Bass performance 2:29 Nylon (or just press 2) 3:06 Carbon Arpeggio chords and melodic lines with slurs 3:42 Nylon 3:59 Carbon Articulated bass notes with singing melody 4:24 Nylon 4:39 Carbon Long-sustain melodic line with soft accompaniment 4:59 Nylon (or just press 4) 5:30 Carbon Fast, emphasised melodic line 6:10 Nylon (you can press 5 but it will be 2 seconds off) 6:29 Carbon Vibrato melody 6:50 Nylon 8:09 Carbon Voice leading 9:30 Nylon 9:58 Carbon (or press 8 and wait something like 3 seconds)9 High notes 10:28 Nylon 10:41 Carbon Rasgueado chords and melodic lines with scales 10:58 Nylon 11:20 Carbon Slow movement 11:44 Nylon 12:01 Carbon ******************************** Feel free to use it in your description, it's very useful (press 9 for funny face)
+classicalguitar2 There is a typo, "Voice leading 9:30 Nylon 9:58 Carbon (or press 8 and wait something like 3 seconds)9 Voice leading" There should be no nine after the bracket :)
Hey :D I made another typo, Long-sustian melodic line with soft accompaniment 4:59 Nylon (or just press 4) 5:30 Carbon the word "sustain" was spelled by me "sustian" Just thought I would write it as I come to this video so often :p
I actually find the opposite. The tone is almost muted with the carbon. Nylon is much brighter. The carbon strings almost sound like month old strings with the exception that the transients are maintained to a degree. Transients are much brighter with the carbon but the over all tone seems muted.
I remember, back when I studied classical, making the switch from nylon to super carbon strings, particularly the Hannabach Goldins (just the treble strings). I loved those strings. The only problem was the high E was never consistent within different sets. Sometimes the high E would have intonation issues the higher up on the fretboard and/or it would have a real metallic sound, other times it wouldn't have those issues. I tried substituting the high E super carbon for a regular carbon string (from Hannabach). That sounded better but the problem was the carbon string often developed fiber shreds quickly and the string would break more often. I eventually went back to the super carbon before hanging up my classical studies for good. Overall I did have a preference for carbon based strings over nylon.
All depends on what guitar you have, some guitars sound better with carbon and others with nylon. In your guitar definitely sound better carbon strings. Greetings from Perú.
Interesting. Carbon was definitely more balanced and precise with better note separation, but nylon was more warm, colorful and expressive. For some passages I preferred nylon and some I preferred the carbon.
Very nice, informative presentation. The nylon versus carbon debate always reminds me of my days as a clarinetist. When you study classical clarinet you spend hours each day working on "tone", with the goal of homogenating the sound of the various registers. Yet all of the best orchestral writing for the instrument exploits the \different\ tone colors of the different registers. I find the carbons do give a very well balanced sound, with good projection, and they minimize the timbral differences between the bass and treble strings. But this comes with a huge sacrifice in tone color, nuance, and subtlety. I use them when I play with other instruments in amplified settings, where projection is more important then subtlety. But for solo playing I greatly prefer the more varied color possibilities of nylon.
Great video! No doubt that nylon sounded better in certain of the examples. I would say that it has a more "feminine" or "romantic" tone filled with delicate emotion. On the other hand, although it sounded "off" at times, the carbon had a more authoritative "masculine" tone. As a jazz player, I think the carbon character suits my music better. The intriguing thing is how different they sound -- like two totally different instruments. Amazing video!
I liked how the carbon strings had more sustain, but I preferred the nylon strings, hard to describe why, just seemed more expressive. Thanks for the comparison. Oddly enough, I noticed two other comments that said nylon had more sustain. Apparently, many of us hear different things.
This was a very tasty "shootout" of the string types. You're playing at 110% and highlight the merits of either material. Bravo! looking forward to rest of your channel.
I thought the carbon composite did sound more brittle, but if I listened for long enough to either it would sound 'right.' I've played guitar for 45 years and I never before noticed that classical guitars sound better fully fretted - as opposed to steel string guitars that sound better with open strings ringing. Great playing.
You are such a talented perfromer that it was difficult for me to actually hear a difference between the nylon and carbon strings, because you made both sound so wonderful. In the end, I would vote Nylon because I believe the notes are rounder than with the carbon. I could hear that in the piece you performed at 7:00. Where you can focus on the single notes being played. Either way, I think you can make any string our guitar sound wonderful! thank you for all these mini concerts!
Just switched from carbon to nylon. I love Savarez carbon but way too enthusiastic for my cedar top. Today I re-strung with La Bella nylon, sweetness returned ;-) Wonderful vid & any strings sound good in your hands !
Thank you for the very informative video and sound demonstrations. I was liking the nylon better, I thought it had a prettier sound. Looking forward to when I can find time to watch your videos about recording equipment.
I believe that whatever strings you use, it has to match with the guitar you play. It is true that carbon strings are quite harder to achieve a better sound quality and you have to be more careful with the "echo" notes which you don't want to sound, but once you get familiar with them, you will notice more sound colors than nylon strings.
What i noticed is that nylon sounds sweeter, and the carbon drops body and bass, making it sound like you're playing from a smaller framed guitar. Decades ago I used to buy these black flamenco strings for a brighter tone. Not sure if they were carbon, but have me a similar sound. Now that I've had time to ponder, I would probably just bought a flamenco guitar for that tone I was looking for. Now, you couldn't get a flamenco guitar back then in the boonies north america, but i imagine now you could.
I am a steel string guitar player who just started on classical. The nylon strings sounded warmer. The carbon strings were more metallic like steel strings but had more separation.
Interesting comparison. There really is a difference. One string suits a particular piece and the other for others. The carbon seemed to ring longer and brighter, and i could hear over-tones ringing in the background. Thanks for posting.
1. If I should have to choose I would choose carbon for live concert. There is more presence, sounds like a better instrument or player. For professional recording I'm not sure. Anyway, I use D'addario not very often. 2.There is a clear con for carbon strings. They are very glossy at 4:05 . That's because you play it exactly in the same way in both case. Those strings responds in different ways. 3. Hard tension strings are not my favorites. I can see how much effort you put in those strings to get the best result. Thanks for sharing this great video. Great musicality and also very good record. I follow your channel and I find all your videos very usefull.....waiting for more videos.
