Nylon or carbon strings for the classical guitar: what really changes

If you've been playing the classical guitar for a while, you'll have heard about carbon (fluorocarbon) trebles. Let's separate the myth from the material.

Nylon: the familiar sound

Nylon strings have been the standard for over seventy years. Sweet, rounded sound, soft feel under the fingers, sensible price. For practice, for accompanying and for most of the repertoire, they work a treat.

Carbon: denser, more direct

Fluorocarbon is denser than nylon, so the string can be thinner for the same pitch. In practice that means:

More projection

The note comes out with more presence, which you appreciate in unamplified concerts.

Steadier tuning

Carbon stretches less with humidity and temperature.

A different feel

Thinner strings, somewhat "harder" under the fingertip. Some people love it; others don't. There's no right answer.

So which do I choose?

If you study or play at home, nylon gives you everything you need. If you play in public, feel the guitar sounds "muffled" or live in a very changeable climate, trying a set with carbon trebles is a small investment with an immediate result.

As always: tell us what guitar you have and what you play, and we'll tell you where to start.