Short answer: of course - yes, you can. BUT - you can NEVER put steel strings on a classical guitar! I've seen a few Classical (nylon) guitars absolutely RUINED by steel strings. The neck will never recover.
Absolutely correct Jon and I state this right up front in the video although I have since discovered that Thomastik-Infeld actually make steel strings called "Classical S" specifically designed for classical guitars with a low overall tension of only 88 lbs You can see my review of them here: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
i am using the extremely short neck version of the guitar, which is closer to what's called a guitarlele, have been doing this for few years the instrument seems to be fine with the short neck, i do regular checks tho, hope it won't drop on me one day, i think i wont do this on the regular classic tho.
I'm not an expert, but the shorter neck should mean there's less string tension, so you should be fine Roy. You can always check with your local luthier if you have any doubts
Actually, you can. Not the normal steel strings of course, extra light gauge ones, like the one they use on electric guitars, which has the same tension as a normal nylon string set, so perfectly interchangeable. Someone on RUclips has done it, and it sounded quite alright
I've been putting nylon strings on a acoustic guitar for 20 years and here is what I've found out . You need to protect the string where it starts wrapping around the metal hole . You can do this with a few layers of electric tape around all the strings where it starts to wrap around the metal tuners or run the string through the hole and slide a flexible tube over the string and into the hole and long enough to bend over the holes edge . I like to use the insulation I strip off electric wire That seems to last the longest and you can use it over and over again with new strings . If you don't the strings will break because of the hard metal hole sharp angle of the turners . It will even cut the metal wrap on the wound strings . To help the strings from breaking you can also grind a taper in the holes edge and round it out and shine it back up again with a rubber wheel . If you don't protect the strings from the metal hole angle your strings are not going to last very long . If your guitar has the pins behind the bridge You need to protect the strings as it come out of the wood also again the electric wire insulation works great there also . The nylon strings are not made for sharp angles that's why they tie the ends at the bridge and use plastic turner bars to wrap the strings on a classical guitar .
@@AlanRoyHocking No problem I had many a string break on me before I figured out what was going on . If I can save one person from this happening to them it's worth it . I have had brand new strings break while I was tightening them up before I started added the wire insulation now the strings last for years .
There's so much positivity in this comments section. By the channel owner, but also users in general. It made me subscribe. And thanks also for the video!
Try high tension flamenco strings (black nylon). They are a little bit more rigid than clear nylon and the high tension will give more sound definition.
I use ball-end classicals on my Eko Rio Grande dreadnought - and it great; quiet and so comfortable to play. I do have one glorious advantage over others - the Eko has a zero-fret - and I have a nice low action which is great for blues and jazz!
The truss rod has been set up to counter the pressure from the steel strings, the nylon strings will eventually cause some neck warping as the truss will be pulling your neck back. You may need to make a truss rod adjustment if the truss is already tight, going from a heavy gauge, say 12s or 13's could be an issue - especially if neck has been set to accommodate the heavier gauge. . caution required - neck tension is all about balance between the truss and force applied on the neck from from the strings.
Thanks for your useful and detailed input Rob I appreciate it. This guitar is actually set up for extra light strings and I've just fitted D'Addario Silk and Steel strings on it (full review here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html ) Putting nylon strings on my acoustic guitar was just an experiment 😊
I have a steel string guitar with a broken truss bar that would probably cost more to replace than the guitar is worth. The action is hard to play now with the steel strings but I wondered about putting nylon strings on to convert it to a classical that might be easier on the fingers without having to have the strings close to the fretboard. Think that’ll be a good conversion?
You could certainly try it. The lower tension of the nylon strings should make the neck a little bit straighter which will also lower the action. Let me know how you get on 👍
So in other words, there will be less tension coming from the nylon strings, therefore the truss rod will be the factor that affects the neck the most? Could you please explain in which direction to adjust the rod in both situations where the neck might bend forwards or backwards? Thaks for your time Rob and great video Alan
I'm glad you liked the video. If you tighten your truss rod (turn clockwise) it will curve the neck backwards. If you loosen the truss rod (turn anticlockwise) it will allow the tension of the strings to pull the neck forwards. A double action truss rod will also put a foward curve into the neck when turned anticlockwise. Please note that all adjustments of the truss rod should be done in small increments no more than a quarter turn each time until the desired result is achieved. Hope that helps
Thank you Dear Alan. I love this soft sound. As a songwriter, we just switched the strings. I hope I can know tackle learning to support my lyrics. Blessings
Hello Allen, I have just finished fitting EJ34's to my Ovation CE44, and a TUSQ nut which I had laying around which had the correct radius. Sounds great, and nice on my fingers. Thanks for the information.
@@AlanRoyHocking Luthier said it won't really work, it won't be loud enough (not true), it won't sound good (yeah right, it sounds fantastic), it will buzz (nope, and I lowered the action like crazy, more than my electric).... I'm sure luthiers know what they are doing, but they don't like to go out of the ordinary....
Brilliant video, the best on this subject (nylon onto folk guitar) I've seen. There are many scaremongers out there, this is lucid, practical and understandable. My old Crafter "Ovation copy" is almost identical though probably not as good, so I am now convinced the idea is do-able. Maybe some work on my bridge saddle as I have a low action, but hey, Alan, thanks a bunch.
@@AlanRoyHocking You're very gracious in your reply, Alan, will do. I'm fully expecting to raise the bridge saddle and as you pointed out, modify somewhat the nut. Can't wait for my strings to arrive, Ernie Balls. Thanks again for the superb video, helped me a lot.
I have same guitar. Just replaced with ALL wound nylons (Savarez 520- PI). Used ball ends of steel strings. Sounds great!!! The sound between steel and nylon.
Happy I got to be the 500th like on your video! Thank you so much for this demonstration. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for online. I plan to set up my beginner dreadnought with nylon strings and have been fretting 🤭 about the truss tension. After I bought my 3/4 Gretch Jim Dandy a few years ago, I hardly pick up the big boy anymore. And now that I’m writing songs, the dreadnought tends to overpower my singing anyhow. So I think a permanent setup for nylon on the acoustic would fit perfectly well into my repertoire. (If it turns out that the nylons are too quiet on the dreadnought, then I may try the flamenco strings as mentioned in another comment.) I’ve already ordered the ball-end strings and I’m looking forward to do this conversion. My question is, given the truss rod needs subtle adjustment over time and the fact that nylon strings will also take time to stretch, how do you recommend I go about doing the switch? Should I wait until the nylons have stretched to their ultimate happy tension and then adjust the truss, or should I add relief early on in the string stretch process and let them reach stasis together?
Thank you for being my 500th like Rateeluck I really appreciate it. My advice for you is to fit the nylon strings and let them stretch in for a couple of weeks first. Your neck should also have settled in to the new lower tension and you will be able to make any adjustments necessary then. You might still need to tweak the neck a little bit more over the next few weeks as well. Thanks again for the 500th like and your comment. Let me know how you get on 👍
Thank you, I always had that question for a long time :) I like the feel and sound of nylon strings more, so I'm now thinking of buying a nylon string with a smaller neck instead of a 52mm standard size. The Taylor Academy 12N would be great but not quite in my price range ...
Hi Patrick, I'm glad the video answered your question about putting nylon strings on a steel string guitar. I have the Taylor Academy 12e-N Nylon String Guitar and it's beautiful! There are other makes of nylon/classical guitars that also have a narrower 48mm nut width. Cordoba Guitars do a "Fusion" model and Alhambra do a Crossover model that also have 48mm necks but also quite expensive but if you shop around you should be able to find other makes of nylon guitars a little bit cheaper. Search for "Crossover" nylon string guitars. Hope that helps Alan 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks a lot! And do you think that I will be okay with 48mm width with longer fingers? :) (unfortunately I can't test guitars in a store at the moment because of lockdown) The prices for these crossover models are quite high for me as a beginner. There is an Ortega 131 with "small neck" but it probably isn't that good. I also like Höfner guitars which have 50mm as standard and are priced around 400-500 €.
If you have longer fingers Patrick you will probably be okay with the 52mm standard nut width of a classical guitar but 50mm will definitely be okay for you. I have short dumpy fingers and I can play a 52mm classical guitar without too many problems although I'm much more at home with a 48mm or 50mm neck. Guitars are very personal things though. I would wait until you can actually try the guitars out and see which one feels most comfortable for you if you're not too much in a rush. Ortega guitars are very good guitars by the way 😊
I saw a guy saying that you CAN'T use steel strings on classical guitars, unless... You use low gauge strings, there's a specific string model he recommended, the Daddario exl120, which has about the same tension as a nylon set and it was designed for beginner electric guitar players, since the strings are thinner and will bend more easily.
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Thomastik-Infeld actually makes steel strings for classical guitars called "Classical S" I did a review of them here: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
Thanks to Alan and some of the comments below, I will now convert one of my guitars and do what the local shop said couldn't be done and go back to trying to learn how to play. For too many years, the metal strings made me not want to pick up the guitar.
You're welcome Timothy I'm glad you found it useful. I love the feel and tone of nylon strings and was really pleased with the way they sound on my Ovation Celebrity Shallow Back 😊
@@didacusa3293 No, nylon strings have a much lower tension than steel strings so you won't break the guitar but you will lose some volume because a steel string guitar is built to vibrate with a much higher string tension. You will definately break your guitar if you do it the other way around and put steel strings on a classical nylon string guitar that is built for much lower tension strings. I do explain all this at the beginning of the video Diego 😊
Nice demo, thanks. I totally disagree with the idea that that "won't sound right" any strings on any guitar are not wrong, just different. Nylon strings on a Classical guitar are much quieter than any steel string guitar, nylons are meant to be :-) quiet
i know it can be done but the nut has to be filed to fit the thicker strings. also the tension will be different, and the scale length will change the dynamics. probably the best compromise would be to try silk and steel strings or classical strings with higher tension. maybe worth a try?
@@AlanRoyHocking sure, i just remembered that Thomastik makes a hybrid called Plectrum ac112 that joe gore used on his steel string. may be another option for you?
@@AlanRoyHocking no problem since i'm going down that trail soon since i'm gonna be changing strings shortly and experimenting on different sets with different materials. just watching videos now to see what i can expect when i test out my guitar which never found it's perfect match yet!
Dunno' if anyone have answered, but nylon strings will not work with the electric type pickups that go into the soundhole. They are basically magnet(s) with coils around it and the vibration of the steel in front of it will generate electricity in the coil. As the nylon is not ferromagnetic, it will not have the desired effect, unless you put some steel on the strings somehow where the pickup is.