For me no doubt, nylon strings winning almost every comparison. Carbon sounds more pointed, harsher and more metallic in almost all applications. Just for long sustain they might win. Thank you very much for this exhaustive comparison. Great work!
I love your playing, and nice demo I was liking the nylon better, and listening to the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond it became clear why: the sympathetic vibrations of the other strings are much less distracting, they make a more musical bed for the melody to lie in. And the decay of the upper harmonics of the nylon strings is more musical, the upper harmonics od the carbon strings decay more slowly making them sound more artifacty.
Thanks for putting this together for us. It's very well done and very helpful--the best comparison I've found on the internet! I'm an intermediate player but a long time listener of guitar music. As a listener, the nylon strings are more musical and more pleasant to listen to. They sound more colorful, multidimensional, free-flowing, and have a wider range. And as a player, given the other positive things you mentioned in the intro about nylon (i.e., their play-ability, etc.), NYLON is the clear choice for me. Again, thanks so much!
Well, I’ve subscribed straight-away !! I love your playing, and plus you gave me the info I wanted straight away at the beginning of the video. Thank you for posting !!
I preferred the nylon in many instances (Ponce samples stood out) but the high note example and Bach favored the carbon to my ear. The nylon strings sounded restricted in the upper register, as if fighting to escape the guitar. In a live situation the carbon seems more responsive to me. I've mitigated the issues by using a so called titanium 1st string. Perhaps we should consider changing to traditional nylon for recording sessions. I appreciate your thoughtful attention to these issues.
You can always try carbon on the bass strings and nylon on the treble. Manufacturers usually sell bass packs or treble packs. It's worth experimenting. Nice playing.
Great video - clear and informative, and very good playing. One other issue with Carbon trebles, I find they are so stiff that they “cut” into my nails. I prefer D’Addario titanium’s J46tt’s on all my guitars.
wow the difference in sustain is really noticable. Maybe tone color is more important for me so I will stick to nylon at home and my nails are on the longer side anyway
Yes, the nylons definitely have that warmth that you need to get that classical guitar tone that everyone knows and loves. But perhaps the carbons would be better in an ensemble. They have more clarity and a more focused sound. I wouldn't count them out.
Good comparisons on the strings - but, hey, your playing was just stunning and in places moved me to tears - absolutely beautiful throughout all the pieces, well done & thank you for this unexpected treat while searching for electro-nylon guitars, just brilliant! 👍
I always expect to hear a difference in these videos. But I almost never do. They both sound great. And without looking, 95% of people couldn't tell which is which~
Why not get the best of both worlds? Split the difference and use carbon strings on the lower notes and nylon on the higher -- or whatever combination that works best.
Strings are manufactured to have a uniform tension given the frequency they are tuned to. If you use different string sets you might end up with an uneven tension which wouldn't feel right to the player.
AvihooI you can have different tensions of the same strings so say carbon strings are at a higher tension than nylon, purchase high tension nylon strings so the difference isn’t as profound and lower tension carbon strings so the difference is about as close as possible.
You're welcome to try that, though tension at a frequency is determined by the diameter of the string, so evening for tension might result in a bizarre configuration where you have fatter or thinner strings than you'd normally expect. Also different string diameters change the color of the sound - that may or may not be desirable. I'd love to see if this is doable - I'm just a little skeptical.
The question is always the G and E strings the G in nylon us always the lowest in volume . The E in carbon is awful once amplified it just stands out as harsh and if you use a peizo pickup it down right annoying that's why I buy from by from strings by mail. Com . You ca pick individual strings for a personalized set . Also differant guitars react to differant strings IE: the lenth of the guitar and mahogany v rose wood . A rose wood guitar needs a little heveyer tension to ring true while mahogany can be heard with normal tension strings you have to experiment there is no one size fits all when it comes to strings
Listening to your video I would have a slight preference for the nylon strings. That being said, it all depends of the woods and build of the guitar and the way one strikes the string (angle, power, force, nails, flesh etc). Lots of things to consider. That being said, on my own guitar (a great Jaroslav Mach cedar guitar) I use nylon strings and composite g string instead of nylon g.
The easiest way to get brighter treble strings without changing brands or material is simply adjust the saddle for the treble. Most classical guitars have the bass string higher than the treble: (e.g.) 4mm on the low E & 3mm-3.5mm on the treble. Have a saddle installed 4mm all the way across, or 4mm on the bass & say 3.8mm on the treble if you don't want it exactly the same height. This will absolutely brighten your trebles & the whole guitar in general will be louder because all the strings are actually higher now & will drive the soundboard better. You may have to adjust the string gauges.
In my opinion, we can use carbon for first and second strings to obtain beter trebles, and use nylon for third, forth, fifth and sixth strings, to obtain beter basses. A mix of types of strings
Carbon has more of a nasal sound on the trebles, I have used them all over 42 years of playing. I love the D'addario, Titanium and the Rectified nylon trebles are great for intonation. Thanks for you work and effort, it will help others to try different strings on different guitars. I love the Titaniums on my Cordoba C7 and for my 1977 Takamine Signature Hirade 5. I use only hard tension strings now. My left fingers are weaker due to severe injury to my left elbow rotator which is now all metal. I am fortunate to play, accidents happen. I would like to mention my first strings were Augustine and I have Played Gut,and Gold Plated La Bella's in the 1973 the cost was very high.. Now guitarists have a full pallete of strings, brands and price ranges. D'addario seems to the most consistent with their quality. One thing to keep in mind D'Addario uses a much better Shape on the silver coated basses. They have less noise even if not lightly polished.
+James McCutcheon Great write up...and yes, thank you, I totally agree that I love the Titaniums as well. The Carbons are louder but they come at a price by sounding boxy/nasally .. I'll definitely be sticking to the Titaniums .. I hope you enjoy the classical guitar and all its beauty despite the elbow issue...many thanks
Thanks Rob. I am very fortunate, I lost all the feeling in my forearm hand and fingers. I had to go to physical therapy, my ligaments were shortened. I can not play pieces that require large chordal stretches, do I select my music carefully. Good playing!
