#1
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General Question-Retuniing
1. How often should it be necessary to retune a decent quality nylon string guitar that is in good condition, after new strings are properly installed and tuned?
2. What are the proper steps of installing a new set of strings? 3. What causes strings to be out of tune when moving up or down then fingerboard and what to do about it.? I have an old nylon string Martin classical that I have been playing casually since the 60's but I don't have a good grasp on the above. |
#2
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2. One at a time, unless you need to have them all off for some reason. 3. Stretch. Not much. |
#3
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I've got an older Ramirez 4e that takes about 5 days to settle in once new strings are on it. Granted I use more than one tuning, but typically try to keep it down to 2 similar turnings while the strings settle in. I have a newer classical that takes just a few days to settle.
Slippage on the tuner rollers and tie holes (which depends on string type and how you tie and secure the strings) as well as the how secure the rollers are and to a lesser degree the coating on the guitar all factor in to how quickly the strings settle.
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Curtis Martin om21 Chris Carrington classical |
#4
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1. The intonation is "out". In short, the frets are placed according to a mathematical formula that assumes things about how the string behave. In reality, strings don't behave that way and will play sharp when fretted. Depressing a string against a fret stretches the string. The pitch of the string is proportional to its tension. Stretching the string increases its tension causing it to play sharp. The remedy is to "compensate" the amount that it plays sharp by increasing the actual vibrating string length by moving the saddle away from the nut. Typically, this is about 2 to 3 mm for nylon string guitars. Each of the six strings will require its own amount of compensation. Changing string types/tensions can also influence how much compensation is required. Chose the strings you like to use, then take it to a skilled luthier or repair person to have the compensation setup to improve its intonation. Usually, this is a minor adjustment. 2. String choice Nylon strings are notorious for being inconsistent in their ability to play in tune. Some brands are very inconsistent. La Bella, for example, particularly their black trebles. Other brands are far more consistent. I've found D'Addario Pro Arte's, for example, to be quite consistent. |
#5
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There are many ways to install strings. Any decent way to cleanly twist and tie the strings at bridge and headstock will work fine. The excess should be trimmed to prevent unwanted vibrations. After installing any strings, I stretch the length of each string one at a time, using both hands so that fingers hold the string in position and the thumbs stretch out the portion between the fingers. The will shorten the stretch in period of some strings by up to 3 days or more. I find that Savarez Alliance strings stretch in very quickly, while the thicker diametered D'Addario strings take longer to stretch in. The intonation should be considered very carefully but is best left until after the strings are stretched to ensure accurate measurements. Some cheaper nylon strings can have intonation problems themselves.
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---- Ned Milburn NSDCC Master Artisan Dartmouth, Nova Scotia |
#6
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Thanks, that helps demystify things.
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#7
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For stringing a classical guitar YouTube has some excellent videos. Slippage is often a problem if you're not sure how to lock the strings at the bridge and the post.
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#8
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High action may increase intonation problems. Worst case is that the frets are not placed correctly.
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Breedlove, Landola, a couple of electrics, and a guitar-shaped-object |
#9
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If the string height at the nut is excessive - it most often is - that can cause the first few frets to play sharp. Quote:
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#10
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#11
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I suppose it is easier to pull the notes out of tune on a nylon string guitar than on a steel string, with the low string tension - or even push the strings against the fretboard with so much force that it raises the note.
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Breedlove, Landola, a couple of electrics, and a guitar-shaped-object |
#12
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It's easy to fret a string on an angle thereby increasing the tension. This is a common problem with intonation and the luthier or tech has to take this into account. Do you fret lightly or heavily?
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