The John Pearse Fingerpicking Folk Strings are nylon wound strings with a steel rope core that should work with a sound hole pick up. I did a review of them here: ruclips.net/video/rwssLZ98pd4/видео.html
My favorite part of this vide is the explanation of tension and how steel strings can ruin a classical guitar, but the nylon strings on an acoustic is doable...just low tension, so quieter in sound. Am I write? Also... I noticed that D'adario (sp) makes strings with different tension. So would you recommend getting an extra high tension of nylon strings if you are going to replace steel strings w/ nylon on your acoustic?
Yes, the top of an acoustic guitar is braced to vibrate with steel strings that have an average overall tension of around 160lbs. Nylon strings have an average overall tension of 85lbs which won't vibrate the top as much resulting in less volume. The higher tension nylon strings are louder but remember that nylon strings are quieter (mellower) than steel strings anyway which will also result in lower volume.
Hi Kale, the ones I used in this video are the D'Addario EJ32C silver-plated Ball End Folk Strings I haven't tried the 80/20 Bronze ones yet but they are on my list to review in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you so much I have been looking for a video just like this one. I want to do the exact same thing to my Fender Acoustasonic Strat. Do you think I would need to adjust the truss rod if I want to keep it like that long term?
Nylon strings are around half the tension of steel strings so you might find that you need to slacken the truss rod a little over time but every guitar is different so it's a matter of try it and see
Hi Clint. Yes all the strings are nylon strings. The basses look like steel strings but they are actually nylon cores with silver plated copper windings on the outside.
I love the Ovation, but am just getting going with vigor, and so was looking at a classical to learn on so my fingers would last longer... but if I can put them on an Ovation, well I think I'm in love! 🙂 P.S. I'm almost 62 years old and retired military, so I've the time to learn the guitar these days. lol
I have a 12 fret, slotted headstock 000 guitar, that I'd like to try this on. It has a wider neck and the action is already a bit high. It booms with steel strings but frankly gets a bit muddy when strummed more than gently. I'm looking forward to hearing the softer sound of nylon from my knockoff Martin.
Hi Sandy. Nylon strings on a twelve fret will be very easy easy to play and I'm sure you'll love the softer mellow sound Let me know how you get on I'd love to know 😊
I wonder if you have any problem with intonation, especially on the high strings? On a steel string the bridge is slanted to intonate in compensation for the difference in string thicknesses. Since nylons are thicker, especially the high E and the B, I’d think, things might get noticeably out of tune high up the neck
Hi David, I didn't have any intonation problems with my Ovation by I agree with what you're saying although my Taylor 12e-N nylon string guitar came factory fitted with the exactly same compensated saddle that they use on all their acoustic steel string guitars so it's obviously going to be different for each guitar but very good point to bring to light thank you 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Earl Klugh is my hero and when he wanted to play Guitar as his 2nd instrument (he started on Keyboards as his 1st instrument) he did that on a Nylon Acoustic Guitar which his Mom let him play because he found that the Nylon strings are easier on the fretting hand, and the wider neck gave his fingers more room to form lots of those Jazzy Chords.
@@AlanRoyHocking Those KR116 and KF110 Flatwound Strings will save the frets from scratches and they have silk wound around both ends which is a neat finishing touch.
Mr.Alan, I have a question on this video. 123strings for the nylon string is thicker than acoustic steel strings, so do you need to adjust the bone nut on the neck to fit in the strings?
It depends. Every guitar is different. You need to try them first. I had to slightly widen the slot in the nut for the G string on my Ovation, but that was all
There will be less tension on the neck, so you might need to slacken the truss rod a little bit (if you have one) to avoid the strings buzzing. I didn't need to on my Ovation, but as I said before, every guitar is different, and you won't know until you try putting the nylon strings on it
@@AlanRoyHocking ok maybe I will try. Plugged must be good the sound I guess. I went to some music stores today and the people there was telling me to not do that but id you say that the sound is fair enough maybe I will put nylon
@carloslukather6658 Plugged in they're fine, but it will never sound exactly the same as a guitar that's been built for nylon strings because of the heavier woods and stronger bracing. Try it and see for yourself. You can always switch it back to steel strings if you don't like the sound.
@carloslukather6658 The 3rd G string is thicker than a steel G so you might have to file the nut slot slightly and you may need to loosen the truss rod slightly to compensate for the lower string tension on the neck but try the strings first because I didn't have to do anything on my Ovation. But every guitar is different obviously
Hi Antonios, it worked perfectly on mine. You'll see later on in the video that I actually plug into my acoustic amp so you can hear what the piezo pick up sounds like with nylon strings. 😊
Καλησπέρα Αντώνη. Εχω και εγώ μία Ovation Celebrity electro-acoustic και σκέφτομαι να το γυρίσω σε ναυλον χορδές. Πές μου σε παρακαλώ τις εντυπώσεις σου. Αξίζει τον κόπο ή μπαίνουμε σε περιπέτειες ;;;
@@ΓιώργοςΚατσαρός-ω1β Γεια σου, Γιώργο . Η κιθάρα που το έκανα έχει κεντρική στρογγυλή τρύπα στο καπάκι. Ακούγεται πολύ ωραία, και ακουστικά και στον ενισχυτή. Το δοκίμασα και σε άλλη Οvation με τις 15 μικρές τρύπες. Εκει ακούγονται πολύ αδύναμα οι τρεις νάυλον χορδές (σολ, σι, μι) στο ακουστικο, πολύ πιο αδύναμα από τις τρεις μπάσες χορδές. Στον ενισχυτή ακουγεται μια χαρά.
@@windsurfmania21 Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για την ενημέρωση. απο δευτέρα θα κατέβω στο κέντρο να αγοράσω χορδές. Αν και είμαι συνηθισμένος σε νούμερα 11 και 12 και με πολύ χαμηλό action στις κιθάρες μου, θα κάνω το πείραμα και ότι προκύψει. Αν δεν υπάρχει μπάζ θα ήταν ευχάριστη αλλαγή για τα καημένα τα χεράκια μου. Την καλησπέρα μου.
GREAT VIDEO. Straight to the point and also informative. Though i do have a concern, do harmonic notes (e. g. like rather laying your finger on the strings than pressing it) still work with nylon strings on a steel stringed guitar?
@Alan Roy Hocking, your guitar sounds gorgeous with nylon strings. When putting nylon strings on a regular steel string guitar, does neck width play a factor as far sound quality? I have a Takamine GS330S and the neck is a little more on the thin side.
Hi Cam, the width of the neck will not affect the overall sound of the nylon strings. The neck on my Ovation Celebrity is only 42mm wide. What you will find is that because the nylon strings are thicker than steel strings, a thinner neck will be more difficult to play if you have fat fingers because the strings will be closer together. Hope that answers your question 😊
I'm trying to find a classical 3/4 size electric without luck. There are lots of 3/4 or parlour electric acoustic guitars. . I thought the action on an acoustic would be too low for nylon strings?
Hi Julie, the action was fine on my Ovation but obviously every guitar is different. String action can be adjusted if needed. Your other option would be to have electrics fitted to a 3/4 size classical guitar. Your local guitar tech or luthier should be able to advise you on the best way to go for your particular needs.
Yes unfortunately nylon strings take a lot longer to stretch in and stay in tune than steel strings Jolujo The strings were still fresh and stretching in while I was recording the video hence the tuner on the headstock.
Thank you good sir. I have an ovation with the piezo and I will be doing this soon. I will also use regular nylon strings and string them by using some old ball ends from old used strings and cutting them off and tying the nylon strings to them. A diy ball-end nylon string if you will. Hopefully with the piezo it will sound good recorded.
@@billyfreeze1893 Hi Billy. I have actually switched to Silk and Steel strings on my Ovation now and they are much easier to play than Phosphor Bronze acoustic strings. I wouldn't put Silk and Steel strings on a classical guitar even tuned down because they will still be much to high tension and will definitely break a classical guitar that is designed for a much lower string tension I've done a review of the Silk and Steel strings here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html
@Billy Freeze I wouldn't put Silk and Steel strings on a classical guitar even tuned down because they will still be much to high tension and will definitely break a classical guitar that is designed for a much lower string tension
Hello do you think this could work as an subsitute to a flamenco type guitar? as the guitar body is slimmer and strings are closer to the neck. is the guitar how much quieter? thanks in advance
Yes any of the D'Addario ball end nylon strings will work perfectly on a flamenco guitar and you won't loose any volume because flamenco guitars are built for nylon strings anyway 👍
I have a Vintage Stella H1141 and I’m going to try to put Low tension nylon strings on it. Will the strings stay in place without filing the nut and bridge down?
@@AlanRoyHocking im using the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings so im pretty sure they should work. Im doing this to recreate the 'Something in the way" nirvana tone because Kurt Cobain used his vintage stella with the same body shape as mine and he put 5 nylon strings on it
@zalionvr3658 I used the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings on my Ovation CC57 Shallow Back in this video, and I only had to file out the slot in the nut for the thicker G 3rd nylon string to make it fit flush but I could have left it as it was as well. Let me know how you get on with them 👍
Thanks for this amazing video sir. You are awesome! ❤️ However i have one little question. For someone like me who doesn't know how to tune i use apps for tuning my steel string. Will the standard tuning fit well for the nylon strings as well?
@@AlanRoyHocking I got the D'Addario Folk Nylon strings this week. They sound and feel awesome, much more mellow and nice. But because of fret buzz, I had to make a couple of adjustments though: I loosened the truss rod a tiny bit and raised some of the nut's string slots (3 thinniest strings) by applying a bit of epoxy and sanding it down to the correct height. Edit: I also put some tape on the non-coated nylon strings where they're tied to the tuning posts. That way they won't break as easily.
Thank you Sankalp I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful Don't forget to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on any of my future videos 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking sir can you help? I've put Daddario nylon strings on my steel string guitar But the strings go untune by themselves in a matter of seconds
@@sankalpwaghmare Yes Sankalp this is quite normal, nylon strings take much longer than steel strings take to settle in so you will find that nylon strings take a week or so to stretch in properly. Tune them every day for the first week and by the second week you should find they will start to hold their tuning much better. 😊
Thank you Harmanraj I'm glad you found it useful. For your fender I would suggest trying the same ones I used in this video the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Strings as the will be easier to fit with bridge pins. I've done a full review of the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html if you want to hear what they sound like 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking I'm sorry but do you know if a guitar scale can have 2 of the same notes in it like the 1st fret high E string and 6th fret B string? It's the F note and exact same pitch. Is that legal?
Hi, it was just an experiment so I didn't keep them on the guitar very long but I didn't have any problems with scale length or strings breaking. D'Addario say on their website that their Folk Ball End Nylon Strings can be fitted to acoustic steel string guitars without any problems 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking ok thanks because i just got one to try this and i got folk daddario strings today. I will remove the frets and mod it to be a fretless nylon strings :)
i got nylons on my no name parlor guitar for a while. it sounds pretty good, despite being quiet, but i can never tune it completely to e standard or else the high e snaps. i guess this has to be related to the scale length somehow, the parlor has a pretty long modern scale length, much longer than classicals. i have normal tension ones on it right now but i thought of getting high tension ones. do you think it'll be better to have those? aside from volume and stiffness?