Must admit, was not aware carbon was readily available. Must get a set right away! Curious if they exhibit the same negative differential to temperature change? This is one very important thing to keep in mind with nylon. Shifting pitch halfway through a performance is not "cool". Most substances "soften" w rise in temperature thus "dropping" pitch. Nylons are opposite and the effect varies according to brands. D'Adario - especially the "blacks" are very good and I found they are quite durable. Usually, I use Augustine's which seem to exhibit somewhat less temp-reaction.
Hello Mr. Baric. I find this video very eye opening, thank you very much. I've been playing the classical guitar for more than a decade - and I can't deny that NYLON strings produce more softness and sonority in the music - the very reason why I fell in love with the instrument - I think carbon strings diminish the colors the nails and flesh could create. Really great video, thanks!!
Great video. As someone who, when they break a string, stick on a string from an old set. I fell on using a carbon high E string with all other strings nylon (heavy gauge string set). It shouldn't work :) ..but the carbon high E string adds some fun playing elements, when pared with a nylon set
@@UrosGuitar For some reason, for me, the High E carbon is louder and a bit more trebly (as opposed to 'thin') than the nylons. So, it projects out more from the rest. While playing ringing full chords, i can add a melody on the High E which jumps out from the chords i'm playing on the other strings. Or, if i play it a little lighter, the high E's volume can be made to match the rest. Gives me some fun attack ideas with the right/picking hand :) peace.
Also; I want to apologize that I realized that never left a comment to you on the video. This was a great demonstration and description. The examples are great. I know you put a lot of effort and work into this presentation. Thank you very much. It is greatly appreciated. You are a very good player!!!!
Thank you SO much for this thoughtful comparison. What a gift! I was able to decide on nylon because the overtones on the Vibrato Melody are distracting on the Carbon Strings. EQ was a serious problem for me. Even though the Nylon didn't have that lovely sustain, I'd trade the shorter sounds any day to avoid those thick overtones...
Many thanks for these examples, beautifully played and very musical. You show the subtle differences well, even through computer loudspeakers. The nylon strings do produce a lot of warmth, and yet I shall try some carbon... after all, we're all made of it!
Thank you very much for this video---the clearest description and demonstration of the differences between these two kinds of strings that I've ever found. An interesting range of responses, too. Myself, I preferred the carbon in every comparison. That blend of snarky/snarly/sweet with an edge...wonderful, to my ears. Of course, the player (especially a fine one such as yourself) and the guitar, have something to do with all this. Great video and great playing. Hope you'll do more!
Incredibly well made video! Your attention to detail is nothing short of endearing. I hadn't heard of carbon strings prior to this, and I look forward to trying them in person now. Thank you.
Beautiful playing and a very comprehensive demo. I thought the nylon strings sounded more open and fuller somehow with more articulation. The carbon strings seem to have a more mid-heavy voicing and sound a little metallic. Like so many things relating to guitars and music in general its a personal preference and whatever works for you is generally the 'right' choice. Great demo, thanks so much.
I went into this without a bias. The carbon ones have to me a certain cold personality to them that I don't care for. This is good to know. Thank you for this work here.
I play classic country music on an Ovation 1863 classical guitar and love the D'Addario EJ45FF's....i've tried almost every nylon string made and these serve my venues and playing style the best
nylon all the way, dosen't sound like a classical guitar with carbon, classical gutars have gone through years of evolution to sound the way they do with nylon, I use Augustine high tension they suit my Rodriguez guitar,carbon sounds harsh and tone less to me,nylon brings feeling and brings out the wood tone in the guitar and music ,your music sings out more tone with the nylon strings, beautiful playing
Great recording and video idea. I have been experimenting myself with carbon strings on my 1A from '78 and to me this video just confirms what I came up with myself: carbon is great, produces sound which beautiful in it's own, but is missing something that nylon has. To me there is this "after sound" that I can hear in nylon, where sound is still in the air, but loosing a bit in frequencies which gives a bit of darker, muddied, kind-of "mistygue" quality to sound. Unlike, carbon is very clear all the way, which creates different more bright and straight feeling. Of course it is just my subjective feel as I perceive it. I prefer nylon, but hey, there is people who prefer gut strings for probably same reasons :-).
I prefer the nylon strings. The D'Addario EJ46 are my choice of strings. The carbon makes the guitar sound like a lattice braced top which I do not like; too "new age". I enjoyed your playing.
It ALL sounded wonderful to me, and both have their merits. But can you - or anyone else - tell me what guitar you are playing. It has a stunning sound.
This was a great review displaying the different strengths and weaknesses of both types of strings. I have never tried the carbon strings, but I can hear the volume differences and the tones as well. I love the tones you produced in your examples. Playing and listening to the guitar is truly therapeutic to the soul.
I started using carbon strings back in 2011 and used only Hannabach Goldin, still best strings for me personally... But once around 2 years ago, I couldn't find them in any local store and couldn't wait for them after I order them from internet... So I bought Hannabach exclusive series, HT, they are really good, but too soft and thick trebbles for me, after that I bought Goldin again and now if there is no Goldin to buy I get Savarez Corum HT (like them a lot, very similar to goldin under the fingers).... I also tried D'Addario Pro Arte carbon back in may and I was dissapointed, they are honestly terrible, they don't even feel or sound like carbon strings... So my advice, if you want to try carbon, go for Savarez, or even better Hannabach Goldin (also from my expirience, this set has best 3rd string)...
Carbon has more "pianistic" sound, clear, defined and sharp. Nylon strings are mellower, rounder and softer. Both sound great to me, they are quite different though
Great that you did this. Very clear. I consider nylon with carbon g as the ideal mix. Save perhaps rectified nylon, with rectified carbon g (if the latter would exist), for having virtually perfect intonation.
I like the Nylon strings better . The carbón may have slightly better separation and volumes but for my taste they lack fullness or warmth . I think you can´t color your sound as much with carbón strings either or at least that has been my impression . On the positive side , carbons seem to last longer and keep theie focus . One thin you didn´t mention was that carbón strings usually are much thinner and for me at least getting used to such skinny strings was no fun. Carbon doesn´t feel good ( fat enought ) in my hands I must say you are really an incredible guitarist ! I loved your performances here !! Thank you for such a nice demo ! All the best , Marc
Nylon has something warm, it's sorta gentle and organic imo. Maybe some strings work better for certain styles and pieces, but personally, nylon seems to be a good overall choice. Great playing btw!
