What strings for Yamaha cg-ta?

[Martie]

I just bought a Yamaha cg-ta, having tried out models from Cordoba, Ortega etc. (the Yamaha just felt better in my hands) and am wondering which strings to use as I don't know what's on it. I want this to play folky type stuff and usually play steel, so would likely prefer high-tension?

Thanks in advance

[dkstott]

It depends

I personally recommend starting with normal tension strings and get accustomed to the strings.

strings by mail has a nice guide to string tension & basics here


https://www.stringsbymail.com/pages/...basics-19.html

[Martie]

Originally Posted by dkstott

It depends

I personally recommend starting with normal tension strings and get accustomed to the strings.

strings by mail has a nice guide to string tension & basics here


https://www.stringsbymail.com/pages/...basics-19.html

That's a brilliant link - many thanks!

[DownUpDave]

Strings by Mail is great, my go to source for all kinds of strings. There are basically two types of clasical strings, nylon or florocarbon. As very very basic rule of thumb nylon will give a warmer tone and florocarbon a brighter more projecting tone. There is also the element of feel, nylon is larger in diameter and florocarbon is thinner.

As a primer start with a set of D'Addario Pro Arte nylon and the same in florocarbon, both in normal tension. This will be a good starting point to give your ears and fingers exposure to both.

[lgherb]

I like D'Addario EJ49 on my classical.

[Martie]

Thanks for the responses. I looked on the Yamaha specs page and these seem to be what it's fitted with:

Trebles:High / Basses:Medium(Yamaha S10)

...so I'm assuming that the trebles are high tension and the basses medium (sorry for stating the obvious!). The thing is, I like the feel of the trebles, but I'd prefer it if the bass strings were tighter. As such, if I put a set of high tension on, will I have to take any precautions with the neck (I read somewhere that high tension strings warrant tuning down in between playing, which would be a major hassle!)?

[DownUpDave]

You will have no problems what so ever with high tension strings on that Yamaha.

[dkstott]

Your guitar will be perfectly fine with high tension strings. However your fretting fingers might disagree with your decision.

[Martie]

Originally Posted by dkstott

Your guitar will be perfectly fine with high tension strings. However your fretting fingers might disagree with your decision.

That does concern me a little. That said, I'm used to 13 gauge steel strings, so if the guitar will be ok I guess I'll be fine.

[dkstott]

If you don't like them, it'll give you more practice on changing strings

What I love most about Strings by Mail is that they sell partial sets of classical strings. Bass strings wear out faster than trebles, so you can buy spare sets of different tensions and try them out to see what you like the best.

[gmr]

The new Martin Magnifico strings might be worth a try. Both sets are pretty high tension, as nylon string sets go. The trebles are just a wee bit smaller in gauge than a typical nylon string set. Not by much mind you, but enough to make the transition from steel a little more natural, perhaps.

[dkstott]

I guess it all depends on a persons expectation for strings

The Martin Magnifico's sound like dead phosphor bronze strings to my ears.

I'm a big fan of the Savarez Cantiga Basses with Savarez Alliance Trebles... All Normal Tension

[Martie]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've ordered a set of D'addario EJ46 (hard tension) and will see how I get on with those.