Hi Alan Roy. I love your videos. Your videos and reviews are very useful and informative. I have a steel string guitar: Ibanez v50mjp nt 27 01. What is the best classical guitar strings you recommend on my Ilbanez steel guitar to achieve closer to that classical guitar sound? and Why? Thank you so much.
Hi and thanks for your kind comment I appreciate it. I would recommend trying the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings I reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html because the ball ends will make them easier to fit and they are the closest to the D'Addario EJ45 nylon strings that I reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/OqWCo1RNBq0/видео.html which are one of the most popular nylon strings for the majority of classical and nylon string guitar players Hope that helps Alan :)
Alan, I'm looking for a steel string acoustic (14 fret) to put nylon strings on. I'm going to use a high tension Thomastik string, not sure which one yet, but I'm trying to decide which guitar to try. I'd like it to have a piezo under the saddle and a wider (1.7" min) nut but the size escapes me: would a dreadnought offer the best volume or would it be too boomy? Or should I try a smaller size? Any thoughts/suggestions? Good video, thanks. Phil
Hi Phil, why don't you just buy a crossover nylon string guitar that is built and voiced for nylon strings like the Taylor Academy 12e-N or Cordoba Fusion the Cordoba Fusion comes in 12 or 14 fret and both have a 48mm neck width
@@AlanRoyHocking Long story short on why I'm looking at a steel 14 fret. The 12e-N is 12 frets. I tried the 214ce-N which I thought would be perfect but the action is too high and the high string tended to slide off the fretboard. Most of the crossovers have the traditional higher action. Tried to find a Cordoba Fusion 14 locally with no luck. It's a little expensive and I don't want to go through the shipping/exchange routine. I'm after the nylon sound of Thomastik's high tension strings which will probably be a little too high for a classic build. And a steel acoustic will have a tension rod so I can adjust my own action without taking it to a guitar tech (time & money). Bottom line I bought a used Alvarez AMP660ESHB for just over $300 today and I'm going to start with 96 lbs Thomastik KR or KF 110's. I'll eventually try a set of Plectrum AC111 at 125 ft lbs of tension. The Alvarez has 160 lbs steel strings on it now. The Alvarez has an under the saddle pickup which will help with the expected loss of volume and a 1.75" nut which is as low as I would go. Truss rod too. Should be interesting - I'll let you know how the experiment goes. Thanks for all the good videos on strings. Such a major factor in determining how a guitar sounds.
hello! Would you recommend mixing nylon and steel strings? Like for example top three steel, bottom three nylon? I started learning guitar on a steel string guitar but have been practicing fingerstyle and classical music so I’m thinking about switching to nylon strings
Nylon strings apart from being thicker than steel strings have half the tension of steel strings, so the tension on the neck is much lower allowing the neck to bow backwards creating a much lower string action, i.e., the strings are closer to the neck/frets. If you plan on keeping the nylon strings, you need to loosen the truss rod if you have one which will allow the nylon strings to pull the neck straighter again or take it to a professional luthier or guitar technician and have it set up for nylon strings
I wanna change my acoustic guitar steel string to nylon string so that i can play leads and fingerstyle with ease but i have a doubt that do i have to change the action of guitar to put nylon string and will it affect the life of guitar
Hi Hopeless, you will find that the action might be lower with nylon strings because the string tension of nylon strings is about half that of the steel strings so you might need to loosen the truss rod slightly. Also most nylon strings are slightly thicker than steel strings so you might need to make the slots in the nut slightly wider. Putting nylon strings on a steel string guitar won't damage your guitar in any way so you can try them and make sure you like them before you make any adjustments to your guitar. If you're still not sure it's best to consult your local Luthier or guitar shop as a lot will depend on the make and model of your guitar and they will be able to advise you the best. Another option and the one that I would advise you take first is to try silk and steel strings as they are made for acoustic guitars but are much softer and easier to play fingerstyle guitar with than normal steel strings. Here's a review I did of the D'Addario EJ40 Silk And Steel Acoustic Strings: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html Hope that helps Alan 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking thank you so much sir that helped a lot now i will switch to silk and steel string. Sir i have a last quarry that my guitar name is yamaha f310 so will dadario ej40 will be suitable for my guitar right now i am using dadario ej15
Yes the D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel Strings will work perfectly on your Yamaha F310 and you will find it much easier to play fingerstyle on. Let me know how you like them and if you have any more questions give me a shout! 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking sir you are amazing i dont have words to describe . i will definitely tell you my experience on dadrio ej40 and i am damn sure that will definitely help me. Sir i am really sorry for asking so many questions Sir i practice guitar 3 hour everyday so how long will it take me to become professional in guitar right now strumming and open chords are my strong point and i am beginner at fingerstyle and tabs
You will never stop learning and improving your guitar skills. I've been playing professionally over 47 years and I'm still learning and improving my guitar skills every day! As soon as you can play your first song you will find everything gets easier and if you practice 3 hours a day you will be amazed at how fast you improve 😊
You can certainly try putting nylon strings on a Baby Taylor it will definitely make it easier to play for your 9 year old until his fingers get stronger. Your only issue could be fret buzz if the action is already low but you won't know until you try it.
I'm sitting here looking at strings to get, and it pops in my head to put nylons on my Ovation Balladeer. I search this up and what do you know... an Ovation Balladeer with nylons that sounds pretty. Right now, mine has Martin Monel Retro nickel strings on, which give it a really unique timbre and body.
I've tried the Martin Retro Monel Strings on my Koa on Mahogany Parlor Guitar and really liked the sound but I haven't tried them on my Ovation yet. Let me know how you get on with nylon strings on your Ovation 👍
yes you technically can but nylon strings will break in a short duration of time due to excessive tension created by the long neck of steel string guitar. i did it and broke twice in just a couple of months. My recommendation: don't try it if you don't have too because you will spend another set of nylon strings soon.
Hi Nawwaf. No its not the same as a normal classical guitar it's an acoustic guitar with nylon strings on. Acoustic guitars and classical guitars are built completely differently and designed to work with specific types of strings which I explain at the beginning of the video.
I think you'll find that Trigger has ball end nylon strings on it, not steel strings. If you want to put steel strings on a nylon string guitar, you should try these: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
Hi Nick. The radias of the fretboard won't make any difference. Lots of top guitar manufacturers like Taylor and Martin make nylon string guitars with a radiused fretboard.
You might need to loosen the truss rod slightly to allow for the lower tension on the neck. I would try loosening the truss rod a quarter of a turn first. If that doesn't work then I would raise the saddle.
Hi David. Unlike steel strings that hold their tune once they are at pitch, nylon strings take a few weeks to stretch in and keep their tune and will always need tuning up before playing because they stretch or shrink with any change in temperature. Regarding the snapping it could be a sharp spot on your bridge or nut you might need to get a luthier to check it out for you. You don't say how hard you play but nylon strings won't stand up to a lot of hard strumming for very long they're best for a light touch and fingerstyle or classical.
@@AlanRoyHocking I took it too a locally owned shop up the road and the one guy who had the nerved set it up for me, for free… Musicians are the best You Rock A
Hi Kercrircek, I would try the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings that I used in this video. The ball ends will make them easier to fit with bridge pins that the Yamaha FG800 uses. I did a full review of them here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html Hope that helps 😊
It sounds dull, less sustain and the strings can't shout...but appreciate your effort for doing the setting up. But the guitar actually sounds better than other nylon guitar reviews...
I have an acoustic full steel strings and the high E string keeps snapping, im thinking of putting 3 nylon strings (3 down strings) and 3 steel strings (3 upper strings) is it okay ? And thanks for this video it helps a lot at first i thought its impossible to change the type of strings ! 😃
I would not mix steel and nylon strings together. There is a vast difference in the tensions and you could end up twisting the neck. I would first try to find out why the high E string keeps snapping. You might need to take it to a trained luthier or guitar technician and have the bridge and nut checked.
@@AlanRoyHocking the high E snaps because of regular tuning it snaps after 3-4 months i think its normal, gonna try putting full 6 nylon strings, your video helped so much thanks for the information ☺️
Ahh okay yes if it's breaking after three to four months of regular use then that's nothing to worry about. I thought you meant it was breaking when new. Let me know how you get on with the nylon strings 👍
No! A classical guitar is not made to take the pressure of steel strings. The truss rod is only there to keep the neck straight it will not stop the pressure of the strings from ripping the bridge out or even ripping the neck off the guitar where it joins the body. Please don't ever fit steel/acoustic strings on a nylon/classical guitar you will break your guitar.
Hi Robert. No your dreadnought will have less volume with nylon strings because nylon strings are much lower tension than the steel strings that a dreadnought is designed for
I think a dreadnought guitar will be too big too get much sound out of it with nylon strings. Most classical and nylon string guitars all tend to be smaller bodied guitars which vibrate easier with the lower tension nylon strings
Yes that was on my Ovation Celebrity Shallow Back Acoustic Electric which is a smaller bodied guitar than a dreadnought. A dreadnought will sound okay but will probably be quieter with nylon strings on. The only way to really tell is to try it. If you do let me know how you get on and whether there's a lot of difference in volume I'd be interested to know Robert 👍
I wish to do this is on a silent guitar that is , it produces sound with a piezo pickup alone it has a solid body no sound box. it is very resonant, i think it will be fine but the action on my guitar is like super low and it doesnt have the relief on the fret board which is supposed to be there on a classical guitar. So the action which is needed for the classical guitar is difficult to attain as i have already sanded the bridge to a electric guitar action I wish to put nylon strings as I am a uke player and I love the intensity at which you can play the nylon strings . But I am afraid they will buzz at my current action. Thanks fror the flamenco strings suggestion in the comments it feels interesting.
Hi Akshay, you can always buy a new bridge and set that bridge up for the nylon strings they're not that expensive on Amazon. Then you can just change bridges when you want to go back to steel strings. Let me know how you get on with it 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Thats really a good way to go I ll try let you, ai will probably take up sime time as my guitar is fairly new I ll do my 1st string change after 4 months its been 2 months only, I was gathering as much info as needed to go on with it. Thankyou so much your video really paints a good picture and I am not worried about volume as my guitar as crazy response and I will play through an amp anyways. Its the Donner HushI silent guitar . Really amazing.
Hi Sumanta, I personally like Taylor and Martin but I also love my little Harley Benton Parlor Guitar You can see my full review here: ruclips.net/video/VDieaD4_kNE/видео.html My advice is to go to your local guitar centre and try a few out. There are so many good brands nowadays it really is a matter of personal choice and a lot depends on what you will be using the guitar for, your skill levels and type of music do you want to play.
