Confused with Martin Magnifico strings tension...

[gerardo1000]

My Cordoba C5 thinline guitar came from the factory with Savarez Corum crystal high tension. Total tension was 89lb. It is currently stringed with D'Addario Pro Arte hard tension, that have a total tension of around 90lb. I'd like to try the Martin Magnifico strings, but I noticed that, even in the "Normal tension" option, their total tension is over 98lb... isn't it weird ? This is more tension than most "extra hard tension" strings!
Also, would this added tension damage the guitar ?

[Dogsnax]

Hi Gerardo,

Welcome to the world of nylon string tension confusion. There's no uniformity at all among the nylon/flourocarbon string manufacturers. Strings By Mail does post the total tension for a lot of the sets, which is helpful.

[gerardo1000]

I do not understand why even the "normal" tension of Martin Magnifico strings exceed even the hardest tension of other brands, and I wonder if this will make the strings too stiff.

[sirwhale]

They have been developed specifically for Martin's particular nylon crossovers which have steel-string style bracing. They want the extra tension to power their guitars.

[gerardo1000]

Aquila strings have similar tension. Does it mean that Aquila strings are not fit for traditional classical guitars? Only for heavy braced crossovers? That would surprise me...

[sirwhale]

Aquila strings are fine for a nylon string guitar. I've tried a good many of them and currently use the new Granato strings.

The Martin Magnifico strings are called 'normal tension' when in comparison to other nylon strings they are high tension because they are marketed to a steel-string audience.