Classical Guitar Definitions

[Phyl]

I bought a Yamaha Silent Guitar (SLG100N) over the weekend and am starting to understand how little I know about classical guitar construction. Here's a link to a picture of the guitar:

http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha...itars/10_silent_guitars/10_no_series/SLG100N/


When I search for strings on the internet there are a plethora of decisions to make:clear trebles, black trebles, string tension, flamenco, classical, etc.

The string tension question is what interests me right now. I'm assuming this dictates how high you can tune the guitar...correct? The guitar has a neck length of 25 9/16 inches. When I played the guitar in the store I noticed it was tuned a half step down from normal E tuning. I'm assuming this was a mistake and I plan to tune and play in E tuning. Does neck length and tuning affect the string tension I should choose? I've been looking at a set of LaBella 413P, they have a string tension of 37.9 kg.

Any other factors I should consider?

 

[scottboyher]

That is a very interesting guitar! I have not seen that one before.. I have no technical info for ya but congrats on the new guitar.

 

[Hawking]

Here's a link that might be helpful.

http://www.12fret.com/fret/fv4n7.htm

From the picture, there doesn't seem to be any kind of intonation adjustment though, so you're a little limited as to what size strings you can use without having intonation problems. As with all things audio, try everything and see what sounds and feels best. This is especially true for guitars, since different players have different fingering styles, picking styles, etc... which all affect the sound and feel.

 

[Aaron Cheney]

I'm no classical guitar expert, but I do perform and record with my nylon string all the time.
I have found that "normal tension" strings feel "mushy". "Hard tension" strings respond quicker, and you feel like you're actually picking something, not playing rubber bands. Basically like going from 9's to 10's on an electric.
They also don't seem to take so long to settle in, and they don't detune so quickly.
I tune them both to standard tuning.

Aaron
http://www.voodoovibe.com

 

[tdukex]

Here's a good link. Go to the forums (Guitar Talk) and scroll down to the Classical Corner. Lots of experts there.

http://www.acousticguitar.com/index.shtml

 

[philboyd studge]

I'd suggest high tension classical strings for your guitar. Lately I've been using these guys:

http://www.stringthis.com/clasguitstri.html

Those bulk strings hold up very well.

 

[Phyl]

Excellent information all, thanks.

 

[rpe]

Can you please explain the main differences between normal and high tension? Are the "highs" more stress on the bridge or are there no structural considerations between the two?

thanks,

rpe

 

[Phyl]

I went to the classical guitar page recommended by tdukex and got a great answer to my question; the folks there reiterated what Aaron Cheney said earlier in this thread.

Given the same scale length and the same tuning, a high tension string will provide more resistance to your picking and strumming than a normal tension string.

I'm going to guess that a high tension set of strings puts more stress on the bridge because they have have to be wound tighter than normal tension strings to acheive the same tuning. I suspect that this isn't an issue for a well constructed classical guitar because they probably anticipate that different users will use different strings, much the same way that some folks prefer 9s on their electrics and some prefer 11s.

Or not...

 

[rpe]

Thanks Phyl. I don't have a classical but I do have a nylon string electric-acoustic. It's an Alvarez, cedar top, cutaway. I've only used medium tension but the way you describe the "tightness" of highs sounds appealing.

rpe

 

[foo]

Yep - first thing my classical teacher did was tell me to change the top three from regular to high tension - and what a difference. Much better tone, and much more to 'play against'

 

[philboyd studge]

I used normal tension Adamas strings for years but I like the house brand high tension strings from String This. They don't roll them up and they seem very fresh.

I've tried expensive French and Spanish strings but have always come away dissapointed. Several years ago I had winding of a Savarez D string come apart and embed metal into one of my fingers early into a gig. Talk about a painfull night of playing.