Interesting question, Olivia. I personally haven't tried it, so I can't say if it would work or not. Let's see if anyone else has tried it and can give us some feedback 😊
thank you sir! nice video. I've put Nylon strings on a smaller body OOO used Ernie Ball they are nice but i've been reducing pressure with truss rod for 6 or 7 days and I still having some buzzing around the 12th fret on strings 1-2 and 3 - its great otherwise. able to play again after almost 20 years I have muscular pains and ostheoarthris too.
Hi Louis-Simon, you might want to try the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Folk Nylon Strings that I used in this video. They're slightly higher tension than the Ernie Ball strings and should solve your problem of string buzz on the twelfth fret.
@@louissimonouellet You could also try the D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel strings that I now use on my Ovation. They're really soft and very easy to play with, I've done a review of them fitted on my Ovation here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html
Also, your plastic round-back guitar would definitely sound quieter than its fully wood made counterpart that would resonate better. Thinking of putting nylon strings on mine just to have one of an unusual kind.
Yes absolutely correct the back of an ovation guitar definitely doesn't vibrate like a classically built wooden backed guitar would. The rounded back really just projects the sound that's coming from the strings and the front of the guitar more like a speaker cone would
I have a question, After I tuned my guitar I played it for like 5 - 10mins then its always gettin out of tune. Im using nylon string without a tiny circular thing at the end of the String, pardon me I forgot what itscalled, I just tied it three times so that it wont loose, Can I get some Suggestion HEHIHOHU Thankyouuu
Hi Josh, nylon strings take a week or two to stretch and settle down and some strings depending on the make will take longer than others so it's quite normal to need to tune them regularly for the first week or two
I appreciate your immidiate reply hehe, I thought something was wrong in my guitar, thankyou for the guide Support from Philippines ❤️ More subscribers to come.
Thanks for your input I appreciate it. I only had to file out the slot in the nut slighty to accommodate the thicker G string on my Ovation, but obviously, every guitar will be different.
Hi, My question is : On the classical the saddle is in right angel to the strings but on on the acoustic the saddle is skew a bit. Does nylon strings make any false tunes on acoustic because of that? Or it is better the saddle reprepared to the right angel( just like classical has) for the precise tunes? Obviously it is with reason in the right angel on the classical.
Hi Neita, great question! The saddle on a classical guitar is normally level across the top to match the flat neck of a classical guitar. The saddle of an acoustic guitar has a slight curve to match the curve of the neck of an acoustic guitar and can also be a "compensated" saddle to rectify intonation problems so basically the saddles on both classical and acoustic guitars are designed to match the neck of the guitar and not the strings that you use. You shouldn't have any intonation or tuning problems putting nylon strings on an acoustic guitar. Hope I've explained that clearly enough for you If you have any other questions let me know 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking Sorry Alan still one more question because it is possible that your answer is not completed. Because then there are two differences of saddle between the acoustic and classical. I think your answer was only about the curveness that is matched to the curvened neck surface at acoustic. I think your explaination was only about it( not 100 % sure) I meant the other thing that the saddle is skew. Maybe skew isnt the right english world but I meant that the saddle is paralell with the nut on classical ( all strings are the same long) and not paralell with the nut ( lower strings are longer) on the acoustic.
Ahh okay Neita yes this is also set for the tuning/intonation of the neck of each individual guitar it's not related to the strings. The only time you might have a problem is if the string guages are drastically different. The only way to know for sure is to try some nylon strings on your guitar
In this video I used the D'addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings but you can use any Ball End Classical Guitar Strings. You can check out my reviews of Ball End Classical Guitar Strings Here: ruclips.net/p/PL1xjY7Zq7KaDYUJSIK0vADOSNb99G4jji
I have a 12 string Applause Ovation guitar. Do you think the ball of each string will fit through the bridge without any problems? I see that the bridge has very little space and I think (maybe I'm wrong) that the balls of each nylon string are bigger than the balls of the metal strings. Help me.
Hi. The balls are the same size, but I'm not sure it would work on a twelve string guitar because of the octave string tuning of the bass strings. I've never seen a twelve string nylon guitar before.
Short answer: of course - yes, you can. BUT - you can NEVER put steel strings on a classical guitar! I've seen a few Classical (nylon) guitars absolutely RUINED by steel strings. The neck will never recover.
Absolutely correct Jon and I state this right up front in the video although I have since discovered that Thomastik-Infeld actually make steel strings called "Classical S" specifically designed for classical guitars with a low overall tension of only 88 lbs
You can see my review of them here: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
i am using the extremely short neck version of the guitar, which is closer to what's called a guitarlele, have been doing this for few years the instrument seems to be fine with the short neck, i do regular checks tho, hope it won't drop on me one day, i think i wont do this on the regular classic tho.
I'm not an expert, but the shorter neck should mean there's less string tension, so you should be fine Roy. You can always check with your local luthier if you have any doubts
Actually, you can. Not the normal steel strings of course, extra light gauge ones, like the one they use on electric guitars, which has the same tension as a normal nylon string set, so perfectly interchangeable. Someone on RUclips has done it, and it sounded quite alright
@user-nx3by5gy1n Thanks for the info, but we're talking about putting nylon strings on an acoustic steel string guitar here 👍
I've been putting nylon strings on a acoustic guitar for 20 years and here is what I've found out . You need to protect the string where it starts wrapping around the metal hole . You can do this with a few layers of electric tape around all the strings where it starts to wrap around the metal tuners or run the string through the hole and slide a flexible tube over the string and into the hole and long enough to bend over the holes edge . I like to use the insulation I strip off electric wire That seems to last the longest and you can use it over and over again with new strings . If you don't the strings will break because of the hard metal hole sharp angle of the turners . It will even cut the metal wrap on the wound strings . To help the strings from breaking you can also grind a taper in the holes edge and round it out and shine it back up again with a rubber wheel . If you don't protect the strings from the metal hole angle your strings are not going to last very long . If your guitar has the pins behind the bridge You need to protect the strings as it come out of the wood also again the electric wire insulation works great there also . The nylon strings are not made for sharp angles that's why they tie the ends at the bridge and use plastic turner bars to wrap the strings on a classical guitar .
Thank you for your tip and very in-depth explanation Steve I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with everyone. 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking No problem I had many a string break on me before I figured out what was going on . If I can save one person from this happening to them it's worth it . I have had brand new strings break while I was tightening them up before I started added the wire insulation now the strings last for years .
👍
Wow can you do a little video on how to do this? :o
Yeah sure Rosina I'll add it to my list of videos to do 👍
There's so much positivity in this comments section. By the channel owner, but also users in general. It made me subscribe. And thanks also for the video!
You're welcome, and thank you 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking 😊☀️
Try high tension flamenco strings (black nylon). They are a little bit more rigid than clear nylon and the high tension will give more sound definition.
Thank you for the tip Alessandro I appreciate it and will certainly add them to my list to try in the future 😊
I was going to suggest hi tension nylon or flamenco strings so your neck wouldn't develop a possible back bow 🤔👍 sounds warm.
@billmumbo2697 Yes, the higher tension, the better 👍
Best video on the internet about this subject! Well done.
Thank you Marcio. I'm glad you liked it 😊
What a refreshing, informative video! Thank you.
Thank you Paul I'm glad you liked it 😊
I use ball-end classicals on my Eko Rio Grande dreadnought - and it great; quiet and so comfortable to play. I do have one glorious advantage over others - the Eko has a zero-fret - and I have a nice low action which is great for blues and jazz!
Nice! 👍
The truss rod has been set up to counter the pressure from the steel strings, the nylon strings will eventually cause some neck warping as the truss will be pulling your neck back. You may need to make a truss rod adjustment if the truss is already tight, going from a heavy gauge, say 12s or 13's could be an issue - especially if neck has been set to accommodate the heavier gauge.
. caution required - neck tension is all about balance between the truss and force applied on the neck from from the strings.
Thanks for your useful and detailed input Rob I appreciate it.
This guitar is actually set up for extra light strings and I've just fitted D'Addario Silk and Steel strings on it (full review here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html )
Putting nylon strings on my acoustic guitar was just an experiment 😊
I have a steel string guitar with a broken truss bar that would probably cost more to replace than the guitar is worth. The action is hard to play now with the steel strings but I wondered about putting nylon strings on to convert it to a classical that might be easier on the fingers without having to have the strings close to the fretboard. Think that’ll be a good conversion?
You could certainly try it. The lower tension of the nylon strings should make the neck a little bit straighter which will also lower the action. Let me know how you get on 👍
So in other words, there will be less tension coming from the nylon strings, therefore the truss rod will be the factor that affects the neck the most? Could you please explain in which direction to adjust the rod in both situations where the neck might bend forwards or backwards?
Thaks for your time Rob and great video Alan
I'm glad you liked the video. If you tighten your truss rod (turn clockwise) it will curve the neck backwards. If you loosen the truss rod (turn anticlockwise) it will allow the tension of the strings to pull the neck forwards. A double action truss rod will also put a foward curve into the neck when turned anticlockwise. Please note that all adjustments of the truss rod should be done in small increments no more than a quarter turn each time until the desired result is achieved. Hope that helps
Thank you Dear Alan. I love this soft sound. As a songwriter, we just switched the strings. I hope I can know tackle learning to support my lyrics. Blessings
You're welcome Maria, let me know how you get on with the nylon strings on your acoustic guitar.
Would love to hear some of your songs👍
Nice video, Alan. I agree the nylons sound nice on your Ovation. I love them on my Gibson. Maybe we could start a nylon-steel club LOL! Best wishes
Ha Ha! Great idea! 😂
Hello Allen, I have just finished fitting EJ34's to my Ovation CE44, and a TUSQ nut which I had laying around which had the correct radius. Sounds great, and nice on my fingers. Thanks for the information.
You're welcome Peter I'm glad you found my video useful 👍
Yes, I did it witn my piezo steel string e-guitar and it's just great. Go for it.
Excellent! 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Luthier said it won't really work, it won't be loud enough (not true), it won't sound good (yeah right, it sounds fantastic), it will buzz (nope, and I lowered the action like crazy, more than my electric).... I'm sure luthiers know what they are doing, but they don't like to go out of the ordinary....
@hhy2k Ha Ha! 🤣🤣 So true!
Brilliant video, the best on this subject (nylon onto folk guitar) I've seen. There are many scaremongers out there, this is lucid, practical and understandable. My old Crafter "Ovation copy" is almost identical though probably not as good, so I am now convinced the idea is do-able. Maybe some work on my bridge saddle as I have a low action, but hey, Alan, thanks a bunch.
You're welcome Darleystar I'm glad you found it useful.
