So far, my builds have all been fretless for the slide so nylon strings never came up; however, my last parts purchase had a set of ball-end nylon strings at the bottom.
May fret a neck just to stick them on and was wondering if anyone has used them and what to expect besides less "heavy" vibration.
thanks
Replies
Hi Mark, couple of other things that come with using nylon strings.
A softer action feel
Maybe you will have to set a higher action due to there being more flex/movement in nylon strings.
A more mellow sound
Tuning machines are different, larger diameter posts in a slotted peghead, but normal steel string machines will work if there is enough post for the thicker strings.
To overcome issues when fitting new strings, tune up and stretch the strings by placing fingers under them and pull up away from the fingerboard do this a few times as you tune and they will settle quicker.
This may be a bit tooooo technical but....due to the strings having less energy than steel, you may have to consider the thickness of the top so as to get decent volume.
It would be interesting to know how you go.
Taff
Expect ; ..... to seem like you are tuning forever . .. and also, let the strings set tuned for a day or 2 to find their comfort zone after stretching .
The unexpected ? ...... Nylon strings work great for slide too.