warmer (e.g. nylon)
Higher tension has a louder attack
Lower tension has more sustain
Lower tension gives easier vibrato
Precious metal content gives fuller sound (e.g. pure silver)

I had wondered if lower tension would give a more mellow sound. I guess I'll have to review the string tension chart first before buying.

[Alytw]

The Strings by Mail points above are good In general.

Another consideration that I have found is that a certain tension (total lbs) can work better with the flexibility of a specific top. This is guitar specific. For example, if I put hard tension basses on one of my guitars it will choke the sound.

As a result, I look for similar total lbs per set when trying different strings (as opposed to looking at hard, normal, low that vary between manufacturers). I have found each of my guitars have a sweet spot where they respond the best.

[JMFingerstyle]

Originally Posted by TBman

I had wondered if lower tension would give a more mellow sound. I guess I'll have to review the string tension chart first before buying.

Barry, I know you've swapped strings around on your C5 quite a bit. I'm going to be changing strings on mine shortly, and wondered how you felt about normal tension strings vs the high tension Savarez Crystals it originally shipped with? Did you see any appreciably loss in tone or volume with a normal tension set? Thanks.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by JMFingerstyle

Barry, I know you've swapped strings around on your C5 quite a bit. I'm going to be changing strings on mine shortly, and wondered how you felt about normal tension strings vs the high tension Savarez Crystals it originally shipped with? Did you see any appreciably loss in tone or volume with a normal tension set? Thanks.

Normal tensions are easier for me to get a decent tone from the trebles. I'm concentrating now learning a few pieces. The normal tensions are a bit more mellower than higher tension strings.

[Paraclete]

Kind of late to the discussion. Classical strings are a bit of a rabbit hole, and it really depends on your guitar. I had the most trouble with Pro Artes and Aquila alabastro strings on my Ramirez. For whatever reason, they are so stiff that they were altering the way I played. Savarez continue to be the best sounding and most pliable of all I’ve tried. However, the Martin Magnificos were quite nice too.