Nylon vs. Steel Strings in Classical, Acoustic, and Electro-Acoustic Guitars

The vibrating string is the heart of the guitar, and any difference in string quality can drastically alter the tone. The choice between nylon and steel strings is not merely a question of quality, but a decision made based on the type of sound one desires, player preferences, and the specific characteristics of the instrument.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nylon Strings

Nylon strings offer a warm, rich, and mellower tone, which is often more desirable for classical and classical-style guitars. This softer and warmer sound can enhance the natural tones of wood used in classical guitar bodies, such as cedar or spruce.

One of the main differences between nylon and steel strings lies in string tension. Nylon strings generally need higher tension to achieve the correct pitch, making them more suitable for players who prefer a brighter sound. However, the density of the nylon can be adjusted to influence the sound, giving players more control over the note's brightness and warmth.

Example:

With my classical guitar, made of cedar and possessing a warm to dark tone, I tend to opt for high tension, brighter-sounding nylon strings. This combination ensures that the guitar's warm tone is complemented rather than overshadowed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Strings

Steel strings are renowned for their bright, clear, and sharp tone. They are more durable and easy to play, making them a popular choice for acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars. Steel strings come in various gauges, windings, and coatings that can affect the overall sound. For instance, different gauges can alter the string's volume and sustain, while windings and coatings can prevent corrosion and influence the tone.

Example:

For my steel-string acoustic guitar, which has a bright, clear tone, I am currently using light gauge phosphor bronze strings. However, I find that these strings are too bright and thin, especially for notes above middle C. As a result, my next purchase will likely be a thicker gauge of steel strings to achieve a more balanced tone.

The Role of Guitar Body in Sound Quality

The materials used in the guitar body significantly influence the final sound. Acoustic guitars can produce a wider range of tones, from bright and trebly to warm and mellow, depending on the wood used. For instance, a guitar with a spruce top might have a brighter sound, while a guitar with a cedar top might emit a warmer tone.

Therefore, when choosing between nylon and steel strings, players need to consider whether they want to enhance or balance the quality of the instrument. A player with a bright, clear solid body electric guitar will find that steel strings enhance the magnetic field, translating to a richer and fuller sound when played through an amplifier.

The Player’s Feel and Response

Ultimately, the choice between nylon and steel strings is deeply personal and greatly influenced by how the player feels and responds to the string. How you attack the strings is critical, and this is more than just the physical action of making contact.

For example, when playing my steel-string acoustic guitar, currently outfitted with bright and light strings, I adjust my 'attack' using finger picking or a plectrum to make the sound less bright and more suited to my playing style. Conversely, when playing my classical guitar, I mainly attack the strings to bring out a bit more brightness, ensuring that the guitar's natural warmth is not lost.

Note: The term 'attack' here refers to the way in which the player engages with the strings, affecting the tone and volume of the sound produced.