Let me know how you get on and feel free to give me a shout if you have any more questions 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking You're very gracious in your reply, Alan, will do. I'm fully expecting to raise the bridge saddle and as you pointed out, modify somewhat the nut. Can't wait for my strings to arrive, Ernie Balls. Thanks again for the superb video, helped me a lot.
You're welcome let me know how you get on 👍
your nylon string guitar sounds fantastic, thank you for this great video
You're welcome J.Val I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful 👍
Thank You so much Alan, your videos bring me joy and I want you to always know you make my day 😁👍
Thank you 😊
I have my grandfathers little parlor guitar from Sears back in the 1960s. It's a smaller guitar, I will try out the nylon strings on it.
Let me know how you get on with them 👍
I have same guitar. Just replaced with ALL wound nylons (Savarez 520- PI). Used ball ends of steel strings. Sounds great!!! The sound between steel and nylon.
Excellent Will, I have the Savarez 520 on my list to try in the future 👍
Happy I got to be the 500th like on your video! Thank you so much for this demonstration. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for online. I plan to set up my beginner dreadnought with nylon strings and have been fretting 🤭 about the truss tension. After I bought my 3/4 Gretch Jim Dandy a few years ago, I hardly pick up the big boy anymore. And now that I’m writing songs, the dreadnought tends to overpower my singing anyhow. So I think a permanent setup for nylon on the acoustic would fit perfectly well into my repertoire. (If it turns out that the nylons are too quiet on the dreadnought, then I may try the flamenco strings as mentioned in another comment.) I’ve already ordered the ball-end strings and I’m looking forward to do this conversion. My question is, given the truss rod needs subtle adjustment over time and the fact that nylon strings will also take time to stretch, how do you recommend I go about doing the switch? Should I wait until the nylons have stretched to their ultimate happy tension and then adjust the truss, or should I add relief early on in the string stretch process and let them reach stasis together?
Thank you for being my 500th like Rateeluck I really appreciate it.
My advice for you is to fit the nylon strings and let them stretch in for a couple of weeks first. Your neck should also have settled in to the new lower tension and you will be able to make any adjustments necessary then.
You might still need to tweak the neck a little bit more over the next few weeks as well.
Thanks again for the 500th like and your comment.
Let me know how you get on 👍
@DexterMorgan71 Great stuff Dexter thanks for your comment 👍
Thank you, I always had that question for a long time :)
I like the feel and sound of nylon strings more, so I'm now thinking of buying a nylon string with a smaller neck instead of a 52mm standard size.
The Taylor Academy 12N would be great but not quite in my price range ...
Hi Patrick, I'm glad the video answered your question about putting nylon strings on a steel string guitar.
I have the Taylor Academy 12e-N Nylon String Guitar and it's beautiful!
There are other makes of nylon/classical guitars that also have a narrower 48mm nut width. Cordoba Guitars do a "Fusion" model and Alhambra do a Crossover model that also have 48mm necks but also quite expensive but if you shop around you should be able to find other makes of nylon guitars a little bit cheaper.
Search for "Crossover" nylon string guitars.
Hope that helps
Alan 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks a lot! And do you think that I will be okay with 48mm width with longer fingers? :) (unfortunately I can't test guitars in a store at the moment because of lockdown)
The prices for these crossover models are quite high for me as a beginner. There is an Ortega 131 with "small neck" but it probably isn't that good.
I also like Höfner guitars which have 50mm as standard and are priced around 400-500 €.
If you have longer fingers Patrick you will probably be okay with the 52mm standard nut width of a classical guitar but 50mm will definitely be okay for you.
I have short dumpy fingers and I can play a 52mm classical guitar without too many problems although I'm much more at home with a 48mm or 50mm neck.
Guitars are very personal things though. I would wait until you can actually try the guitars out and see which one feels most comfortable for you if you're not too much in a rush.
Ortega guitars are very good guitars by the way 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking okay, thank you! :)
Have a nice evening!
Same to you Patrick great chatting with you 😊
What tension should I use? Normal tension or hard tension?
I used the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Strings in this video which are normal tension, but harder tension would be better
@@AlanRoyHocking Okay, thanks for the reply
@@vinz1112 You're welcome 😊
Well-explained technical part of this equation, thank you. 🎸
Thank you I'm glad you found it useful 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking
Not at all. Have you still got those strings on that guitar or went back to steel ones?
I only put the nylon strings on as a test
I've just fitted some D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel strings and will be doing a review on them next week 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking
Go for it!
@@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040 Watch out for the video around Tuesday or Wednesday next week 👍
Sounds great! And awesome tips from everyone in the comment section
Thanks I'm glad you liked it 😊
I saw a guy saying that you CAN'T use steel strings on classical guitars, unless... You use low gauge strings, there's a specific string model he recommended, the Daddario exl120, which has about the same tension as a nylon set and it was designed for beginner electric guitar players, since the strings are thinner and will bend more easily.
Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Thomastik-Infeld actually makes steel strings for classical guitars called "Classical S"
I did a review of them here: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
Thanks to Alan and some of the comments below, I will now convert one of my guitars and do what the local shop said couldn't be done and go back to trying to learn how to play. For too many years, the metal strings made me not want to pick up the guitar.
You're welcome Tre let us know how you get on 👍
Thank you! Wanted to try nylon strings on my acoustic, because i have always adored nylon strings better.
You're welcome Timothy I'm glad you found it useful.
I love the feel and tone of nylon strings and was really pleased with the way they sound on my Ovation Celebrity Shallow Back 😊
did it break
@@didacusa3293 Did what break?
@@AlanRoyHocking Doesn't this break your guitar theirs a reason why they ship with Steel strings
@@didacusa3293 No, nylon strings have a much lower tension than steel strings so you won't break the guitar but you will lose some volume because a steel string guitar is built to vibrate with a much higher string tension.
You will definately break your guitar if you do it the other way around and put steel strings on a classical nylon string guitar that is built for much lower tension strings.
I do explain all this at the beginning of the video Diego 😊
Nice demo, thanks. I totally disagree with the idea that that "won't sound right" any strings on any guitar are not wrong, just different. Nylon strings on a Classical guitar are much quieter than any steel string guitar, nylons are meant to be :-) quiet
Absolutely! 👍
Although steel strings on a nylon guitar are always wrong.
@bobogus7559 Absolutely!
i know it can be done but the nut has to be filed to fit the thicker strings. also the tension will be different, and the scale length will change the dynamics. probably the best compromise would be to try silk and steel strings or classical strings with higher tension. maybe worth a try?
Thanks for your input Mark, I appreciate it 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking sure, i just remembered that Thomastik makes a hybrid called Plectrum ac112 that joe gore used on his steel string. may be another option for you?
@markmacalik9693 It was just an experiment Mark, not a permanent thing as I have a Taylor Academy 12e-n Nylon String Guitar anyway, but thanks
@@AlanRoyHocking no problem since i'm going down that trail soon since i'm gonna be changing strings shortly and experimenting on different sets with different materials. just watching videos now to see what i can expect when i test out my guitar which never found it's perfect match yet!
@markmacalik9693 Ahh, yes, looking for that golden set of strings that makes your guitar sing! I'm still looking Ha Ha!
Dunno' if anyone have answered, but nylon strings will not work with the electric type pickups that go into the soundhole. They are basically magnet(s) with coils around it and the vibration of the steel in front of it will generate electricity in the coil. As the nylon is not ferromagnetic, it will not have the desired effect, unless you put some steel on the strings somehow where the pickup is.
BTW, thanks for the videos, i just bought a CC157 i think it's more or less the same guitar, pretty sure i'm gonna love it. :)
The John Pearse Fingerpicking Folk Strings are nylon wound strings with a steel rope core that should work with a sound hole pick up. I did a review of them here: ruclips.net/video/rwssLZ98pd4/видео.html
I'm sure you'll love it! 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Nice, i check it out. I almost invented something again that's already produced. :D
@Sgyozo Ha Ha! 😀
Would be good to hear a classical piece to hear all of the different nuences between classical nylon and acoustic nylon. And also unplugged.
Thanks for your feedback Jonathon I appreciate it and will keep that in mind on my next review 👍
My favorite part of this vide is the explanation of tension and how steel strings can ruin a classical guitar, but the nylon strings on an acoustic is doable...just low tension, so quieter in sound. Am I write? Also... I noticed that D'adario (sp) makes strings with different tension. So would you recommend getting an extra high tension of nylon strings if you are going to replace steel strings w/ nylon on your acoustic?
Yes, the top of an acoustic guitar is braced to vibrate with steel strings that have an average overall tension of around 160lbs. Nylon strings have an average overall tension of 85lbs which won't vibrate the top as much resulting in less volume. The higher tension nylon strings are louder but remember that nylon strings are quieter (mellower) than steel strings anyway which will also result in lower volume.
Did you get the silver plated or 80/20 bronze version for these ? I was planning on buying a pack for my acoustic. Thanks !
Hi Kale, the ones I used in this video are the D'Addario EJ32C silver-plated Ball End Folk Strings
I haven't tried the 80/20 Bronze ones yet but they are on my list to review in the next couple of weeks.
Thank you so much I have been looking for a video just like this one. I want to do the exact same thing to my Fender Acoustasonic Strat. Do you think I would need to adjust the truss rod if I want to keep it like that long term?
Nylon strings are around half the tension of steel strings so you might find that you need to slacken the truss rod a little over time but every guitar is different so it's a matter of try it and see
Mr Alan, did you change all the strings to Nylon?
Hi Clint. Yes all the strings are nylon strings.
The basses look like steel strings but they are actually nylon cores with silver plated copper windings on the outside.
@@AlanRoyHocking They also come in 80/20 Bronze which give you a more folky sound
I love the Ovation, but am just getting going with vigor, and so was looking at a classical to learn on so my fingers would last longer... but if I can put them on an Ovation, well I think I'm in love! 🙂 P.S. I'm almost 62 years old and retired military, so I've the time to learn the guitar these days. lol
Excellent Duncan, let me know how you get on 👍
P.S. I'm the wrong side of 65 been playing guitar for 50 years and I'm still learning! 😊
I have a 12 fret, slotted headstock 000 guitar, that I'd like to try this on. It has a wider neck and the action is already a bit high. It booms with steel strings but frankly gets a bit muddy when strummed more than gently. I'm looking forward to hearing the softer sound of nylon from my knockoff Martin.
Hi Sandy.
Nylon strings on a twelve fret will be very easy easy to play and I'm sure you'll love the softer mellow sound
Let me know how you get on I'd love to know 😊
Did you end up giving this a try? I'm looking to do something similar on a 12 fret 00.
