The 10 Best Nylon Guitar Strings
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Don't let the price difference between a guitar and its strings trick you into believing the latter aren't that important. To a large degree, the tone that your instrument produces comes from the quality and physical properties of their cores and the materials that coat them. Our curated picks reflect the needs of students, casual hobbyists, studio musicians, and gigging performers alike. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. D’Addario Pro-Arte
2. Hannabach 728 HT
3. D'Addario EJ27N
Editor's Notes
October 17, 2020:
Although the guitar strings in our previous ranking were all good quality, tried and tested brands, we decided to make three replacements in our list for this particular update.
Our first choice was to switch the 2-pack Legato Classical for the Fender Classical 3-Pack. While these include an extra set as compared to our previous choice, they are also high quality and the product of a highly reputable manufacturer. It could even be argued that Fender has done more than any other company to serve the enduring popularity of the guitar in modern times.
Next, we added the D'Addario EJ25B Flamenco, as while many brands claim to produce sets with a truly unique tone, these strings definitely do just that. They are designed to embellish the percussive, rhythmic sound of the Flamenco art, with a combination of bright, responsive treble strings, coupled with the sharp attack of their twangy bottom end.
Finally, we selected the Hannabach 728 HT for their handcrafted quality, using modern German manufacturing methods that result in a professional-standard product with impressive tone and clarity. This is thanks to their silver-plated bass strings with synthetic cores, and finely-calibrated treble section.
February 14, 2019:
Considering how to appropriately approach a best-of of list for guitar strings is difficult given the subjectivity of such a subject, as well as the sheer disagreement across the board about which strings reign supreme. One person might say of the Ernie Ball Earthwood Folk, for example, that they sound dull, lifeless, flabby, whereas another equally qualified ear-having person may say, well, no, actually, that sounds quite balanced, pleasant, and unassuming to me, and I adore it. Regardless, through research, one can detect patterns: like the near unanimous agreement that the Savarez Accordion Accessory have a long, satisfactory sustain, or that the Augustine Regal Blue will last longer than most nylon strings without needing to be changed. Then we have the D’Addario Pro-Arte, the crowd-favorite, a high-quality set barely more expensive than a set of plastic guitar picks. What gives? Well, as noted, not everyone agrees on these ones, but overall, they are sonically pleasing, reliable, and economic without skimping on quality. Compare them with the equally-priced Martin M160--which themselves are not shabby--and you'll see that there are differences, some not so subtle. The type of metal used to coat the strings' nylon core affects the quality and resonance of the string, as does the tension, and of course, the instrument itself. You may love what the relatively costly Augustine Blue Regals do for you on your primary guitar, whereas the sound on a Martin Backpacker may totally fail to impress you. Regardless, the best way is to experiment, using this list as a jumping off point.
4. Fender Classical 3-Pack
5. Savarez 540R Alliance
6. Augustine Acoustic Red
7. Ernie Ball Ernesto Palla
8. D'Addario EJ25B Flamenco
9. Ernie Ball Earthwood Folk
10. Martin M160 Silverplated
Having grown weary of working in office environments, music graduate Luke decided to trade the dismal skies of southern England for the far more agreeable climate of south Asia. Prior to writing for Ezvid Wiki, he established a small agency providing websites for clients all over the world. This enabled him to travel extensively, living for prolonged periods in a number of interesting countries and experiencing several different cultures along the way. When not playing or writing music, Luke likes to ride his motorcycle in far-flung regions where the air is thin and the roads are dusty. His areas of expertise are largely gleaned from his nomadic lifestyle and include travel, computers, automotive goods and accessories, musical instruments and gear, and boats.