Metal or nylon???

[duane]

Am new on guitar playing and i bought an acoustics guitar with metal high strings,its not soundin to good,should i switch to nylon you think?? Thanks

[crooked09]

nylon traditionally has a more "classical guitar" sound, if that's what you're going for. so depending what you mean by not sounding too good, it might be the fix you're looking for.

[Bigduggieface]

Yes, the sound difference between metal and nylon strings are huge.

I'm writing to remind you that, depending on your guitar's bridge, you might not be able to switch to nylon strings. Normally metal strings have a 'ball' at the bridge end. They are normally secured to the bridge using plastic bridge pins.

Nylon strings on the other hand are usually tied to the bridge. If your guitar uses bridge pins, you won't be able to tie the nylon strings to the bridge.

Check out this LINK for more details.

[grateful ape]

My thoughts (for what they're worth):

I much prefer nylon string acoustics, but I am not a strummer. I play fingerstyle and hybrid (pick and fingers) and tend to play in a jazz or funk context, i.e. not full barre chords, DADGAD folk or cowboy-chord stuff. To my ear, nylon is sweeter, more refined, more percussive when needs be. But it is not really much use for strumming styles.

Also, IMHO, nylon requires much better technique than steel in order to get a good, articulate sound.

[digdog]

ya . what do u mean ?. not sounding Good? Do u play a primary inst .and Studied music?? ,and your just startin on guitar . Like you have been playin piano for 5 or more years and your Just messing around with guitar? ..or u just bought a guitar and its the only inst.. u've tried as of yet .... if so ,heck with strings ! .... Strings won't make a difference , if you can't tune it or play it well ... the sound of a guitar is also made by the musician... you should see the lousy guitars and old rusted stings the delta blues guys used !!! 1 track recording also... What a great sound.... find a good teacher and take some lessons ...that will make it sound better ???!!

[garww]

A cheap nylon can sound pretty good. Steel string requires a better guitar to my ear.

Finding strings that work takes some time.