Classical Guitar String Basics.....

Classical Guitar Strings made of?

*Treble strings for classical and flamenco music are made from nylon, carbon fiber, or a nylon variation known as titanium.

*The bass strings typically have stranded nylon cores wound with copper wire, to which various types of plating are applied.

*Most of these coatings are different kinds of metals, all of which affect a string's sound.

*Harder materials provide a brighter sound, softer materials provide a warmer sound, and pure metals such as silver offer a more “pure” fundamental and a sound that's more full and clear.

*The wide variety of materials and construction methods used today give classical and flamenco players more sonic possibilities than ever before.

What are the Pros and Cons of Nylon Strings?

*Nylon strings, offer a warm sonic color, good sustain, and a balanced, rich sound.

*They also make it easier to play vibrato.

*Nylon strings aren't as loud or powerful as other types of strings such as carbon fiber, fluorocarbon, rectified nylon , and on some guitars they may create a sound that goes beyond rich to muddy.

Are There Classical Strings Designed Primarily for Flamenco Music?

They tend to use harder materials that result in a bright sound with less sustain, which fits the style and helps provide clarity of sound during the rapid strumming that is common in flamenco music.

What is Classical Guitar String Tension?

Tension is important to consider when choosing strings because it affects the guitar's sound and the feel for the player.

Tension refers to the amount of force you must apply to a string to bring it up to pitch.

Most classical manufacturers produce strings in a variety of tensions, from extra light to extra hard or heavy.

Normal tension strings fall in the middle, and are a good choice unless you determine that another specific tension works better for you.

Some players favor higher tension strings because they usually create a louder attack and may give the right hand a faster feel.

However, there are drawbacks:

*The guitar's sustain is reduced to some degree

*Too much tension can start to choke the subtleties of a guitar's sound

*The left hand may have to work harder to get vibrato or even to fret the instrument

*Some guitar manufacturers recommend that players not use extra hard tension strings because they may damage the instrument

*Tension is a personal choice that calls for experimentation.

Once you choose a tension, you may need to have your guitar adjusted to get the best intonation for the particular tension and type of classical guitar string.

Otherwise, there's a risk that not all strings will be in tune across your guitar's neck.

How Often Should I Change Classical Guitar Strings?

The answer mostly depends on how much you play, although strings do deteriorate without being played, especially in high humidly or salt air.

Like all other types of guitar strings, classical and flamenco strings wear out over time through use or deterioration of the materials.

*Strings that are too old will sound muddy or dead.

*They'll also be harder to play. And since the wood in your guitar mimics the vibrations to which it's exposed, continuing use of worn strings can harm your guitar's sound temporarily or even permanently.

*Some strings last longer than others.

*But if you're an average amateur, it's good to change your strings at least every 4 to 6 weeks.

*Professional players typically change their strings weekly, or even more frequently if they're playing concerts or recording.

Source: Strings By Mail