I've recently found an old acoustic guitar which I would like to put steel strings on. Currently it as nylon. Would it in anyway damage it?
2006-10-20 23:37:58 · 12 answers · asked by coldginuk 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
If it has nylon strings on already, it will probably be a nylon strung guitar (Classical ) and you cannot put steel strings on a Classical guitar. This is because of the light-weight internal support strutting on the inside of the soundboard. Steel strung acoustic guitars are more heavily built, with a heavier internal structure.
If in doubt take it to your local guitar shop.
2006-10-20 23:50:51 · answer #1 · answered by www.gparker.co.uk 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You cannot put steel srings on a nylon strug guitar as there are no hole in the bridge to accomodate the steel strings also the neck would be put under too much preassure from the tension of them. If you are looking to learn then replace the nylon strings with a new set of nylon strings. It is easier to learn with these as they don't hurt the tips of your fingers to much and once you have practised for a while you can buy a steel strung guitar and let the pain begin!
2006-10-21 01:31:28 · answer #2 · answered by Boney 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably it would damage the guitar. Take the guitar into a guitar shop and ask them.
Many budget guitars are designed to only use nylon strings.You can usually tell by the way the "bridge" is designed. If the bridge has holes in it with little pegs to hold the strings down, it'll take steel strings. I very much doubt if your guitar will be able to take steel strings. Baz is right the tension is much greater with steel strings.
2006-10-20 23:46:27 · answer #3 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then the guitar you found is probably a classical/spanish one. That's how nylon string guitars are called. No do not change to steel, put some new nylon strings if you want to learn guitar. If you change to steel it will be difficult to tie them on the guitar and the instrument wont sound good.
2006-10-20 23:46:10 · answer #4 · answered by giorocks 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so because steel string guitars are made with strong wood which can take the preasure of the strings, bearing in mind that you have 6 metal strings that are being strained across a relativley thin piece of wood. Classical guitars are not strong enough to take the strain of metal strings because the wood won't be as strong as the kind used to make steel string guitarsso your guitar would probably break in half if you put them on! Don't risk it!
2006-10-21 00:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by Seriously Though 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is designed for nylon strings then you need to put nylon strings on.
Steel strings have more tension and this causes the neck of the guitar to snap - I've seen this happen several times.
2006-10-20 23:46:10 · answer #6 · answered by BAZ! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's a real guitar, acoustic steel strings will sound better and won't do it any damage. However, if it's a toy one steel strings will wear the frets and will eventually warp the body. You can tell which it is by the weight.
2006-10-20 23:48:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Depending on the age and condition of the instrument- I think most guitars are okay to use either- It is the musicians prefrence in sound that determines the kind of strings to use- MY old 1905 Martin accusitic I use steel strings on and it still sounds sweet- I found that nylon strings strtch too much and need constant tuning....
2006-10-20 23:47:27 · answer #8 · answered by admiredi 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Yes. Don't get light-guage strings, they'll be too thin for it. Ask for them at the shop. They will know which ones. I've had all metal accoustic strings. 22 carat gold-plated once too. lol
2006-10-20 23:44:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would go with acoustic bronze strings...thats what i have on mine...nylon strings suck
2006-10-21 01:21:13 · answer #10 · answered by hoagie13365 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