Nylon - Nylgut?
 

I have a couple of turn of the century parlor guitars that I currently keep tuned down with extra light steel strings on. I would like to explore some other choices & have read a little on the nylgut. I'm just looking for something that will allow the guitars to stay in good condition & sound good. I am not a big fan of standard nylon strings - I have a classical that I just don't enjoy playing because the strings roll around on me so much. On the other hand I also have a requinto that has much thinner nylon strings & it plays like a dream & is really easy on the fingers (i strum with my index finger & play alot of fingerstyle). I also have a baritone uke that I've never played(replacing a tuner) that I would like to put a nice set of strings on...

I know this is a multipart query but any suggestions?

Thanks!

I think nylgut strings are pretty much the same thickness as standard nylon. The thinnest (treble) strings I know of are Savarez Alliance. La Bella 850BHT are probably next and are 1/2 the price of the Savarez.

You could try Thomastik S series "Rope" or Thomastik John Pearce "Folk". These have inovative trebles made from a highly flexible steel rope tape wound with nylon - they are not much thicker than steel strings.

Have you tried silk and steel strings? I see these on a lot of older guitars.

I did a bit of research, and the Pearse "Folk" sound interesting. I ordered a set, and will report back (I play Flamenco, and pretty much use Luthier Silver High Tension, so the change should be interesting.....)

FWIW, I have Aquila Nylgut trebles on one of my guitars and they're substantially thinner than nylon strings. Not as zingy as carbon/titanium, they have a very unique blend of presence and roundness to the sound. The "gritty" feeling takes a bit to get used to, but they sound fine with polished nails. Intonation is great.

Also, Aquila makes a line of strings (Ambra) designed specifically for 19th century (Romantic) guitars. Might be worth a shot.

Thanks for all of the responses. I guess I'll order one of each & give them a try...

Thanks again!

I've been using these on my 1880s Martin size 1 for years.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/juststrings_2143_15023198

http://www.juststrings.com/toi-kf110.html

Low tension comparable to nylon. I keep the guitar a half step down. I bought two sets of these about two years ago and still haven't taken the first set off yet. The nickel lasts and lasts.