"A" tuning okay?

[bellgamin]

I'm thinkingabout buying a classical guitar. I usually set my guitars to A tuning (F# B E A C# F#).

I figure a classical guitar is built for nylon strings, so it's surely a much lighter build than a guitar built for steel strings, right?

QUESTION 1: Would it be likely that a "typical" classical would be structurally strong enough to handle A tuning?

QUESTION 2: If Q1 is "Yes", then would I have to stick with low tension strings, or would it likely be okay to use high tension strings, at A tuning, if I wanted more volume?

P.S. Yes, I know an option is to set at standard D tuning & use a capo, but I prefer not to do that.

[rick-slo]

Would not recommend it, steel string or nylon. At least use a light tension string set.

[Bax Burgess]

Strings by mail offers a large selection of Savarez single strings in many gauges, so that instead of a .028 (for example) a .024 could be used, etc.

Normal .028 .032 .040 .028 .035 .044
Hard .028 .032 .041 .029 .036 .046
Xtra H .029 .033 .041 .030 .036 .047

[sirwhale]

I'd be very worried. Why not use a tension calculator to work out what strings you would need. In the past i have used this:

https://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/wikla/m.../wwwscalc.html

[dkstott]

Ditto

use a capo

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Would not recommend it, steel string or nylon. At least use a light tension string set.

[Strings By Mail]

Hello bellgamin, Bax Burgess is correct!
There are strings out there to accommodate most requests and we design custom sets for customers quite often. I'll have Matt here whip up a set, but he would need to know your preferred tension first for the right feel for you... SLT, LT, MT, HT, SHT?

[bellgamin]

Originally Posted by Strings By Mail

Hello bellgamin, Bax Burgess is correct!
There are strings out there to accommodate most requests and we design custom sets for customers quite often. I'll have Matt here whip up a set, but he would need to know your preferred tension first for the right feel for you... SLT, LT, MT, HT, SHT?

Thanks for dropping by!!! Are you saying that you can assemble a string set that would let me tune a classical to A, with a *reasonable* (not 100%) probability that it wouldn't overstress the classical's body?

[Strings By Mail]

Originally Posted by bellgamin

Thanks for dropping by!!! Are you saying that you can assemble a string set that would let me tune a classical to A, with a *reasonable* (not 100%) probability that it wouldn't overstress the classical's body?

Exactly. Just need to know your desired tension you normally play on.

In fact, once created, could make it into a custom C3 set, would be your set and you can name it whatever you want! Makes reordering easy and other players find out this tuning exists.

btw, you can tune a classical string all the way up to A (5th fret) with the right diameter, generally a .024 nylon, without worry or stress on the guitar.

8 string Brahms guitars play a high A as the 1st string. (Paul Galbraith)

[bellgamin]

Originally Posted by Strings By Mail

Exactly. Just need to know your desired tension you normally play on. ...

Grrreat!!! I will place an order on your website. I will mention my forum user name so you will know it's me. (I assume this is the way it's done, right?)

[Strings By Mail]

Let me know your desired tension - LT, MT, HT etc and I'll have Matt here make a set for you. Then after playing it, we can create that custom C3 set, barring any slight diameter changes you may want to make.
You can always place an order for a Special Order Request, the $1 charge goes toward your purchase. Excited to get your custom set on your guitar!

[bellgamin]

Originally Posted by Strings By Mail

Let me know your desired tension - LT, MT, HT etc and I'll have Matt here make a set for you. Then after playing it, we can create that custom C3 set, barring any slight diameter changes you may want to make.
You can always place an order for a Special Order Request, the $1 charge goes toward your purchase. Excited to get your custom set on your guitar!

Okay, I did the Special Order Request just now. I'm excited to see & try this custom set.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by bellgamin

Okay, I did the Special Order Request just now. I'm excited to see & try this custom set.

You didn't mention what guitar you were going to buy.

Depending on the scale length (they can vary A LOT), it may be very easy to tune up a whole step from standard with little consideration for lightness of build.

Kenny Hill, for instance, makes classical guitars with scales as short as 615mm, compared to your typical 660mm or so.

Regards,
Howard Emerson