Steel strings

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Steel strings

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bahen

Posts: 378
Joined: Mar. 4 2006

Steel strings

Hi everyone. What should I know about putting steel strings on my guitar? My principal worry is that the greater tension required for steel strings might do structural damage to my guitar. The thinner strings might also rip through the wood at the bridge. Does anyone else anticipate these things as well?

b.h.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2008 3:00:38

guitarbuddha

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007

RE: Steel strings (in reply to bahen)

Every single one of us bahen. Just don't.

Even the cheapest nastiest steel string acoustic will sound better than a guitar made for nylon being strangled by cheese wire. Truly a crazy and horrible idea.

Anyway I am just off to trim my nails, with a chainsaw. Does anyone here foresee any complications ?

D..

(well... you did ask).

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2008 3:23:51

Pgh_flamenco

Posts: 1506
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RE: Steel strings (in reply to bahen)

When I decided to try playing classical I was given a nylon string guitar that had been strung with steel strings. It was ruined--the top was warped and had lifted off of the braces underneath it. A decent steel string guitar isn't that expensive, will sound better and you won't have to worry about the bridge tearing off the sound board.

I would never, ever put steel strings on a guitar designed for nylon strings.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2008 4:07:22

bahen

Posts: 378
Joined: Mar. 4 2006

RE: Steel strings (in reply to guitarbuddha)

quote:

Anyway I am just off to trim my nails, with a chainsaw. Does anyone here foresee any complications ?

And wash off the debris with sulfuric acid? Shouldn't be a problem, just wear goggles.

I think I'll just pick up a steel string then, unless anyone else has other thoughts.

b.h.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 15 2008 4:44:25

sig

Posts: 296
Joined: Nov. 7 2007
From: Wisconsin

RE: Steel strings (in reply to bahen)

Man I concur with everyone else here, don't ever put steel strings on an instrument made for nylon, that is unless you want to see the bridge and struts ripped out like entrails in a zombie movie!! Besides, you could pick up a good steel string acoustic for around $250 usd (the way things are going that may be 50 euros in the next day if your in Europe

)
Sig--

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2008 19:39:11

Stu

Posts: 2529
Joined: Jan. 30 2007
From: London (the South of it), England

RE: Steel strings (in reply to sig)

Same thoughts here man. don't do it!! Why do you want to anyways??

Can't think of any better comebacks than buddhas chainsaw bit.

....oh hang on ..... how about petting my dog with a sledge hammer?? or cleaning my teeth with chisel. no .. nails with a chainsaw wins!!!

Stu

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Mar. 18 2008 23:35:59

Haizum

Posts: 43
Joined: Apr. 21 2008
From: York, England

RE: Steel strings (in reply to bahen)

The only complication of using a chainsaw is if ya dont wear goggles. Bits of nail in ya eye can sting a bit

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 21 2008 23:05:32

Doog

Posts: 59
Joined: Sep. 17 2007
From: Tennessee

RE: Steel strings (in reply to guitarbuddha)

quote:

ORIGINAL: guitarbuddha

Anyway I am just off to trim my nails, with a chainsaw. Does anyone here foresee any complications ?

D..

Finally an interesting thread that we can really sink our teeth into! It really depends on the length of the bar coupled with the horse power. Of the brands available, I prefer the ones that Stihl makes. They are smooth running, less noisey, and the do not smoke [read 'stink'] up the house like some of the other brands.

Oh yes, any final trimming and smoothing can be easily accomplished with a double-bitted axe!

Doog

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Apr. 22 2008 3:00:02