Thanks so much for the comparative. I used carbon once several years ago and I came back to nylon. Lately I've been questioning to myself and thank to your video I remember why I returned to nylon: Nylon is warmer and rounded, I also think the campanella effect is harder to compensate with nylon; Carbon is colder and more incisive to the ear (by my personal taste), but it is also clearer in melodies and differentiates better the sound of different strings, better for contrapunto, but maybe tricky in some arpeggios. Congratulations, you have a stunning technique and a great use of shades in your interpretation!
I finally tried carbon strings last night for the first time. What was most pleasing for me was the thinner string diameter gave my guitar almost perfect intonation. That may be specific to my instrument, but it sounds awesome and more in tune than ever. .....all this after struggling to keep the high E tied at the bridge! :)
Another factor to consider is nail shape for the two string compositions... When I played nylon I had to round my nails more to soften the attack but when I switched to nylon I had to make more of a ramp to cut through the darker tone.
it's what you said: the expierence of carbon lifts up your guitar sound while playing live. Mostly caused by the upgrade in volume. The uplift of volume works like a drug. However, and that's why it's so hard to judge, recording sessions gives nylon back it's value. To me they sound more balanced, pure and somehow dedicating to the music.
If you play a SPRUCE top Classical Guitar , then I would recommend not using Carbon strings. SPUCE projects more treble frequencies - as do CARBON strings. You will therefore create an override in level on the CARBON basses ( loud and bright ) over your 3, 2 and 1 treble strings which are themselves quieter in level. BUT , use CARBON strings on a CEDAR top Classical guitar - and all is good ! Why ? Because CEDAR top Classical Guitars have a warmer , less treble tone projected by the CEDAR top. For SPRUCE top Classical Guitars I would recommend NYLON 6,5 and 4 basses with TITANIUM or CARBON 3,2 and 1 treble strings. I've tried this on my SPRUCE top Guitar. Beautiful !!
I talked to a professional musician (solos for an upscale restaurant on a regular basis and paid) who plays jazz guitar on a classical guitar. He could talk about where the oil came from with nylon strings and would say... kind of an example: "the such and such brand is pulled from Venezuelan oil and is not as good as the such and such brand that is pulled from (I forgot some of the other oil sources he would speak of). He also said nylon strings are really made as fishing line, at least the first, second, and third strings, the clear plastic strings. He even said the tension makes a difference too. For my about a 50 year old guitar he said I best use medium tension strings and Savarez. He really likes Savarez and I forgot why. I tried them and will so far never go back to the brand I had used for years and stay with Savarez. You play guitar beautifully on either strings. My ears are not good enough to tell any major differences, for me extremely subtle differences that are not major enough, but just me. What kind of strings are the black plastic strings (first, second, and third) that I've seen? Is that a special material that is superior? Any input on my comment I'd be interested. Thanks for sharing your talent! You have a special feel and touch that is emotional and moving!
Great demo and video. Thank you. I would just add that carbon strings tend to last a good bit longer in my experience, partially offsetting their extra cost. In particular, the trebles retain their brilliance noticeably longer.
Thank you for this comparison. I only use a carbon g string because i really like the the tone of nylon strings and easier vibrato but on the other side i dislike the damp sound of a nylon g string. You encouraged me to keep it this way as i wasnt sure if a more uniform set of strings would be better. My favourite strings are the Savarez 510MJP or Hannabach 815 with a Knobloch carbon g string.
On single sustained notes the carbon strings drive the soundboard to ring almost as if the guitar has sympathetic drone strings. I hear little ghost harmonics trailing off. The carbons also give a percussive attack on sforzando picking almost like a plectrum while the nylons seem to compress and round the attack.
Thaaaaaank youuuu!!!! I have a custom Francisco Navarro Flamenco guitar and I was never very thrilled with the sound. for some reason I think the natural string tension of the guitar is kinda soft. I've had it for about four years and I just tried med-hard tension carbon strings and it's seriously a night and day difference. It's way more responsive and the trebles have great sustain.
Bass performance
2:29 Nylon (or just press 2)
3:06 Carbon
Arpeggio chords and melodic lines with slurs
3:42 Nylon
3:59 Carbon
Articulated bass notes with singing melody
4:24 Nylon
4:39 Carbon
Long-sustain melodic line with soft accompaniment
4:59 Nylon (or just press 4)
5:30 Carbon
Fast, emphasised melodic line
6:10 Nylon (you can press 5 but it will be 2 seconds off)
6:29 Carbon
Vibrato melody
6:50 Nylon
8:09 Carbon
Voice leading
9:30 Nylon
9:58 Carbon (or press 8 and wait something like 3 seconds)9
High notes
10:28 Nylon
10:41 Carbon
Rasgueado chords and melodic lines with scales
10:58 Nylon
11:20 Carbon
Slow movement
11:44 Nylon
12:01 Carbon
********************************
Feel free to use it in your description, it's very useful
(press 9 for funny face)
+0record0 Thanks a lot, putting it in the description right now! :)
+classicalguitar2 There is a typo,
"Voice leading
9:30 Nylon
9:58 Carbon (or press 8 and wait something like 3 seconds)9
Voice leading"
There should be no nine after the bracket :)
+0record0 Corrected it. Thanks again!
Hey :D I made another typo, Long-sustian melodic line with soft accompaniment
4:59 Nylon (or just press 4)
5:30 Carbon
the word "sustain" was spelled by me "sustian"
Just thought I would write it as I come to this video so often :p
so far nylon sounds better
To my ears the carbon strings had a brighter and more clearly defined sound but the nylon strings sounded fuller and more rounded.
+Michajeru Thank you!
I actually find the opposite. The tone is almost muted with the carbon. Nylon is much brighter. The carbon strings almost sound like month old strings with the exception that the transients are maintained to a degree. Transients are much brighter with the carbon but the over all tone seems muted.
At the playing carbon ij46 ff, it seem you try to performed better than ej46. Not good.
@@Hue_Nery exactly what im hearing
@@Hue_Nery agree
I remember, back when I studied classical, making the switch from nylon to super carbon strings, particularly the Hannabach Goldins (just the treble strings). I loved those strings. The only problem was the high E was never consistent within different sets. Sometimes the high E would have intonation issues the higher up on the fretboard and/or it would have a real metallic sound, other times it wouldn't have those issues. I tried substituting the high E super carbon for a regular carbon string (from Hannabach). That sounded better but the problem was the carbon string often developed fiber shreds quickly and the string would break more often. I eventually went back to the super carbon before hanging up my classical studies for good. Overall I did have a preference for carbon based strings over nylon.
