2.1 What are the best strings for me? (Classical Guitar)
Description
This article is from the Classical Guitar FAQ, by Joshua Weage (jpweage@mtu.edu) with numerous contributions by others.
2.1 What are the best strings for me? (Classical Guitar)
There are at least a dozen primary string companies producing product for
the classical guitar, and each company offers a selection of finish and
tension. Where does one start to sort out the lot?
While classical guitars were once fitted with gut (usually swine) strings,
the introduction by Augustine of nylon strings in the 1940s has allowed for
much more reliability in strings. All companies offer good quality control
at all ranges. Nylon strings do not, usually, have a long life once installed
on the guitar, so price will likely be a prime consideration. The beginner,
while learning, might change strings every few months, while professional
players might use a new set every day. Over time you'll begin to hear when
strings go "dead" and need replacement.
Among the more popular brands at present are Augustine, D'Addario, GHS,
Chorus, Martin, Savarez, Hannabach and private label strings offered by Guitar
Solo and other music shops. Many brands offer several "levels" of quality and
type, as well as two or three tensions, ie. normal, hard, extra hard.
Prices can vary from $5.00 US to $25.00 US (3 pounds to 9 pounds UK)
for a full set of six strings.
Your selection of string will be greatly influenced by how each feels and
sounds on your guitar. A normal tension Augustine, for example, placed on
a guitar with low "action" (less distance between the string and frets) may
produce a lot of buzz and noise, while a normal tension GHS string (by GHS
measure) offers a higher tension that reduces the noise. (Alternately, you
may decide to use lower tension strings and have the nut and bridge of your
guitar altered to a higher action, or to use higher tension strings and have
the action lowered. Consult a good guitar technician/repair shop.)
A suggested start for quality strings for the beginner would include
D'Addario's "Pro Arte" series offered in Normal, Hard, and Extra Hard
tensions, which have won wide acceptance among many classical guitarists.
Souces for strings include local shops, though discounts are often meager
for something you'll replace so often. In the US, Musician's Friend offers
D'Addario (Pro Arte Normal and Hard Tension, $4.99) and Augustine strings
at low prices. Guitar Solo offers a much wider range of strings, including
single strings, at attractive, though somewhat higher, prices. (See: Sources
for Music, Strings, etc. in this FAQ section).
Continue to:
My Books
