Classical guitar - Choice of Nylon Strings: knots or no knots?

[interstellar]

Hi i have a question regarding Nylon strings for classical guitars,

* Some nylon strings come with a Ball in the end so you don't need to tie a knot at the bridge. Are there any disadvantages of these? So far i only see positives:
- you don't have to tie knots at bridge so you save time.
- I think the guitar will stay more easily in tune: no knots at bridge = no pulling of loosening of knot.

If there are no disadvantages I will buy strings with the ball in the end from now on

[lkjjr]

Think the major disadvantage is mainly a smaller selection of strings to choose from. If you can find ball ends that satisfy your needs, should be no problems. Just make sure that the overall tension of the string set is appropriate to the build/bracing of your guitar.

[sirwhale]

The disadvantages:

The best strings don't have ball ends.

The balls can eat into your bridge.

[Red_Label]

Originally Posted by sirwhale

The disadvantages:

The best strings don't have ball ends.

The balls can eat into your bridge.

Agreed with all of this.

[john bange]

everything above is right...plus the plastic balls have been known to fail

[steveh]

never seen the usual choices of nylon strings with ball ends.
I’d avoid and learn to tie at the bridge properly.

[nikpearson]

These allow you to more easily tie strings off the guitar, then thread through the bridge hole. They also have the added advantage of improving the break angle over the saddle.

If you search for Rosette Diamond String Ties these seem to have the lowest profile.

This gives you the advantage of a 12-hole bridge, namely improved string break angle, on any classical bridge. Best of all you can use with any nylon string.

[gmr]

You should not need to tie a knot in a standard set (non ball end) of nylon strings. The choice of ball end strings is very limited. You can also use the string ties that are commercially available (rosette comes to mind). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cw84_0KHTI