All depends on what guitar you have, some guitars sound better with carbon and others with nylon. In your guitar definitely sound better carbon strings.
Greetings from Perú.
Interesting. Carbon was definitely more balanced and precise with better note separation, but nylon was more warm, colorful and expressive. For some passages I preferred nylon and some I preferred the carbon.
Yes, when over CZcams it all sounds the same.
Very nice, informative presentation.
The nylon versus carbon debate always reminds me of my days as a clarinetist. When you study classical clarinet you spend hours each day working on "tone", with the goal of homogenating the sound of the various registers. Yet all of the best orchestral writing for the instrument exploits the \different\ tone colors of the different registers.
I find the carbons do give a very well balanced sound, with good projection, and they minimize the timbral differences between the bass and treble strings. But this comes with a huge sacrifice in tone color, nuance, and subtlety. I use them when I play with other instruments in amplified settings, where projection is more important then subtlety.
But for solo playing I greatly prefer the more varied color possibilities of nylon.
you have such excellent tone regardless of which strings you use.
Thank you!
Very professional presentation, as well your performance, thanks for this nice video.
Thanks for your hard work and thoughtful comments.
Great video! No doubt that nylon sounded better in certain of the examples. I would say that it has a more "feminine" or "romantic" tone filled with delicate emotion. On the other hand, although it sounded "off" at times, the carbon had a more authoritative "masculine" tone. As a jazz player, I think the carbon character suits my music better.
The intriguing thing is how different they sound -- like two totally different instruments. Amazing video!
I liked how the carbon strings had more sustain, but I preferred the nylon strings, hard to describe why, just seemed more expressive. Thanks for the comparison. Oddly enough, I noticed two other comments that said nylon had more sustain. Apparently, many of us hear different things.
Great demonstration and shows why nylon strings continue to dominate.
This was a very tasty "shootout" of the string types. You're playing at 110% and highlight the merits of either material. Bravo! looking forward to rest of your channel.
I thought the carbon composite did sound more brittle, but if I listened for long enough to either it would sound 'right.' I've played guitar for 45 years and I never before noticed that classical guitars sound better fully fretted - as opposed to steel string guitars that sound better with open strings ringing. Great playing.
+William Porter Thanks for your input, William!
You are such a talented perfromer that it was difficult for me to actually hear a difference between the nylon and carbon strings, because you made both sound so wonderful. In the end, I would vote Nylon because I believe the notes are rounder than with the carbon. I could hear that in the piece you performed at 7:00. Where you can focus on the single notes being played. Either way, I think you can make any string our guitar sound wonderful! thank you for all these mini concerts!
both carbon and nylon strings sounds good to me. but i will stick to nylon. thanks for the great video...
Great video with demos and samples......Nothing like nylon for me!
Thank you!
Just great. Thanks for the time spent .. it’s very very helpful in particular you have also referred to recording!
Yeah!
Just switched from carbon to nylon. I love Savarez carbon but way too enthusiastic for my cedar top. Today I re-strung with La Bella nylon, sweetness returned ;-) Wonderful vid & any strings sound good in your hands !
Nylon for me; sweeter and more defined notes. Great video by the way and very informative. Thanks!
Thank you for the very informative video and sound demonstrations. I was liking the nylon better, I thought it had a prettier sound. Looking forward to when I can find time to watch your videos about recording equipment.
Awesome great video - about time someone did this - Thank you!!!
I believe that whatever strings you use, it has to match with the guitar you play. It is true that carbon strings are quite harder to achieve a better sound quality and you have to be more careful with the "echo" notes which you don't want to sound, but once you get familiar with them, you will notice more sound colors than nylon strings.
What i noticed is that nylon sounds sweeter, and the carbon drops body and bass, making it sound like you're playing from a smaller framed guitar.
Decades ago I used to buy these black flamenco strings for a brighter tone. Not sure if they were carbon, but have me a similar sound.
Now that I've had time to ponder, I would probably just bought a flamenco guitar for that tone I was looking for. Now, you couldn't get a flamenco guitar back then in the boonies north america, but i imagine now you could.
Other excellent video Uros! I like the nylon, rich, vibrant, open.....no contest! The Carbon oddly enough sounds like it has a vail over the tone.
I am a steel string guitar player who just started on classical. The nylon strings sounded warmer. The carbon strings were more metallic like steel strings but had more separation.
Interesting comparison. There really is a difference. One string suits a particular piece and the other for others.
The carbon seemed to ring longer and brighter, and i could hear over-tones ringing in the background. Thanks for posting.
Thank you!
1. If I should have to choose I would choose carbon for live concert. There is more presence, sounds like a better instrument or player. For professional recording I'm not sure. Anyway, I use D'addario not very often.
2.There is a clear con for carbon strings. They are very glossy at 4:05 . That's because you play it exactly in the same way in both case. Those strings responds in different ways.
3. Hard tension strings are not my favorites. I can see how much effort you put in those strings to get the best result.
Thanks for sharing this great video. Great musicality and also very good record. I follow your channel and I find all your videos very usefull.....waiting for more videos.
Awesome feedback Mihaly, I totally agree!
For me no doubt, nylon strings winning almost every comparison. Carbon sounds more pointed, harsher and more metallic in almost all applications. Just for long sustain they might win. Thank you very much for this exhaustive comparison. Great work!
I love your playing, and nice demo I was liking the nylon better, and listening to the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond it became clear why: the sympathetic vibrations of the other strings are much less distracting, they make a more musical bed for the melody to lie in. And the decay of the upper harmonics of the nylon strings is more musical, the upper harmonics od the carbon strings decay more slowly making them sound more artifacty.
Thanks for putting this together for us. It's very well done and very helpful--the best comparison I've found on the internet! I'm an intermediate player but a long time listener of guitar music. As a listener, the nylon strings are more musical and more pleasant to listen to. They sound more colorful, multidimensional, free-flowing, and have a wider range. And as a player, given the other positive things you mentioned in the intro about nylon (i.e., their play-ability, etc.), NYLON is the clear choice for me. Again, thanks so much!