I wonder if you have any problem with intonation, especially on the high strings? On a steel string the bridge is slanted to intonate in compensation for the difference in string thicknesses. Since nylons are thicker, especially the high E and the B, I’d think, things might get noticeably out of tune high up the neck
Hi David, I didn't have any intonation problems with my Ovation by I agree with what you're saying although my Taylor 12e-N nylon string guitar came factory fitted with the exactly same compensated saddle that they use on all their acoustic steel string guitars so it's obviously going to be different for each guitar but very good point to bring to light thank you 👍
I have put nylon strings on my Ovation 1975 Artist shallow bowl and it sounds great.🎼👍🤗
Excellent!
Very smooth sound.
Thanks
@@AlanRoyHocking Perfect for Music by Earl Klugh
Absolutely! 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Earl Klugh is my hero and when he wanted to play Guitar as his 2nd instrument (he started on Keyboards as his 1st instrument) he did that on a Nylon Acoustic Guitar which his Mom let him play because he found that the Nylon strings are easier on the fretting hand, and the wider neck gave his fingers more room to form lots of those Jazzy Chords.
@@AlanRoyHocking Those KR116 and KF110 Flatwound Strings will save the frets from scratches and they have silk wound around both ends which is a neat finishing touch.
Really interesting and helpful ! Thanks !
You're welcome, I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful 😊
Nice video. :-) You had to file the slots in the nut , right ?
Thank you Charlie glad you liked it. I only had to open the slot for the G string slightly on my guitar but obviously every guitar will be different
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks
You're welcome 😊
Mr.Alan, I have a question on this video. 123strings for the nylon string is thicker than acoustic steel strings, so do you need to adjust the bone nut on the neck to fit in the strings?
It depends. Every guitar is different. You need to try them first. I had to slightly widen the slot in the nut for the G string on my Ovation, but that was all
@@AlanRoyHockingOh I see..... will the neck of acoustic guitar bend due to low pressure of the nylon string?
There will be less tension on the neck, so you might need to slacken the truss rod a little bit (if you have one) to avoid the strings buzzing. I didn't need to on my Ovation, but as I said before, every guitar is different, and you won't know until you try putting the nylon strings on it
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks. I will try it out and see
@user-in6mh7bn3t Let me know how you get on 👍
Good Job!
Thank you, Miguel. I'm glad you liked the video, and I hope you found it useful 👍
The wood thickness from steel guitar is made for reverberate steel strings not nylon. How is the sound for you?
The sound is good, Carlos, very mellow but obviously, there is less volume from the nylon strings than you get with steel strings
@@AlanRoyHocking ok maybe I will try. Plugged must be good the sound I guess. I went to some music stores today and the people there was telling me to not do that but id you say that the sound is fair enough maybe I will put nylon
@carloslukather6658 Plugged in they're fine, but it will never sound exactly the same as a guitar that's been built for nylon strings because of the heavier woods and stronger bracing. Try it and see for yourself. You can always switch it back to steel strings if you don't like the sound.
@@AlanRoyHocking yes. Did you had to fix the nut and the bridge?
@carloslukather6658 The 3rd G string is thicker than a steel G so you might have to file the nut slot slightly and you may need to loosen the truss rod slightly to compensate for the lower string tension on the neck but try the strings first because I didn't have to do anything on my Ovation. But every guitar is different obviously
Thank you Alan. I have an Ovation Celebrity electro-acoustic. Do you know if the piezzo system would work if i put nylons?
Hi Antonios, it worked perfectly on mine. You'll see later on in the video that I actually plug into my acoustic amp so you can hear what the piezo pick up sounds like with nylon strings. 😊
Καλησπέρα Αντώνη. Εχω και εγώ μία Ovation Celebrity electro-acoustic και σκέφτομαι να το γυρίσω σε ναυλον χορδές. Πές μου σε παρακαλώ τις εντυπώσεις σου. Αξίζει τον κόπο ή μπαίνουμε σε περιπέτειες ;;;
@@ΓιώργοςΚατσαρός-ω1β Γεια σου, Γιώργο . Η κιθάρα που το έκανα έχει κεντρική στρογγυλή τρύπα στο καπάκι. Ακούγεται πολύ ωραία, και ακουστικά και στον ενισχυτή.
Το δοκίμασα και σε άλλη Οvation με τις 15 μικρές τρύπες. Εκει ακούγονται πολύ αδύναμα οι τρεις νάυλον χορδές (σολ, σι, μι) στο ακουστικο, πολύ πιο αδύναμα από τις τρεις μπάσες χορδές. Στον ενισχυτή ακουγεται μια χαρά.
@@windsurfmania21 Σε ευχαριστώ πολύ για την ενημέρωση. απο δευτέρα θα κατέβω στο κέντρο να αγοράσω χορδές. Αν και είμαι συνηθισμένος σε νούμερα 11 και 12 και με πολύ χαμηλό action στις κιθάρες μου, θα κάνω το πείραμα και ότι προκύψει. Αν δεν υπάρχει μπάζ θα ήταν ευχάριστη αλλαγή για τα καημένα τα χεράκια μου. Την καλησπέρα μου.
GREAT VIDEO. Straight to the point and also informative. Though i do have a concern, do harmonic notes (e. g. like rather laying your finger on the strings than pressing it) still work with nylon strings on a steel stringed guitar?
Hi Joshua, thank you I'm glad you liked the video and found it useful.
Yes harmonics work fine with nylon strings on a steel string guitar 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking Thank you kind sir! Will definitely continue to watch your videos in the future :))
@@josh_dg04 You're welcome Joshua and thanks for sub 😊
@Alan Roy Hocking, your guitar sounds gorgeous with nylon strings. When putting nylon strings on a regular steel string guitar, does neck width play a factor as far sound quality? I have a Takamine GS330S and the neck is a little more on the thin side.
Hi Cam, the width of the neck will not affect the overall sound of the nylon strings. The neck on my Ovation Celebrity is only 42mm wide.
What you will find is that because the nylon strings are thicker than steel strings, a thinner neck will be more difficult to play if you have fat fingers because the strings will be closer together.
Hope that answers your question 😊
I'm trying to find a classical 3/4 size electric without luck. There are lots of 3/4 or parlour electric acoustic guitars. .
I thought the action on an acoustic would be too low for nylon strings?
Hi Julie, the action was fine on my Ovation but obviously every guitar is different. String action can be adjusted if needed. Your other option would be to have electrics fitted to a 3/4 size classical guitar. Your local guitar tech or luthier should be able to advise you on the best way to go for your particular needs.
Something is slightly out of tune. Can't pick out which string(s) flat?
Yes unfortunately nylon strings take a lot longer to stretch in and stay in tune than steel strings Jolujo
The strings were still fresh and stretching in while I was recording the video hence the tuner on the headstock.
Thomastik makes Flatwound Classical Steel-Rope Core String sets, they're Steel Strings designed for a Classical Guitar.
Thanks for the tip Mr Stern I'll check them out 👍
Rope core??? That’s a thing?
Yes, I've heard of them but never tried them.
Thank you good sir. I have an ovation with the piezo and I will be doing this soon. I will also use regular nylon strings and string them by using some old ball ends from old used strings and cutting them off and tying the nylon strings to them. A diy ball-end nylon string if you will. Hopefully with the piezo it will sound good recorded.
Go for it! 👍
yes you can
and it sounds really good
i've tried it!
Thanks for your input Sagar I appreciate it! 😊
I was thinking you could put silk & steel strings on classical guitar and just drop the tunnining to d or lower , is that what you’ve done?
@@billyfreeze1893 Hi Billy. I have actually switched to Silk and Steel strings on my Ovation now and they are much easier to play than Phosphor Bronze acoustic strings.
I wouldn't put Silk and Steel strings on a classical guitar even tuned down because they will still be much to high tension and will definitely break a classical guitar that is designed for a much lower string tension
I've done a review of the Silk and Steel strings here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html
@@AlanRoyHocking Thanks for the advise ,keep on picking for the joy of it .
@Billy Freeze I wouldn't put Silk and Steel strings on a classical guitar even tuned down because they will still be much to high tension and will definitely break a classical guitar that is designed for a much lower string tension
Hello do you think this could work as an subsitute to a flamenco type guitar?
as the guitar body is slimmer and strings are closer to the neck.
is the guitar how much quieter?
thanks in advance
Yes any of the D'Addario ball end nylon strings will work perfectly on a flamenco guitar and you won't loose any volume because flamenco guitars are built for nylon strings anyway 👍
I have a Vintage Stella H1141 and I’m going to try to put Low tension nylon strings on it. Will the strings stay in place without filing the nut and bridge down?
You won't know without trying the strings first unfortunately.
@@AlanRoyHocking im using the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings so im pretty sure they should work. Im doing this to recreate the 'Something in the way" nirvana tone because Kurt Cobain used his vintage stella with the same body shape as mine and he put 5 nylon strings on it
@zalionvr3658 I used the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings on my Ovation CC57 Shallow Back in this video, and I only had to file out the slot in the nut for the thicker G 3rd nylon string to make it fit flush but I could have left it as it was as well. Let me know how you get on with them 👍
Thanks for this amazing video sir. You are awesome! ❤️
However i have one little question. For someone like me who doesn't know how to tune i use apps for tuning my steel string. Will the standard tuning fit well for the nylon strings as well?
Hi Zyn, thank you for your kind comment.
Yes the standard tuning is what you should use and your app should work perfectly with nylon strings. 👍
Yes absolutely Zyn the standard tuning is what you should use for nylon strings 👍
Nice Alan . Many thanks.
You're welcome Colin I'm glad you liked it 😊
thanks. I thought I'd have to buy a brand new classical guitar but I'll try this instead as I have one acoustic guitar lying around.
You're welcome, let me know how you get on👍
@@AlanRoyHocking I got the D'Addario Folk Nylon strings this week. They sound and feel awesome, much more mellow and nice. But because of fret buzz, I had to make a couple of adjustments though: I loosened the truss rod a tiny bit and raised some of the nut's string slots (3 thinniest strings) by applying a bit of epoxy and sanding it down to the correct height.
Edit: I also put some tape on the non-coated nylon strings where they're tied to the tuning posts. That way they won't break as easily.
Perfect! 👍
Thank You So Much sir ❤️
Much love from India
Thank you Sankalp I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful
Don't forget to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on any of my future videos 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking sure sir ❤️🙏
👍😊
@@AlanRoyHocking sir can you help?
I've put Daddario nylon strings on my steel string guitar
But the strings go untune by themselves in a matter of seconds
@@sankalpwaghmare Yes Sankalp this is quite normal, nylon strings take much longer than steel strings take to settle in so you will find that nylon strings take a week or so to stretch in properly. Tune them every day for the first week and by the second week you should find they will start to hold their tuning much better. 😊
Hellow sir , your tutorial made my day .
Can you please suggest me which nylon strings I can use with my fender FA 125 CE
Thank you Harmanraj I'm glad you found it useful.
For your fender I would suggest trying the same ones I used in this video the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Strings as the will be easier to fit with bridge pins.
