Classical Guitar String Change and Before-and-After Sound Test
When I opened my classical guitar case I found a broken D string, so I decided to change the whole set to D’Addario Pro-Arte EJ45 nylon strings. This video is part string review and part how-to: I play Romanza on the old, cheap Martin strings, change the strings one by one, then play it again on the new set so you can hear the difference.
What I cover:
- Playing Romanza on the old strings (with the D string missing)
- Unpacking the EJ45 set
- Tying the string at the bridge
- Threading and winding at the tuner roller
- Tuning up and playing the new strings
The EJ45 strings come in sealed packets, so you get a fresh set, and the bass strings have a silver-looking wrap. I changed them one at a time. Some people recommend that so the neck doesn’t go through a big swing in tension, and others say it doesn’t matter. I just followed the conventional wisdom.
Nylon strings don’t use bridge pins like a steel-string acoustic, so you tie them at the bridge. I thread the string through the hole in the bridge, bring it back over the top, tuck it under itself and make a few twists. At the headstock, I thread the end through the hole in the roller, pass it through a second time for extra security, and let the winding trap the loose end. A string winder (mine is a Planet Waves) speeds up taking off the old strings. As tension comes up, the knot tightens itself and should leave the string securely fastened.
New nylon strings stretch for a while, so expect to keep re-tuning at first. Even so, the difference from the old strings comes through in the comparison, and they look a lot nicer too.
WARNING! NEVER PUT STEEL STRINGS ON A NYLON STRING GUITAR. It’s the kiss of death for your guitar.
Want to play the piece from this video? Learn it here: How to Play Romanza.
WARNING! This site may receive a small commission if you decide to buy using links on this page. If you do buy, you are so cool! Thank you.
Products mentioned (affiliate link):
- D’Addario Pro-Arte EJ45 Classical Guitar Strings https://amzn.to/37Ov2rx