Great!
Love the even volume of carbon for harmonic intervals, going to get some. Thanks for the superb comparison.
Nylon, no comparison. Great playing, thanks for the insight.
Well, I’ve subscribed straight-away !! I love your playing, and plus you gave me the info I wanted straight away at the beginning of the video. Thank you for posting !!
I preferred the nylon in many instances (Ponce samples stood out) but the high note example and Bach favored the carbon to my ear. The nylon strings sounded restricted in the upper register, as if fighting to escape the guitar. In a live situation the carbon seems more responsive to me. I've mitigated the issues by using a so called titanium 1st string. Perhaps we should consider changing to traditional nylon for recording sessions. I appreciate your thoughtful attention to these issues.
You can always try carbon on the bass strings and nylon on the treble. Manufacturers usually sell bass packs or treble packs. It's worth experimenting. Nice playing.
Great video - clear and informative, and very good playing. One other issue with Carbon trebles, I find they are so stiff that they “cut” into my nails. I prefer D’Addario titanium’s J46tt’s on all my guitars.
I totally agree that the nylon sound seems more familiar because it appears on so many recordings. Great demonstration :)
Nylon sounds waaaay better to me, thanks man! i was about to buy some carbon strings
Nice demo! Thanks for the vid. I prefer the 'warmer' sound that the nylon strings produce.
A very useful comparison! Shows the warmer sound of the nylon string which may be better for some music. Many thanks!
wow the difference in sustain is really noticable. Maybe tone color is more important for me so I will stick to nylon at home and my nails are on the longer side anyway
Yes, the nylons definitely have that warmth that you need to get that classical guitar tone that everyone knows and loves. But perhaps the carbons would be better in an ensemble. They have more clarity and a more focused sound. I wouldn't count them out.
Great demo of both of the string types. Carbon sounds interesting. I will surely get a set. Thanks, Uroš!
Thank you!
Good comparisons on the strings - but, hey, your playing was just stunning and in places moved me to tears - absolutely beautiful throughout all the pieces, well done & thank you for this unexpected treat while searching for electro-nylon guitars, just brilliant! 👍
Awesome, thank you!
I always expect to hear a difference in these videos. But I almost never do. They both sound great. And without looking, 95% of people couldn't tell which is which~
Why not get the best of both worlds? Split the difference and use carbon strings on the lower notes and nylon on the higher -- or whatever combination that works best.
Strings are manufactured to have a uniform tension given the frequency they are tuned to. If you use different string sets you might end up with an uneven tension which wouldn't feel right to the player.
Savarez creation! Nylon + carbon.
AvihooI you can have different tensions of the same strings so say carbon strings are at a higher tension than nylon, purchase high tension nylon strings so the difference isn’t as profound and lower tension carbon strings so the difference is about as close as possible.
You're welcome to try that, though tension at a frequency is determined by the diameter of the string, so evening for tension might result in a bizarre configuration where you have fatter or thinner strings than you'd normally expect. Also different string diameters change the color of the sound - that may or may not be desirable. I'd love to see if this is doable - I'm just a little skeptical.
The question is always the G and E strings the G in nylon us always the lowest in volume . The E in carbon is awful once amplified it just stands out as harsh and if you use a peizo pickup it down right annoying that's why I buy from by from strings by mail. Com . You ca pick individual strings for a personalized set . Also differant guitars react to differant strings IE: the lenth of the guitar and mahogany v rose wood . A rose wood guitar needs a little heveyer tension to ring true while mahogany can be heard with normal tension strings you have to experiment there is no one size fits all when it comes to strings
your guitar's intonation seems better with carbon strings, i like the way it sustains. However I like the mellow tone of nylon strings. Nice video.
Listening to your video I would have a slight preference for the nylon strings. That being said, it all depends of the woods and build of the guitar and the way one strikes the string (angle, power, force, nails, flesh etc). Lots of things to consider. That being said, on my own guitar (a great Jaroslav Mach cedar guitar) I use nylon strings and composite g string instead of nylon g.
The easiest way to get brighter treble strings without changing brands
or material is simply adjust the saddle for the treble. Most
classical guitars have the bass string higher than the treble: (e.g.)
4mm on the low E & 3mm-3.5mm on the treble. Have a saddle installed 4mm all the way across, or 4mm on the
bass & say 3.8mm on the treble if you don't want it exactly the
same height. This will absolutely brighten your trebles & the whole
guitar in general will be louder because all the strings are actually
higher now & will drive the soundboard better. You may have to adjust the string gauges.
In my opinion, we can use carbon for first and second strings to obtain beter trebles, and use nylon for third, forth, fifth and sixth strings, to obtain beter basses. A mix of types of strings
thumb up for nylon.
Vedete che ci sono sempre dei ragazzi come si deve!
Carbon has more of a nasal sound on the trebles, I have used them all over 42 years of playing. I love the D'addario, Titanium and the Rectified nylon trebles are great for intonation. Thanks for you work and effort, it will help others to try different strings on different guitars. I love the Titaniums on my Cordoba C7 and for my 1977 Takamine Signature Hirade 5. I use only hard tension strings now. My left fingers are weaker due to severe injury to my left elbow rotator which is now all metal. I am fortunate to play, accidents happen. I would like to mention my first strings were Augustine and I have Played Gut,and Gold Plated La Bella's in the 1973 the cost was very high.. Now guitarists have a full pallete of strings, brands and price ranges. D'addario seems to the most consistent with their quality. One thing to keep in mind D'Addario uses a much better Shape on the silver coated basses. They have less noise even if not lightly polished.
+James McCutcheon Great write up...and yes, thank you, I totally agree that I love the Titaniums as well. The Carbons are louder but they come at a price by sounding boxy/nasally .. I'll definitely be sticking to the Titaniums .. I hope you enjoy the classical guitar and all its beauty despite the elbow issue...many thanks
Thanks Rob. I am very fortunate, I lost all the feeling in my forearm hand and fingers. I had to go to physical therapy, my ligaments were shortened. I can not play pieces that require large chordal stretches, do I select my music carefully. Good playing!
The intonation of that instrument is great. Your playing as well, of course.
