The classical guitar is the ancestor of the modern acoustic or electric guitar. Modern classical guitars were designed in the nineteenth century, whereas the birth of the ancient classical guitar goes way before the sixteenth century.
The conventional guitar consists of six strings usually made up of nylon that requires to change after a certain period of time. Here is a guideline on how to change classical guitar strings.
The Nylon Strings
The modern version of guitar strings, acoustic and electric, are made up of steel strings. But, the classical guitar strings are always nylon strings. Classical guitars have a characteristic of being soothing and soft to the ears, and the nylon strings produce that pleasant sound of the classical guitar. It is also much gentler on the fingertips than large gauge steel strings. Available at **Allaxess** and highly recommended especially for beginners.
The nylon strings have more vibrational amplitude and requite sufficient space from one another. So it is essential to make sure there is enough space between lines when changing them. The first 3 strings are transparent, and they produce high pitched tones, and the last 3 series are silver platter with 200 individual strands of nylon on each string that produce low bass tones.
Some Popular Nylon Strings for Classical Guitar
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- D’Addario EJ45TT ProArte Nylon DynaCore
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- D’Addario EJ27N Student Nylon Classical Guitar Strings
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- Savarez 540R Alliance
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- Savarez Corum Alliance 500AJ
- Hannabach 815-HT
Signs to Change Guitar Strings
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- When the strings are out of tune
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- The strings buzz and have a blunt sound
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- The string’s tune is not lively
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- The guitar strings are discolored and rusty
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- The lines do not feel as swift as before
- The strings feel out of shape
Equipment Needed to Change Guitar Strings
Before starting to change the strings of the classical guitar, the following material can help to ease the task for a person-
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- A string winder
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- A wire clipper
- A tuner (smartphone apps are also available to use instead of a tuner)
Steps to Change the Classical Guitar Strings
Step 1: Remove the old string
Starting from the 6th string
The thickest string, the 6th string, should be removed first, either using fingers or the string winder. First, attach the winder to the tuning peg and twist in a circular motion until it is loose enough to pull off. In a hurry, one can cut the strings, but it is always safer to carefully remove the strings using the string winder.
Untying string from the bridge
When the string is loose enough, the knot can be undone at the bridge by pushing the loose string back through the knot. Then just dispose of the old string in a waste bin.
Removing the rest of the strings
Remove all the rest of the strings one by one, just like the 6th string was removed. Changing the strings one at a time is time-consuming, so removing all the strings first makes the changing process easier.
Get a new fresh pack of nylon strings
As classical guitars need nylon strings, the lines mentioned above are the best ones in the market, and one should get that beforehand. It is vital to make sure that steel strings are not used as they put a lot of pressure on the neck of the classical guitar, eventually causing them to bend and break.
Step 2: Tying the new strings
Starting with the 6th string
The thickest string in the pack is the new 6th string. It should be put through the bridge first. One should put enough length of the string through the hole so that about 4.5 inches are left towards the base to tie the knot. The smooth end, if there is any, should be put through the bridge.
Looping the string to make a knot
Hold the string with the thumb and the index finger and make the loop that will eventually tie the knot.
Tucking and tightening the string
First, you should tuck the string down near the soundboard of the guitar. This will help to tighten and straighten the line evenly. It is essential to make sure that the series is near the white lip before giving the string final adjustments.
Tighten the string from both sides
Make sure the strings are straight, and they have reached the white lip straight. Then tighten the strings from above and below so that the line is secure at the bridge.
Tucking the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings
As these 3 strings are fragile and skinny, they must be tucked under the loop 3 times instead of 1. This will firmly hold the first 3 strings, and they won’t get loose or break.
Step 3: Attaching the strings to the neck
Turning the tuning peg
The strings’ tuning peg should be facing up. The new string should then be put inside the hole vertically.
Threading the strings
Push the end of the strings down through their respective holes in the neck. Push the strings a little for easier grip.
Running through the gap
There is a capstan that is a white plastic cap where the strings are winded around. The lines should now be run through the gap below their capstan.
Tightening the string
Use the tuning peg to tighten the strings. Tighten the loose strands with the tuning pegs by turning them as like you’re tuning the guitar.
Excess strings
In cases there is tall, and large strings, the excess parts should be cut away. Again, throw them in a trash bin. Thus, the string changing process of the classical guitar is done and dusted.
Final Words
So to end up, these are the mathods on how to change classical guitar strings. I hope it will be helpful for you, and you do not need further assistance from others to change your guitar strings.