How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings? Classical and flamenco guitars, which utilize nylon strings, can be quite daunting for beginners when it comes to stringing, and even experienced players may find it challenging. Unlike other instruments where tying strings is often unnecessary, nylon-stringed instruments require the knowledge of a few specific knots.

There is no need for concern; you do not need to possess advanced knot-tying skills. It is manageable, I assure you. There are numerous techniques for stringing classical guitars, and I have experimented with many over the years. The method I will present here is one I have found to be the simplest and most effective.

How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

Securing Nylon Strings at the Bridge

To begin, we must secure the string at the bridge. Examine your string closely. Typically, one end will have looser windings, making it more pliable. This is the end that will be tied to the bridge. The elevated, squared section at the back of the bridge is referred to as the ‘tie block,’ where the strings will be anchored.

Tying the Wound Strings to the Classical Bridge

Begin with the sixth string and secure each wound string as specified: Please note that in the accompanying image, I am illustrating the process using the 4th (G) string. I believed it would be beneficial to visualize the completed ties as you progress through the steps. How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

Related Article: Can You Put Nylon Strings on a Steel String Guitar?

Raise the free end of the string and wrap it around the remaining string from the treble side, then draw it back toward the end of the guitar. Next, loop the string end beneath itself, ensuring that as you remove the slack, the 'knot' remains positioned at the back of the tie block, specifically below the top corner. The accompanying photo clarifies this process.

Maintain a firm grip on the string end to prevent movement (it is crucial that it remains at the back, beneath the corner of the tie block) while pulling tightly on the remaining string. This action should secure it in place independently.

Securing the Plain Strings to the Classical Bridge

The unwound strings tend to be more slippery. Although the procedure is fundamentally the same, we will create two loops when knotting these strings. Insert the end through the hole in the tie block, leaving a length of two or three inches as previously mentioned. Raise the free end, wrap it around the string from the treble side, and pull it back.

Now, create another loop with the free end. This time, ensure that the second loop remains behind the tie block (below the corner), as you did earlier. For the top string, it may be advantageous to add a third loop underneath to prevent slippage. While this is not always essential, it is a prudent measure to ensure security.

That Looks Nice Tip:

Ensure that all string ends are aligned in the same direction; this will allow each string to be further secured by the subsequent string. While this alignment does not significantly enhance security, it contributes to a more organized appearance.

Read Also: How to Tell Which String Goes Where In Acoustic Guitar?

Insert the New String: Take your new guitar string out of its packaging and guide one end through the bridge from the sound hole towards the body’s end. Feed approximately 5-8 cm of the string through. Any excess can be trimmed later upon completion of the process.

Bring it Over the Bridge: After pulling the string through, bring it back over the bridge and wrap it around itself. This marks the initial step in creating the distinctive classical guitar knot. How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

Twist Again: The following step involves repeating the over and under "twist," allowing the string's end to curve over the bridge and rest on its rear side. Typically, a nylon string classical guitar features two "twists" in the knot, ensuring a tidy appearance and maximum security. Properly securing the string is essential for maintaining consistent tuning.

Our premium Classical guitars utilize a different string mounting system that facilitates quicker and easier string changes. The accompanying images demonstrate how each string is threaded through two distinct holes to secure it effectively. How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

Lubricate: Prior to tuning the string to pitch, it is advisable to apply lubricant to the nut. This will help minimize wear on the nut, aiding in maintaining the strings' tuning stability and preventing them from becoming stuck, which could lead to breakage. Apply lubricant along the slots of the nut where the strings rest.

Wind Around the Machine Head

Now that the bridge end of the string is secured and the nut has been lubricated, we can focus on the opposite end of the string. Extend the string towards the machine heads, allowing it to extend approximately 8-10 cm beyond the corresponding machine head.

Read Also: How Many Strings Does A Guitar Have?

This extra length will enable the string to wrap around the machine head three to four times, ensuring a secure grip and preventing slippage that could lead to tuning issues. It is important not to trim the string at this stage; we will address that after all strings have been replaced. Insufficient string length may result in slippage, necessitating the purchase of a new string.

Commence Winding: The subsequent step involves winding the string around the machine head. This is accomplished by turning the tuning peg. At this juncture, it is essential to wind the string only once while using your other hand to maintain tension, thereby preventing the string from slipping off the machine head. How To Restring A Classical Guitar Nylon Strings?

Tune the String: You may now proceed to tune the guitar. Wind the string tightly, ensuring that your other hand continues to hold tension on the string. Be cautious not to allow the string to pass through the slot in the nut, as this can lead to wear and cause the string to sit lower. A lower string height may result in buzzing and undesirable sounds during play. Observe in the accompanying image how the string is held firmly to avoid contact with the nut.

Achieving the Correct Pitch

As the string begins to tighten without your hand maintaining tension, you can start tuning it to the desired pitch. The string remains quite elastic at this point, so gently but firmly pull on it to assist in stretching. This practice will help the string maintain its tuning. It is worth noting that nylon strings are more elastic than steel strings, requiring additional pre-stretching and being more prone to going out of tune during the initial days.

Read Also: How To Understand Guitar Chords Chart?

This is an essential procedure for achieving an optimal string adjustment. Begin by playing the note, then gently pull on the string, re-tune it, and play the note once more. Does it appear that the string has dropped in pitch? If so, there is some slack in the string, necessitating a re-tuning to restore it to the correct pitch. Pull on the string again and assess whether the note's pitch alters; it may be necessary to repeat this process 8 to 10 times until the string stabilizes at the appropriate pitch.