Must admit, was not aware carbon was readily available. Must get a set right away! Curious if they exhibit the same negative differential to temperature change? This is one very important thing to keep in mind with nylon. Shifting pitch halfway through a performance is not "cool". Most substances "soften" w rise in temperature thus "dropping" pitch. Nylons are opposite and the effect varies according to brands. D'Adario - especially the "blacks" are very good and I found they are quite durable. Usually, I use Augustine's which seem to exhibit somewhat less temp-reaction.
Hello Mr. Baric.
I find this video very eye opening, thank you very much. I've been playing the classical guitar for more than a decade - and I can't deny that NYLON strings produce more softness and sonority in the music - the very reason why I fell in love with the instrument - I think carbon strings diminish the colors the nails and flesh could create. Really great video, thanks!!
+dave marques Thanks Dave!
Great video.
As someone who, when they break a string, stick on a string from an old set.
I fell on using a carbon high E string with all other strings nylon (heavy gauge string set).
It shouldn't work :) ..but the carbon high E string adds some fun playing elements, when pared with a nylon set
Thanks! This is the exact opposite of what I would do back in the day, never was a fan of the thin sounding carbon E.
@@UrosGuitar For some reason, for me, the High E carbon is louder and a bit more trebly (as opposed to 'thin') than the nylons. So, it projects out more from the rest. While playing ringing full chords, i can add a melody on the High E which jumps out from the chords i'm playing on the other strings. Or, if i play it a little lighter, the high E's volume can be made to match the rest. Gives me some fun attack ideas with the right/picking hand :)
peace.
Also; I want to apologize that I realized that never left a comment to you on the video. This was a great demonstration and description. The examples are great. I know you put a lot of effort and work into this presentation. Thank you very much. It is greatly appreciated. You are a very good player!!!!
man you play so well , i honestly prefer the nylon strings
ps: your video is awesome
Thank you!
Guys, go carbon for practice and nylon for performing or expensive instruments.
Thank you SO much for this thoughtful comparison. What a gift! I was able to decide on nylon because the overtones on the Vibrato Melody are distracting on the Carbon Strings. EQ was a serious problem for me. Even though the Nylon didn't have that lovely sustain, I'd trade the shorter sounds any day to avoid those thick overtones...
+Beyhan Cagri Trock Thank you so much for your comment! :)
Many thanks for these examples, beautifully played and very musical. You show the subtle differences well, even through computer loudspeakers. The nylon strings do produce a lot of warmth, and yet I shall try some carbon... after all, we're all made of it!
I like colourfull nylon better on the high but I like carbon way more on the Middle and low
Thank you very much for this video---the clearest description and demonstration of the differences between these two kinds of strings that I've ever found. An interesting range of responses, too. Myself, I preferred the carbon in every comparison. That blend of snarky/snarly/sweet with an edge...wonderful, to my ears. Of course, the player (especially a fine one such as yourself) and the guitar, have something to do with all this. Great video and great playing. Hope you'll do more!
Incredibly well made video! Your attention to detail is nothing short of endearing. I hadn't heard of carbon strings prior to this, and I look forward to trying them in person now. Thank you.
Excellent samples man! This video comes very handy while investigating more about these type of strings. Thanks so much.
Beautiful playing and a very comprehensive demo. I thought the nylon strings sounded more open and fuller somehow with more articulation. The carbon strings seem to have a more mid-heavy voicing and sound a little metallic. Like so many things relating to guitars and music in general its a personal preference and whatever works for you is generally the 'right' choice. Great demo, thanks so much.
+JosEvan888 Thank YOU for the great feedback. I feel the same way!
I went into this without a bias. The carbon ones have to me a certain cold personality to them that I don't care for. This is good to know. Thank you for this work here.
I play classic country music on an Ovation 1863 classical guitar and love the D'Addario EJ45FF's....i've tried almost every nylon string made and these serve my venues and playing style the best
nylon all the way, dosen't sound like a classical guitar with carbon, classical gutars have gone through years of evolution to sound the way they do with nylon, I use Augustine high tension they suit my Rodriguez guitar,carbon sounds harsh and tone less to me,nylon brings feeling and brings out the wood tone in the guitar and music ,your music sings out more tone with the nylon strings, beautiful playing
Great recording and video idea. I have been experimenting myself with carbon strings on my 1A from '78 and to me this video just confirms what I came up with myself: carbon is great,
produces sound which beautiful in it's own, but is missing something that nylon has. To me there is this "after sound" that I can hear in nylon, where sound is still in the air, but loosing a bit in frequencies which gives a bit of darker, muddied, kind-of "mistygue" quality to sound. Unlike, carbon is very clear all the way, which creates different more bright and straight feeling. Of course it is just my subjective feel as I perceive it. I prefer nylon, but hey, there is people who prefer gut strings for probably same reasons :-).
Great video! Generally speaking, I still think nylon sounds better.
Thanks for a lot of your work you put into it. Very much appreciated! Interesting results!
+Marek Pasieczny Marek, thanks so much, your comment means a lot as I admire all of your work! Best wishes and see you around!
I prefer the nylon strings. The D'Addario EJ46 are my choice of strings. The carbon makes the guitar sound like a lattice braced top which I do not like; too "new age". I enjoyed your playing.
Really good demo! At first, I was impressed by the carbon, but then got drawn back to the nylon that I preferred more!
It ALL sounded wonderful to me, and both have their merits. But can you - or anyone else - tell me what guitar you are playing. It has a stunning sound.
+malcolm colemann Thank you! It's a 2001 Michele Della Giustina cedar top guitar.
This was a great review displaying the different strengths and weaknesses of both types of strings. I have never tried the carbon strings, but I can hear the volume differences and the tones as well. I love the tones you produced in your examples. Playing and listening to the guitar is truly therapeutic to the soul.
I started using carbon strings back in 2011 and used only Hannabach Goldin, still best strings for me personally... But once around 2 years ago, I couldn't find them in any local store and couldn't wait for them after I order them from internet... So I bought Hannabach exclusive series, HT, they are really good, but too soft and thick trebbles for me, after that I bought Goldin again and now if there is no Goldin to buy I get Savarez Corum HT (like them a lot, very similar to goldin under the fingers).... I also tried D'Addario Pro Arte carbon back in may and I was dissapointed, they are honestly terrible, they don't even feel or sound like carbon strings... So my advice, if you want to try carbon, go for Savarez, or even better Hannabach Goldin (also from my expirience, this set has best 3rd string)...