I've done a full review of the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html if you want to hear what they sound like 😊
If I want to put nylon strings on my acoustic can I tune the strings to standard tuning?
Yes absolutely! They should be tuned to standard tuning 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking I'm sorry but do you know if a guitar scale can have 2 of the same notes in it like the 1st fret high E string and 6th fret B string? It's the F note and exact same pitch. Is that legal?
A scale will start on the root note and end on the root note one octave higher.
Hello, did you find that the nylon strings break often because of the longer scale length or because of the metal machine head tuners?
Hi, it was just an experiment so I didn't keep them on the guitar very long but I didn't have any problems with scale length or strings breaking. D'Addario say on their website that their Folk Ball End Nylon Strings can be fitted to acoustic steel string guitars without any problems 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking ok thanks because i just got one to try this and i got folk daddario strings today. I will remove the frets and mod it to be a fretless nylon strings :)
Let me know how you get on 👍
i got nylons on my no name parlor guitar for a while. it sounds pretty good, despite being quiet, but i can never tune it completely to e standard or else the high e snaps. i guess this has to be related to the scale length somehow, the parlor has a pretty long modern scale length, much longer than classicals. i have normal tension ones on it right now but i thought of getting high tension ones. do you think it'll be better to have those? aside from volume and stiffness?
You can certainly try higher tension strings but it could also be the metal tuning pegs or bridge that is breaking the E string
Hi Alan Roy. I love your videos. Your videos and reviews are very useful and informative. I have a steel string guitar: Ibanez v50mjp nt 27 01.
What is the best classical guitar strings you recommend on my Ilbanez steel guitar to achieve closer to that classical guitar sound? and Why? Thank you so much.
Hi and thanks for your kind comment I appreciate it.
I would recommend trying the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings I reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html because the ball ends will make them easier to fit and they are the closest to the D'Addario EJ45 nylon strings that I reviewed here: ruclips.net/video/OqWCo1RNBq0/видео.html which are one of the most popular nylon strings for the majority of classical and nylon string guitar players
Hope that helps
Alan :)
@@AlanRoyHocking you're the best Alan!!! Thank you Alan. You got yourself a fan of your expertise now. !!
@@ukeleleclassicalguitarbanj4376 Aw thanks you'll make me blush ☺
Alan, I'm looking for a steel string acoustic (14 fret) to put nylon strings on. I'm going to use a high tension Thomastik string, not sure which one yet, but I'm trying to decide which guitar to try.
I'd like it to have a piezo under the saddle and a wider (1.7" min) nut but the size escapes me: would a dreadnought offer the best volume or would it be too boomy? Or should I try a smaller size?
Any thoughts/suggestions? Good video, thanks.
Phil
Hi Phil, why don't you just buy a crossover nylon string guitar that is built and voiced for nylon strings like the Taylor Academy 12e-N or Cordoba Fusion the Cordoba Fusion comes in 12 or 14 fret and both have a 48mm neck width
@@AlanRoyHocking Long story short on why I'm looking at a steel 14 fret.
The 12e-N is 12 frets.
I tried the 214ce-N which I thought would be perfect but the action is too high and the high string tended to slide off the fretboard.
Most of the crossovers have the traditional higher action.
Tried to find a Cordoba Fusion 14 locally with no luck. It's a little expensive and I don't want to go through the shipping/exchange routine.
I'm after the nylon sound of Thomastik's high tension strings which will probably be a little too high for a classic build.
And a steel acoustic will have a tension rod so I can adjust my own action without taking it to a guitar tech (time & money).
Bottom line I bought a used Alvarez AMP660ESHB for just over $300 today and I'm going to start with 96 lbs Thomastik KR or KF 110's.
I'll eventually try a set of Plectrum AC111 at 125 ft lbs of tension. The Alvarez has 160 lbs steel strings on it now.
The Alvarez has an under the saddle pickup which will help with the expected loss of volume and a 1.75" nut which is as low as I would go.
Truss rod too.
Should be interesting - I'll let you know how the experiment goes.
Thanks for all the good videos on strings. Such a major factor in determining how a guitar sounds.
@plparshall Sounds interesting, let me know how you get on 👍
thank u very much for this video, god bless u dear Alan ♥♥♥
You're welcome I hope it helped 😊
hello! Would you recommend mixing nylon and steel strings? Like for example top three steel, bottom three nylon? I started learning guitar on a steel string guitar but have been practicing fingerstyle and classical music so I’m thinking about switching to nylon strings
No I wouldn't recommend mixing steel strings with nylon strings because the differences in tensions will twist the neck
@@AlanRoyHocking okay, thank you!
You're welcome 😊
Why does my guitar buzz now that i changed it to nylon? Anyone have any solutions?
Nylon strings apart from being thicker than steel strings have half the tension of steel strings, so the tension on the neck is much lower allowing the neck to bow backwards creating a much lower string action, i.e., the strings are closer to the neck/frets. If you plan on keeping the nylon strings, you need to loosen the truss rod if you have one which will allow the nylon strings to pull the neck straighter again or take it to a professional luthier or guitar technician and have it set up for nylon strings
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks for telling me the issue. Fixed the buzzing with an Allen key
@rchai433 Perfect! 👍
I wanna change my acoustic guitar steel string to nylon string so that i can play leads and fingerstyle with ease but i have a doubt that do i have to change the action of guitar to put nylon string and will it affect the life of guitar
Hi Hopeless, you will find that the action might be lower with nylon strings because the string tension of nylon strings is about half that of the steel strings so you might need to loosen the truss rod slightly.
Also most nylon strings are slightly thicker than steel strings so you might need to make the slots in the nut slightly wider.
Putting nylon strings on a steel string guitar won't damage your guitar in any way so you can try them and make sure you like them before you make any adjustments to your guitar.
If you're still not sure it's best to consult your local Luthier or guitar shop as a lot will depend on the make and model of your guitar and they will be able to advise you the best.
Another option and the one that I would advise you take first is to try silk and steel strings as they are made for acoustic guitars but are much softer and easier to play fingerstyle guitar with than normal steel strings.
Here's a review I did of the D'Addario EJ40 Silk And Steel Acoustic Strings: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html
Hope that helps
Alan 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking thank you so much sir that helped a lot now i will switch to silk and steel string.
Sir i have a last quarry that my guitar name is yamaha f310 so will dadario ej40 will be suitable for my guitar right now i am using dadario ej15
Yes the D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel Strings will work perfectly on your Yamaha F310 and you will find it much easier to play fingerstyle on.
Let me know how you like them and if you have any more questions give me a shout! 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking sir you are amazing i dont have words to describe . i will definitely tell you my experience on dadrio ej40 and i am damn sure that will definitely help me.
Sir i am really sorry for asking so many questions
Sir i practice guitar 3 hour everyday so how long will it take me to become professional in guitar right now strumming and open chords are my strong point and i am beginner at fingerstyle and tabs
You will never stop learning and improving your guitar skills. I've been playing professionally over 47 years and I'm still learning and improving my guitar skills every day!
As soon as you can play your first song you will find everything gets easier and if you practice 3 hours a day you will be amazed at how fast you improve 😊
Awesome vid! Would you recommend putting nylon strings on a baby Taylor guitar? This will be for my 9 year old boy who is learning to play.
You can certainly try putting nylon strings on a Baby Taylor it will definitely make it easier to play for your 9 year old until his fingers get stronger.
Your only issue could be fret buzz if the action is already low but you won't know until you try it.
I'm sitting here looking at strings to get, and it pops in my head to put nylons on my Ovation Balladeer. I search this up and what do you know... an Ovation Balladeer with nylons that sounds pretty. Right now, mine has Martin Monel Retro nickel strings on, which give it a really unique timbre and body.
I've tried the Martin Retro Monel Strings on my Koa on Mahogany Parlor Guitar and really liked the sound but I haven't tried them on my Ovation yet.
Let me know how you get on with nylon strings on your Ovation 👍
Thank you sir, very helpful info take care
Thank you Bryant I'm glad you liked the video and found it useful 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking youve earned a new sub sir
Thank you Bryant I appreciate that 😊
yes you technically can but nylon strings will break in a short duration of time due to excessive tension created by the long neck of steel string guitar. i did it and broke twice in just a couple of months. My recommendation: don't try it if you don't have too because you will spend another set of nylon strings soon.
Thanks for your feedback Ducsieu I appreciate it.
Did you try using high tension nylon strings?
So it's the same as a regular classical guitar or there is differences?
Hi Nawwaf.
No its not the same as a normal classical guitar it's an acoustic guitar with nylon strings on.
Acoustic guitars and classical guitars are built completely differently and designed to work with specific types of strings which I explain at the beginning of the video.
@@AlanRoyHocking aha thank you!
@@NorthLoftier You're welcome 😊
ive done it to lots of my old guitars over the years...a few tweaks, nut . bridge etc and theres no prolbems, play and sound fine
Thanks for the feedback Barry I appreciate it 👍
thank you this video helped me make a decision!
You're welcome. I'm glad it helped ☺️
How come that Trigger manage to have steels on it? 🤔
I think you'll find that Trigger has ball end nylon strings on it, not steel strings. If you want to put steel strings on a nylon string guitar, you should try these: ruclips.net/video/F107b5MVUr8/видео.html
What about the radius classical guitars have a flatter radius does the radius make any difference what about bending
Hi Nick. The radias of the fretboard won't make any difference. Lots of top guitar manufacturers like Taylor and Martin make nylon string guitars with a radiused fretboard.
Hii i wanna ask, if the 6th string buzzing should i change the saddle to make it not buzzing?
You might need to loosen the truss rod slightly to allow for the lower tension on the neck. I would try loosening the truss rod a quarter of a turn first. If that doesn't work then I would raise the saddle.
@@AlanRoyHocking to loosen the truss rod i need use L key rotate clockwise or backwards??
@@claudius.musicas2010 To loosen you turn backwards or anti-clockwise 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking okay thank you so much 🙏
@@claudius.musicas2010 You're welcome Claudius let me know how you get on
PLEASE TELL ME THE NAME OF THE SONG AT 8:42
Hi William, it's just a simple blues rift in the key of E 😊
Please help I keep paying 10$ a pack of strings just for the high E. It falls out of tune and snaps on its own but the rest are solid
Hi David. Unlike steel strings that hold their tune once they are at pitch, nylon strings take a few weeks to stretch in and keep their tune and will always need tuning up before playing because they stretch or shrink with any change in temperature.
Regarding the snapping it could be a sharp spot on your bridge or nut you might need to get a luthier to check it out for you.
You don't say how hard you play but nylon strings won't stand up to a lot of hard strumming for very long they're best for a light touch and fingerstyle or classical.
