Finding the perfect nylon guitar strings can significantly impact your playing experience. This comprehensive review dives into the top 10 nylon guitar strings of 2020, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking a specific tonal quality, or a beginner looking for affordable and easy-to-play strings, this guide covers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly choices to high-end professional sets. We've considered factors like tone, durability, playability, and price to give you a clear picture of what each set offers.This review analyzes ten leading brands, highlighting their unique characteristics and suitability for different playing styles and skill levels. Each string set is assessed for its tone quality – whether bright and crisp or warm and balanced – its longevity, ease of use, and overall value. From the cost-effective options for beginners to the high-tension strings favoured by experienced players, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the ideal nylon strings to elevate your guitar playing.
Pros And Cons
- Unusual sound character
- Lower strings are at higher risk of snapping
- Projects strongly
- Taught enough to register hammer-ons
- Lower strings are at higher risk of snapping
- May take months to stop stretching
- Excellent value option
- Strong timber that lasts a long time
- Higher strings resonate clearly and are comfortable to play
- Tie-on and ball end options
- Standard gauges of 28-43
- Easy to keep in tune
- Good option for budget-minded musicians
- Tend to snap easily
- Tonal vibrancy fades quickly
- Shimmering full-bodied sound
- Worthy of gigs and studio sessions
- Available in different sizes
- Package prevents them from damage in storage
- Often recommended by instructors
Read more: Top 5 Elixir Guitar Strings: A Buyer's Guide
Budget-Friendly Option: Martin M160 Silver Plated
The Martin M160 Silver Plated strings offer a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious musicians. Their high tension results in a bright, crisp tone, though some may find it a bit piercing. However, their susceptibility to snapping and rapid tonal degradation should be considered.
Ease of installation is a plus, but the shorter lifespan and tonal fade-off might require more frequent replacements. Overall, a decent option for beginners who want to keep their costs low, but not ideal for long-term use.
Beginner-Friendly Choice: Ernie Ball Earthwood Folk
Ernie Ball Earthwood Folk strings are praised for their gentle feel on the fingers, making them perfect for beginners. They produce a warm, balanced tone, ideal for learning and practice sessions. The focus is on comfort and ease of playability.
While the tone is described as warm and balanced, it might lack the tonal distinction sought by more experienced players. The fragility of the high E and B strings and their tendency to go out of tune quickly are notable drawbacks.
Flamenco Focused: D'Addario EJ25B Flamenco
Specifically designed for flamenco playing, the D'Addario EJ25B Flamenco strings offer a unique sonic experience. The bright black nylon treble strings contrast beautifully with the punchy bass strings, creating a percussive and emotive sound.
Suitable for the distinct style of flamenco guitar, these strings may not be ideal for other genres. Their high price point is another factor to consider when choosing strings.
Versatile and Mellow: Ernie Ball Ernesto Palladino
The Ernie Ball Ernesto Palladino strings offer a unique blend of materials, combining nylon cores with bronze-plated copper wrapping on the lower strings. This creates a mellow, soothing treble and a full-bodied bass.
The evenness in the mids contributes to a balanced overall sound. However, the relatively weak sustain is a drawback, meaning the notes don't ring out as long as some other options. They are also a good value for price
Unique Sound Profile: Augustine Acoustic Red
The Augustine Acoustic Red strings employ a unique approach with medium-tension treble and mid-range strings and tauter bass strings. This creates an unusual sound character which some players will enjoy.
The higher tension on the bass strings increases the risk of snapping. While they project strongly and are suitable for techniques like hammer-ons, the extended break-in period (months of stretching) can be a significant inconvenience.
Vibrant and Long-Lasting: Savarez 540R Alliance
The Savarez 540R Alliance strings feature silver-plated wound basses and carbon trebles, offering a bright, vivid sound. Their moderate tension contributes to long sustain and vibrant natural harmonics.
The longer lifespan reduces the frequency of string changes, saving time and money in the long run. A good choice for players seeking a rich, sustained tone and longevity.
Excellent Value: Fender Classical Three Pack
The Fender Classical Three Pack offers exceptional value. The lower strings, wound in pure silver, provide a strong, long-lasting tone. The higher strings resonate clearly and offer comfortable playability.
The availability of both tie-on and ball-end options adds to its versatility. Ease of tuning makes these strings a convenient choice for players of all skill levels.
Studio-Ready Sound: D'Addario EJ27N
D'Addario EJ27N strings provide a shimmering, full-bodied sound suitable for both live performances and studio recordings. Their versatility and high-quality tone justify their somewhat higher price point.
Available in various sizes and packaged to prevent damage during storage, these strings are frequently recommended by instructors, indicating their high quality and suitability for both professionals and students.
High-Tension for Advanced Players: Hannabach 728 HT
Handmade in Germany, the Hannabach 728 HT strings utilize innovative techniques and are designed for advanced players. Their high tension delivers louder projection and tighter vibration.
The silver-plated wound strings and high-strength plastic fiber cores provide a robust build. These strings are ideal for players with well-developed finger strength who demand a powerful and articulate sound.
Top-Tier Performance: D'Addario Pro-Arté
The D'Addario Pro-Arté strings deliver exceptional tonal quality, exceeding expectations for their price range. They offer a wide dynamic range and complex harmonic resonance.
Available in four tension levels, these strings cater to diverse playing styles and preferences. Their superior sound and performance justify the higher price, making them an investment worthy of serious players.