Excellent video and playing. I wasn't aware of carbon strings. Subtle differences. I appreciate all of the songs to hear them. Thank you!!
Carbon has more "pianistic" sound, clear, defined and sharp. Nylon strings are mellower, rounder and softer. Both sound great to me, they are quite different though
Great that you did this. Very clear. I consider nylon with carbon g as the ideal mix. Save perhaps rectified nylon, with rectified carbon g (if the latter would exist), for having virtually perfect intonation.
I like the Nylon strings better . The carbón may have slightly better separation and volumes but for my taste they lack fullness or warmth . I think you can´t color your sound as much with carbón strings either or at least that has been my impression . On the positive side , carbons seem to last longer and keep theie focus . One thin you didn´t mention was that carbón strings usually are much thinner and for me at least getting used to such skinny strings was no fun. Carbon doesn´t feel good ( fat enought ) in my hands I must say you are really an incredible guitarist ! I loved your performances here !! Thank you for such a nice demo ! All the best , Marc
Nylon has something warm, it's sorta gentle and organic imo. Maybe some strings work better for certain styles and pieces,
but personally, nylon seems to be a good overall choice. Great playing btw!
Thanks, much appreciated!
Great presentation. Thank you. I prefer the nylons. However, I can see the quality and usefulness in certain situation for the carbon strings.
Thanks so much for the comparative. I used carbon once several years ago and I came back to nylon. Lately I've been questioning to myself and thank to your video I remember why I returned to nylon:
Nylon is warmer and rounded, I also think the campanella effect is harder to compensate with nylon;
Carbon is colder and more incisive to the ear (by my personal taste), but it is also clearer in melodies and differentiates better the sound of different strings, better for contrapunto, but maybe tricky in some arpeggios.
Congratulations, you have a stunning technique and a great use of shades in your interpretation!
Thank you very much and excellent summary of nylon vs carbon!
I finally tried carbon strings last night for the first time. What was most pleasing for me was the thinner string diameter gave my guitar almost perfect intonation. That may be specific to my instrument, but it sounds awesome and more in tune than ever. .....all this after struggling to keep the high E tied at the bridge! :)
Great to hear! Yeah, make sure to have an extra loop on the carbon 1st string or it can slip!
@@UrosGuitar exactly what I found. 3 slipped right out. So far 4 is holding - time will tell!
Another factor to consider is nail shape for the two string compositions... When I played nylon I had to round my nails more to soften the attack but when I switched to nylon I had to make more of a ramp to cut through the darker tone.
Nathan Bredeson What?
A) you are amazing!
B) I think the carbons sound more.. medieval?
I didn't even know they were a thing! Thanks so much for your vid!
it's what you said: the expierence of carbon lifts up your guitar sound while playing live. Mostly caused by the upgrade in volume. The uplift of volume works like a drug. However, and that's why it's so hard to judge, recording sessions gives nylon back it's value. To me they sound more balanced, pure and somehow dedicating to the music.
It definetly depends in what you play if you play classical go to nylon if you want bass rock or acoustic carbon would be better
If you play a SPRUCE top Classical Guitar , then I would recommend not using Carbon strings. SPUCE projects more treble frequencies - as do CARBON strings. You will therefore create an override in level on the CARBON basses ( loud and bright ) over your 3, 2 and 1 treble strings which are themselves quieter in level. BUT , use CARBON strings on a CEDAR top Classical guitar - and all is good ! Why ? Because CEDAR top Classical Guitars have a warmer , less treble tone projected by the CEDAR top.
For SPRUCE top Classical Guitars I would recommend NYLON 6,5 and 4 basses with TITANIUM or CARBON 3,2 and 1 treble strings. I've tried this on my SPRUCE top Guitar. Beautiful !!
I talked to a professional musician (solos for an upscale restaurant on a regular basis and paid) who plays jazz guitar on a classical guitar. He could talk about where the oil came from with nylon strings and would say... kind of an example: "the such and such brand is pulled from Venezuelan oil and is not as good as the such and such brand that is pulled from (I forgot some of the other oil sources he would speak of). He also said nylon strings are really made as fishing line, at least the first, second, and third strings, the clear plastic strings. He even said the tension makes a difference too. For my about a 50 year old guitar he said I best use medium tension strings and Savarez. He really likes Savarez and I forgot why. I tried them and will so far never go back to the brand I had used for years and stay with Savarez. You play guitar beautifully on either strings. My ears are not good enough to tell any major differences, for me extremely subtle differences that are not major enough, but just me. What kind of strings are the black plastic strings (first, second, and third) that I've seen? Is that a special material that is superior? Any input on my comment I'd be interested. Thanks for sharing your talent! You have a special feel and touch that is emotional and moving!
Fico feliz em saber que a música brasileira tem reconhecimento no mundo todo, viva Villa Lobos!!! Parabéns ótimo vídeo!
Great demo and video. Thank you. I would just add that carbon strings tend to last a good bit longer in my experience, partially offsetting their extra cost. In particular, the trebles retain their brilliance noticeably longer.
oh my gosh, you're adorable, and speak in a lovely way. How could I not subscribe when you say carbon in your way.
Thank you for this comparison. I only use a carbon g string because i really like the the tone of nylon strings and easier vibrato but on the other side i dislike the damp sound of a nylon g string. You encouraged me to keep it this way as i wasnt sure if a more uniform set of strings would be better. My favourite strings are the Savarez 510MJP or Hannabach 815 with a Knobloch carbon g string.
You play beautifully. To my ear, the nylon sounds better. Thanks for making this demo video!
Thank you!
On single sustained notes the carbon strings drive the soundboard to ring almost as if the guitar has sympathetic drone strings. I hear little ghost harmonics trailing off. The carbons also give a percussive attack on sforzando picking almost like a plectrum while the nylons seem to compress and round the attack.
Thaaaaaank youuuu!!!! I have a custom Francisco Navarro Flamenco guitar and I was never very thrilled with the sound. for some reason I think the natural string tension of the guitar is kinda soft. I've had it for about four years and I just tried med-hard tension carbon strings and it's seriously a night and day difference. It's way more responsive and the trebles have great sustain.
Very informative. Wonderful selections, well chosen to illustrate the comparisons, and beautifully played. Thank you!