String recommendations?

[BoneDigger]

I am looking for a good set of ball end nylon strings to use with a nylon string electric guitar, similar to a Chet Atkins SST. I'd like something with good tone and longevity and adequate tension for this type of guitar.

Recommendations?

[smwink]

Originally Posted by BoneDigger

I am looking for a good set of ball end nylon strings to use with a nylon string electric guitar, similar to a Chet Atkins SST. I'd like something with good tone and longevity and adequate tension for this type of guitar.

Recommendations?

The selection of ball end nylon strings is pretty limited. Depending on the particulars of the bridge design, you might be able to use bridge beads with just about any set of nylon strings. Search for "bridge bone beads" or "diamond bridge beads" to get an idea of what these are.

If you're using a pin bridge, then you can just tie knots in standard nylon strings. Pin bridges were more common in the early Romantic period, so replicas still use them. Scot Tremblay's site has info on how to tie the knots:
http://scottremblayguitars.com/faq/

It may be possible to use bridge beads with a pin bridge by feeding the strings through the soundhole and up since the beads probably won't fit through bridge pin holes.

[sirwhale]

Originally Posted by smwink

If you're using a pin bridge, then you can just tie knots in standard nylon strings. Pin bridges were more common in the early Romantic period, so replicas still use them. Scot Tremblay's site has info on how to tie the knots:
http://scottremblayguitars.com/faq/

Nice, I'll use that knot with my ukulele and my Cordoba mini.

[Guitar Slim II]

Back in the day, about the only ball-end nylons commonly available were LaBella Folk Singer strings.

They're still available -- and apparently endorsed by Willie Nelson!

[gmr]

strings By mail has the diamond string ties. These make tying classical strings quick and easy and some say they help to increase the break angle of the strings on the saddle, which might be good for your piezo bridge pickup. If you guitar has a classical tie bridge, these string ties will give you numerous options in nylon strings. Martin M160 Classico is an option.

[Quickstep192]

I’m just delving in to the nylon string world, but I discovered these strings which are quite interesting. (and have ball ends)

http://m.juststrings.com/jps-tho.htm...iABEgL3B_D_BwE

https://www.stringsandbeyond.com/thi...SABEgKJbPD_BwE

[zavaletas]

While not my first choice, LaBella Folksinger Strings have ball ends-- and come in a couple varieties.

http://www.juststrings.com/labellacl...olksinger.html

You might also look into guitar bridge beads, which in addition to being easy to use, provides the bridge a bit more leverage increasing power. More importantly, they can be used with all nylon strings.

https://www.stringsbymail.com/diamon...SABEgIcBvD_BwE

Some string recommendations in this regard would be Savarez Corum Crystal , D'Addario Classic Guitar Pro Arte, Luthier guitar strings, and Hannabach.

Personally, I don't care for carbon strings-- while they focus the trebles and increase clarity, they often make the trebles sound thin and whinny. I also tend to steer clear of high tension strings, (which while they may boost volume a bit, often do so at the cost of playability.

James

[jrethorst]

Originally Posted by zavaletas

You might also look into guitar bridge beads, which in addition to being easy to use, provides the bridge a bit more leverage increasing power. More importantly, they can be used with all nylon strings.

https://www.stringsbymail.com/diamon...ack-16282.html

Hi James,

Thanks for your expertise. It serves us well.

I've been looking at bridge beads. Strings by Mail sells three kinds. Your link shows one of them -- is this the best of the three, do you think, or just an example?

Thanks,
John

[janepaints]

Originally Posted by jrethorst

Hi James,

Thanks for your expertise. It serves us well.

I've been looking at bridge beads. Strings by Mail sells three kinds. Your link shows one of them -- is this the best of the three, do you think, or just an example?

Thanks,
John

All LaBella classical guitar strings (full sets) now come with a FREE set of string beads. I use 'em and love 'em.