Nylon sound

[HaphAsSard]

Thanks OP for starting the thread and thanks @HaphAsSard for that info. I did not know that there are octave down strings for a regular Classical guitar. Do I have to recut my nut grooves and will I have to enlarge the holes in the bridge saddle to accommodate larger diameter strings?

The two sets in question are the Invalid Link Removed and the Magma TRANSPOSITOR MI-E BASS SOUND (GCT-E). Yes to the first question (nut groove enlargement needed) and probably not to the second (bridge tie block hole widening): since these strings have to be tied like normal classical guitar ones, their ends are actually thin enough to go into the holes (I can't vouch for the treble string holes though, but I suspect you'll be fine, and not need to widen the holes on those either: cores ergo ends for the new low-octave strings should be accordingly thinner).

Yes you would need to do all those things and a word of caution I advise against doing this as classical guitars are fragile and not really built to the rigors or stress of larger and higher tension strings.

They're not heavier-tension than standard classical guitar sets though: they're about twice the gauges (= 4 times the volume per linear inch) but tuned an octave lower, which (assuming construction being identical, only scaled up, which is not a given but not far from reality) equals...equal tension. In fact, one or two strings may happen to be lighter in tension, lowering the total pull on neck and top/bracing.

 

[logdrum]

The two sets in question are the Invalid Link Removed and the Magma TRANSPOSITOR MI-E BASS SOUND (GCT-E). Yes to the first question (nut groove enlargement needed) and probably not to the second (bridge tie block hole widening): since these strings have to be tied like normal classical guitar ones, their ends are actually thin enough to go into the holes (I can't vouch for the treble string holes though, but I suspect you'll be fine, and not need to widen the holes on those either: cores ergo ends for the new low-octave strings should be accordingly thinner).

They're not heavier-tension than standard classical guitar sets though: they're about twice the gauges (= 4 times the volume per linear inch) but tuned an octave lower, which (assuming construction being identical, only scaled up, which is not a given but not far from reality) equals...equal tension. In fact, one or two strings may happen to be lighter in tension, lowering the total pull on neck and top/bracing.

Cool - the guitar I am talking about is always strung with hard tension Savarez and a wound B and G

 

[HaphAsSard]

Cool - the guitar I am talking about is always strung with hard tension Savarez and a wound B and G

OT but how do you like the Savarez plastic-wound trebles of the 520P set? I've read they're actually brighter than plain nylons.

 

[Rip Van Dan]

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I hope you take this with the humorous intent in which it is being sent...

 

[bassbrad]

I hope you take this with the humorous intent in which it is being sent...

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No worries, all in good groove.

 

[logdrum]

OT but how do you like the Savarez plastic-wound trebles of the 520P set? I've read they're actually brighter than plain nylons.

Attack is clearer - They are not brighter. Is that the model I have - I am not sure. I got a bunch from a music store that closed

 

[logdrum]

I ordered some of the Savarez- at this point I think I have all scales covered

42 - 3/4 upright bass
38 - 1/2 upright bass - tuned in 5ths
36 scale six string
35 scale 5 string - tuned E to C
34 scale 4 stringers
30 short scale-- Vintage mustang bass
29 - 28 (bass side of my Charlie Hunter hybrid - 3 bass strings)
And now a contrabass classical. at 650mm. or 25.6 - will put this on a Cordoba C-5. Thanks for the tip.

Looking at my list - I wonder how I can actually play all these scale and tunings /string spacing without getting confused -

 

[Karl Kaminski]

I'll suggest a set of Fisoma 2716, they are nylon core wrapped in silver—basically bass range classical guitar strings.

For standard long scale (34"/860mm mensure) Im hoping these will do the trick.