subject: Steel Guitar Strings - Why Steel Is The Best Choice [print this page] Steel guitar strings are today nearly a standard in the acoustic guitars field. The old nylon guitars are being slowly replaced by the steel guitars, even if there are still some passionate users of the nylon. But why steel strings are the most common choice and why choose them over the nylon strings?
The things that condition the choice are many, but they can be condensed in two main points: the expertise of the guitarists and the sound preferences. Let's see in detail what those two points mean.
First of all, steel guitar strings are exceptionally hard and can be very difficult to handle for the beginner. This is why usually starting acoustic guitarists use nylon strings: to get used to the pressure and allow the growth of callous on the fingers. But if you are more advanced, you are probably already using steel guitar strings.
Regarding the sound instead, steel guitar strings have usually more harmonic value and are preferred over the nylon strings. If you want thick basses and tingling trembles the steel strings are made especially for you. They can hold the tune for a lot more time and can ring for a longer time. Also, nylon strings tend to have a muffler, less rich sound. Many prefer it and use it to have a particular feel in their songs, but most guitar players prefer the sound quality of steel strings.
One disadvantage of steel strings is that they tend to rust easily after a few weeks of use. This happens because of the grease and humidity on the finger that easily deteriorate the quality of the strings. This can however easily countered by cleaning regularly the strings of the guitar. There are also coated strings, like the Elixir guitar strings, that allow a longer endurance of the guitar strings.
In the end, it all goes down to personal decision. You may prefer the nylon strings sound over the steel one or vice versa. Be sure to make the choice that appeals to you the most.
