Want to try heavier strings on classical

seagull · #1 June 4th, 2006

I have medium gauge strings on my classical now and want to try heavier strings, just to see if the guitar sounds better. Since I don't have any adjusting rod for this guitar, can the strings be too much for the guitar, or does'nt it matter for classicals? After using steel strings on my other guitar, the medium nylon strings on the classical are easy to fret, so I thought I would try heavier strings.

nagukush · #2 June 4th, 2006

Hi Pal

I'm sorry, I dont know much about this but I just wanted to reply and help with whatever I know

. As far as I know as the Classical Guitars do not have Truss-Rod adjustments, the action cant be adjusted. And hence if your Guitar is designed (or made) for Medium Gauge strings, then putting Heavier strings would cause extra pressure on the Guitar. Hence this may lead to either the Bowing of the neck or Harm the area where the Bridge is Placed (on the Top of the Guitar)

Sorry if this advice is not useful, Just wanted to help

Take care and have a great day, pal

Kindest and Warmest Regards
Kush

slejhamer · #3 June 4th, 2006

I checked the tension ratings at D'addario. Their "extra hard tension" nylons have slightly more tension than their "light tension" nylons ... and still much less than even their extra-light steel strings. I'd use them without hesitation.

http://www.daddario.com/DADProducts....D=4&CLASS=ADSA

Ultimate Garage Band · #4 June 5th, 2006

Nylon strings don't come in gauges they come in tensions ranging from normal to extra hard. If you put a stiffer string set on and the action is unbearable for you, just go back to the previous gauge.

WernHalen · #5 June 5th, 2006

Does it make a difference to the tone UGB?

Ultimate Garage Band · #6 June 5th, 2006

Well, they would vibrate under a different tension tuned to the same pitch so I'm certain there'd be some kind of change in tone. From a bass guitar standpoint, the same gauge strings on a short scale bass are tuned to the same pitch as a regular scale bass and they are typically referred to as being 'flabbly' on the short scale bass. I'd guess that a harder tension string would provide a sharper attack.

seagull · #7 June 5th, 2006

Thanks for the info everyone, I just bought a set of the higher tention, and I'll check it out.

WernHalen · #8 June 7th, 2006

Thanks UGB that makes sense to me...

I wanted to buy Heavy guage strings for my accoustic yesterday and the store owner said that in 13 years he has never had anyone ask for 0.013 on the high e string... Funny... I'll play the 0.012 for now...

Apparently the 0.013's would eventuall put the guitar under such strain that It would break the bridge or something... I find that fairly hard to believe...

Dave Wallbridge · #9 December 11th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagull

Thanks for the info everyone, I just bought a set of the higher tention, and I'll check it out.

Hi Seagull, if you've now changed nylon string tension, has if made a difference? If so in what way, I'm thinking of looking into this myself.
BNest regards, Dave Wallbridge

allthumbs · #10 December 11th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by WernHalen

Thanks UGB that makes sense to me...

I wanted to buy Heavy guage strings for my accoustic yesterday and the store owner said that in 13 years he has never had anyone ask for 0.013 on the high e string... Funny... I'll play the 0.012 for now...

Apparently the 0.013's would eventuall put the guitar under such strain that It would break the bridge or something... I find that fairly hard to believe...

I have had 13s on my acoustic steel string for 32 years. I am still waiting for something to break.

wjp01908 · #11 December 11th, 2006

That`s an odd one - acoustic 13`s are considered a "medium" set - or not?

I`ve also used them for years with no problems.

Will

seagull · #12 December 11th, 2006

Hi Dave, the short answer is, I went back to the medium strings. I did like the sound better with the heavy strings, but couldn't get used to the feel. You may have better action on your guitar, and get different results. I have kind of high action and nowhere to go with the bridge, so I went back to the mediums. If you have a stronger fretting hand or more experience, I think you will like the heavy gauge. Good luck.

Dave Wallbridge · #13 December 12th, 2006

Thanks for the info, maybe I'll just give them a try.
Happy playing