Nylon strings?

[sublimo]

Hi there,
I'm a complete noob, so don't shoot me if this sounds stupid.
I have an Ibanez PF-10 acoustic guitar.
Is it possible to put nylon strings on it?
Thanks.

[Slipstream]

Nylon strings are larger in diameter, so they may not fit the nut and the tuners, but it's possible. Better to just get a nylon string (classical) guitar that's already set up for it.

What would be impossible is puttin' steel strings on a classical guitar. The headstocks aren't stong enough for the added stress.

[Jammer]

Hi there,
I'm a complete noob, so don't shoot me if this sounds stupid.
I have an Ibanez PF-10 acoustic guitar.
Is it possible to put nylon strings on it?
Thanks.

Nylon string guitars are braced for nylon strings, and will resonate way better than a steel string guitar strung with nylon strings.

If you want lower string tension there used to be a string you could get called "silk and steel", which were made for steel strings, if memory serves.

[PerianArdocyl]

Blech...I hate nylon strings...only thing they're good for is if you're just starting out cuz they're easier on your fingers.

'Course, mine did last me 3 years...so I'm guessing they sounded pretty bad after a while.

Kinda wierd though...I always thought that you could put nylon strings on anything. It's putting steel strings on a differently abled guitar you had ta' watch out for...my teach said that if I put steel strings on my Castilla, it would probably break in two.

[seekir]

I agree with the consensus that steel string guitars are built much sturdier to deal with the added tension of steel strings, and aren't ideal for other reasons as well for nylons (nut, tuners...).

I've heard great sounding nylon-string guitar players, but I can't deal with the fat necks these instruments are generally built with. Bending doesn't seem to work at all the same with nylons: they seem to require serious deflection to get any pitch change.

[moongoose29]

I am with the other person who said they hate nylon strings they sound "plunky" and awful they hurt my fingers and I think they make a guiter sound like a ukalale. Yuck

[Exploreforever]

I tried my buddy's beater acoustic with nylons on it and it was a joy to play..

I still prefer playing my classicals to steel stringed acoustics.. and I use thicker strings on my electrics than the guitar players I've played with

[mishmannah]

I prefer the crisp tones of steel!


Slipstream, surely if you put nylons on a steel guitar, the neck would form into the shape of a C!!!? I thought steel string guitar necks were desgined for tension?

[Eclectifish]

I like them both, but prefer steel. Still, people like Earl Klugh, Ottmar Liebert and Acoustic Alchemy have made some pretty good hay with nylon strings.

In answer to the original question, it is quite difficult to put nylon strings on a guitar that's built for steel. Nylons typically don't work as well on the string posts. You will probably have to cut the nut in order to keep them from binding, and some bridges will be too hard for the string (therefore cutting through it). In general, it's just a better idea to use them on a classic guitar only.

If you want to get a more mellow tone, or perhaps make things a little easier on your fingers, try some Silk and Steel strings (that's a type, not a brand).

[PerianArdocyl]

I am with the other person who said they hate nylon strings they sound "plunky" and awful they hurt my fingers and I think they make a guiter sound like a ukalale. Yuck

Yes! *points finger* Excactly. It was bad enough that my first guitar, my 'Short Cassie', looked like a ukalele, but it even sounded like it with the nylon strings...

[CaptainSG]

idk....get both? i have...haha


no i just got lucky finding both of them...but i'd say to each guitar, his own....meaning use the strings that they're built for bro...nothing else...don't risk it IMO.

[RickM]

...I hate nylon strings...only thing they're good for is if you're just starting out cuz they're easier on your fingers.

A bit rash there, PA. I kinda of think Señor Sagovia might disagree.