Classical string recommendations

[BradHK]

I am looking for any recommendations regarding strings for classical/nylon string guitars. I am not a classical player as I spend most of my time on electrics. Unfortunately, the guitar is not a Guild Mark series. I was In Spain for my 15 year anniversary and I couldn’t leave without a Spanish guitar! However, it has spent the last 13 or so years in its case and very rarely comes out to play. I got it out yesterday to put a hydration sponge in the case and decided it needed some play time. The strings are shot and I know almost nothing about nylon strings. It is a cedar top rosewood body guitar if that impacts any recommendations. Thanks!

 

[Canard]

A difficult question. As with strings in general, there is a lot of variation in Classical guitar strings. Tension. Tone. Much depends on you, how you play, and much depends on your guitar, how it responds to different strings. And then there is your personal taste.

D'Addario is a good place to start. Relatively inexpensive. Available pretty much everywhere.

I use Savarez strings generally. Not everyone likes them.

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[AcornHouse]

I’ve been doing a lot of listening, trying to decide what to string up the flamenco build with. There is a series of videos that compare various types with one of the standards, D’Addario Pro Arte EJ45. For a classical, one string line that has impressed me are Knobloch’s offerings. But, it all depends on what sound you want. Bright vs warm, loud vs subtle. Etc.
Let your ears guide you. Listen to a number of comparison videos and see what hits your like button.

 

[guitarslinger]

Savarez had a set with a wound 3rd that I found to be spectacular on some of my Classical guitars.

 

[Brad Little]

Like Canard said, I'd start with D'Addario, EJ45 ProArte (normal tension). I used either Savarez Red or Yellow card or Augustine Blues for years, but lately I've tried others, especially sets with carbon trebles, but haven't decided on one in particular. In general strings are an inexpensive way to test different ones for the sound and playability you like, but there are some exceptions in classical strings, like LaBella pure silver sets that list for around $75, and numerous other sets in the $20 and up range. Obviously aimed at the more than casual nylon player!

 

[Brad Little]

Savarez had a set with a wound 3rd that I found to be spectacular on some of my Classical guitars.

They also have wound 1st and 2nd strings, I occasionally used them on my Gibson Chet Atkins Classic and my Godin ACS nylon.

 

[BradHK]

Thanks for the replies and I know this is a very subjective question and very dependent upon the guitar and what my ears like. I am looking for something warm and subtle. I will listen to some comparison videos and try some out. I might start with the ProArte as a starting/reference point.

 

[Canard]

D'Addario also has excellent quality control.

I have never had a D'Addario classical string fail to intone properly.

This is not true with other brands. But perhaps in defence of the other brands, the particular packages I got may have been really, really old stock, coiled up for years and years and year.

 

[Brad Little]

D'Addario also has excellent quality control.

I have never had a D'Addario classical string fail to intone properly.

This is not true with other brands. But perhaps in defence of the other brands, the particular packages I got may have been really, really old stock, coiled up for years and years and year.

Yeah, I've had some issues with old stock on some brands, especially when bought at a brick and mortar store with little turnover in nylon strings. Haven't had that happen since usually buying on line from string specialist stores.

 

[Tom O]

I use GHS DD2300 Doyle Dykes classical with wound 3rd string. Sound good but had the wound 6th or 5th fail after a few months.

 

[BradHK]

Thanks again everybody for the advice! I wanted to provide an update given all of the good recommendations. I listened to some videos and decided to try the Savarez Alliance HT Classic 540R. I really like these on this guitar and it matches the sound I wanted in my head. I will try others just to compare but I like these. I forgot how long it took nylon strings to finally settle in!