@@AlanRoyHocking I took it too a locally owned shop up the road and the one guy who had the nerved set it up for me, for free… Musicians are the best
You Rock A
Excellent David I'm glad you got it sorted out 👍
i want to know what kind of nylon strings would suit my Yamaha fg800
Hi Kercrircek, I would try the D'Addario EJ32C Folk Ball End Nylon Strings that I used in this video.
The ball ends will make them easier to fit with bridge pins that the Yamaha FG800 uses.
I did a full review of them here: ruclips.net/video/wF3fxt4ijs8/видео.html
Hope that helps 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking Thank you very much
You're welcome anytime.
Feel free to ask again if you have any more questions regarding putting nylon strings on your Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar 😊
It sounds dull, less sustain and the strings can't shout...but appreciate your effort for doing the setting up. But the guitar actually sounds better than other nylon guitar reviews...
Yes steel strings are much brighter than nylon strings
Thanx for this video sir love from India 🇮🇳😊
Thank you Vishal I'm glad you liked it and hope you found it useful 😊
I have an acoustic full steel strings and the high E string keeps snapping, im thinking of putting 3 nylon strings (3 down strings) and 3 steel strings (3 upper strings) is it okay ? And thanks for this video it helps a lot at first i thought its impossible to change the type of strings ! 😃
I would not mix steel and nylon strings together. There is a vast difference in the tensions and you could end up twisting the neck.
I would first try to find out why the high E string keeps snapping.
You might need to take it to a trained luthier or guitar technician and have the bridge and nut checked.
@@AlanRoyHocking the high E snaps because of regular tuning it snaps after 3-4 months i think its normal, gonna try putting full 6 nylon strings, your video helped so much thanks for the information ☺️
Ahh okay yes if it's breaking after three to four months of regular use then that's nothing to worry about. I thought you meant it was breaking when new.
Let me know how you get on with the nylon strings 👍
Can I put steel strings to classic guitar which has truss rod?
No!
A classical guitar is not made to take the pressure of steel strings.
The truss rod is only there to keep the neck straight it will not stop the pressure of the strings from ripping the bridge out or even ripping the neck off the guitar where it joins the body.
Please don't ever fit steel/acoustic strings on a nylon/classical guitar you will break your guitar.
@@AlanRoyHocking Mr. Alan, thank you very much for your answer. I won't try to change the nylon strings from my guitar!
You're welcome Nikoc I'm glad to help. Please feel free to give ask again if you have any more questions 👍
will my dreadnought give better volume with nylon strings?
Hi Robert. No your dreadnought will have less volume with nylon strings because nylon strings are much lower tension than the steel strings that a dreadnought is designed for
You can, but the sound will be different
I think a dreadnought guitar will be too big too get much sound out of it with nylon strings. Most classical and nylon string guitars all tend to be smaller bodied guitars which vibrate easier with the lower tension nylon strings
@@AlanRoyHocking In the last video you posted, you said the sound was ok...not like a smaller classical, but decent, just the same!
Yes that was on my Ovation Celebrity Shallow Back Acoustic Electric which is a smaller bodied guitar than a dreadnought.
A dreadnought will sound okay but will probably be quieter with nylon strings on.
The only way to really tell is to try it. If you do let me know how you get on and whether there's a lot of difference in volume I'd be interested to know Robert 👍
your room is so cosy
Thank you 😊
I wish to do this is on a silent guitar that is , it produces sound with a piezo pickup alone it has a solid body no sound box. it is very resonant, i think it will be fine but the action on my guitar is like super low and it doesnt have the relief on the fret board which is supposed to be there on a classical guitar. So the action which is needed for the classical guitar is difficult to attain as i have already sanded the bridge to a electric guitar action I wish to put nylon strings as I am a uke player and I love the intensity at which you can play the nylon strings . But I am afraid they will buzz at my current action. Thanks fror the flamenco strings suggestion in the comments it feels interesting.
Hi Akshay, you can always buy a new bridge and set that bridge up for the nylon strings they're not that expensive on Amazon. Then you can just change bridges when you want to go back to steel strings. Let me know how you get on with it 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking Thats really a good way to go I ll try let you, ai will probably take up sime time as my guitar is fairly new I ll do my 1st string change after 4 months its been 2 months only, I was gathering as much info as needed to go on with it. Thankyou so much your video really paints a good picture and I am not worried about volume as my guitar as crazy response and I will play through an amp anyways.
Its the Donner HushI silent guitar . Really amazing.
@@akshaysharma2786 Sounds great Akshay I'm glad you liked my video and found it useful. Let me know how you get on when you do the change over 👍
Thanks for this sir 🙏🙏🙏
You're welcome Jay 😊
Thank you, sir!
You're welcome Coldfrostt I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful 👍
@@AlanRoyHocking it was exactly what I was looking for!
@@coldfrost Thank you! 😊
Hlo sir, I am from India.
I want to buy a acoustic guitar which brand of guitar would be good for me.
Hi Sumanta, I personally like Taylor and Martin but I also love my little Harley Benton Parlor Guitar
You can see my full review here: ruclips.net/video/VDieaD4_kNE/видео.html
My advice is to go to your local guitar centre and try a few out. There are so many good brands nowadays it really is a matter of personal choice and a lot depends on what you will be using the guitar for, your skill levels and type of music do you want to play.
@@AlanRoyHocking thnks to give your advice sir.
Bye the way 'Roy' is your surname?
But in kolkata this abroad brand is not available.
You're welcome anytime Sumanta 👍
Harley Benton guitars can be ordered online from Thomann
Full Details Here: redir.love/thoprod/501220?offid=1&affid=729
😮somehow tie the old steel string ball ends onto the new nylon ones.. has anybody had any success with this?
Interesting question, Olivia. I personally haven't tried it, so I can't say if it would work or not. Let's see if anyone else has tried it and can give us some feedback 😊
thank you sir! nice video. I've put Nylon strings on a smaller body OOO used Ernie Ball they are nice but i've been reducing pressure with truss rod for 6 or 7 days and I still having some buzzing around the 12th fret on strings 1-2 and 3 - its great otherwise. able to play again after almost 20 years I have muscular pains and ostheoarthris too.
Hi Louis-Simon, you might want to try the D'Addario EJ32C Ball End Folk Nylon Strings that I used in this video. They're slightly higher tension than the Ernie Ball strings and should solve your problem of string buzz on the twelfth fret.
@@AlanRoyHocking I might but more tension for me is pain associated to playing :(
@@louissimonouellet You could also try the D'Addario EJ40 Silk and Steel strings that I now use on my Ovation.
They're really soft and very easy to play with,
I've done a review of them fitted on my Ovation here: ruclips.net/video/U3lHEddKu-c/видео.html
@@AlanRoyHocking thanks for your input those are way to difficult my hands hurt after 3 chords on the silk and steel strings i've tried those.
@@louissimonouellet Ahh okay 👍
Also, your plastic round-back guitar would definitely sound quieter than its fully wood made counterpart that would resonate better. Thinking of putting nylon strings on mine just to have one of an unusual kind.
Yes absolutely correct the back of an ovation guitar definitely doesn't vibrate like a classically built wooden backed guitar would.
The rounded back really just projects the sound that's coming from the strings and the front of the guitar more like a speaker cone would
added to cart a diaddario bronze sixer, i just hope they fit on my yamaki
As long as you ordered nylon strings with ball ends they'll fit any acoustic guitar that uses ball end strings 👍
I have a question, After I tuned my guitar I played it for like 5 - 10mins then its always gettin out of tune. Im using nylon string without a tiny circular thing at the end of the String, pardon me I forgot what itscalled, I just tied it three times so that it wont loose, Can I get some Suggestion HEHIHOHU Thankyouuu
Hi Josh, nylon strings take a week or two to stretch and settle down and some strings depending on the make will take longer than others so it's quite normal to need to tune them regularly for the first week or two
I appreciate your immidiate reply hehe, I thought something was wrong in my guitar, thankyou for the guide Support from Philippines ❤️ More subscribers to come.
You're welcome Josh and I appreciate your support 😊
Nylon strings are larger diameter than steel strings and give a different action. So, yes, you can do it but it takes some work...
Thanks for your input I appreciate it. I only had to file out the slot in the nut slighty to accommodate the thicker G string on my Ovation, but obviously, every guitar will be different.
I was thinking about putting nylon strings on my steel sting guitar because I prefer the nylon string sound they're easier on the fingers.
Try it and let me know how you get on 👍
Hi,
My question is :
On the classical the saddle is in right angel to the strings but on on the acoustic the saddle is skew a bit.
Does nylon strings make any false tunes on acoustic because of that?
Or it is better the saddle reprepared to the right angel( just like classical has) for the precise tunes?
Obviously it is with reason in the right angel on the classical.
Hi Neita, great question!
The saddle on a classical guitar is normally level across the top to match the flat neck of a classical guitar.
The saddle of an acoustic guitar has a slight curve to match the curve of the neck of an acoustic guitar and can also be a "compensated" saddle to rectify intonation problems so basically the saddles on both classical and acoustic guitars are designed to match the neck of the guitar and not the strings that you use.
You shouldn't have any intonation or tuning problems putting nylon strings on an acoustic guitar.
Hope I've explained that clearly enough for you
If you have any other questions let me know 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking
Thanx for the quick answer, its clear and I am glad.
You're welcome Neita 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking
Sorry Alan still one more question because it is possible that your answer is not completed.
Because then there are two differences of saddle between the acoustic and classical.
I think your answer was only about the curveness that is matched to the curvened neck surface at acoustic.
I think your explaination was only about it( not 100 % sure)
I meant the other thing that the saddle is skew.
Maybe skew isnt the right english world but I meant that the saddle is paralell with the nut on classical ( all strings are the same long) and not paralell with the nut ( lower strings are longer) on the acoustic.
Ahh okay Neita yes this is also set for the tuning/intonation of the neck of each individual guitar it's not related to the strings.
The only time you might have a problem is if the string guages are drastically different.
The only way to know for sure is to try some nylon strings on your guitar
Sounds nice to me mate👍
Thanks I'm glad you liked it 😊
@@AlanRoyHocking I’ve been thinking of doing this for a while,did you use just classical strings?
In this video I used the D'addario EJ32C Ball End Nylon Strings but you can use any Ball End Classical Guitar Strings.
You can check out my reviews of Ball End Classical Guitar Strings Here: ruclips.net/p/PL1xjY7Zq7KaDYUJSIK0vADOSNb99G4jji
I have a 12 string Applause Ovation guitar. Do you think the ball of each string will fit through the bridge without any problems? I see that the bridge has very little space and I think (maybe I'm wrong) that the balls of each nylon string are bigger than the balls of the metal strings. Help me.
Hi. The balls are the same size, but I'm not sure it would work on a twelve string guitar because of the octave string tuning of the bass strings. I've never seen a twelve string nylon guitar before.