Nylon String as Main Jazz Guitar

**Stackabones** · 12-08-2010, 12:54 PM

**Dookychase** · 12-08-2010, 12:56 PM

I don't think putting nylon strings on a regular acoustic guitar will work right. I don't think it will play in tune.

The saddle on an acoustic guitar is at a slight angle to compensate for the smaller strings. On a classical guitar the saddle is is straight across becasue the strings are about the same size.

I think changing the whole bridge would be better.

**Stackabones** · 12-08-2010, 01:00 PM

1. String up the guitar with ball-end nylon strings. Pull the end of the string that goes through the tuning peg fairly tightly (especially for the treble strings) as you tune up otherwise you will have too many turns around the peg. The degree of tension to use is something that comes with practice but don't worry - if you end up with too many turns, just slacken off the strings after a couple of days and retune

2. Check how the strings fit in the nut slots. The basses will probably be OK but you might need to widen the slots for the treble strings. If you do, just lift each string out of the slot and use a small piece of folded fine-grit emery paper to widen the slot. Take it slow and steady and pop the string back into the slot frequently to test how you are doing - the slot will be correct when there is a very small gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 1st fret when you fret the string at the 3rd fret.

3. Check the neck relief. There should be a small gap between the bottom of the 6th string and the top of the 7th fret when you fret the string simultaneously at the 1st and 15th fret. If not you will need to slacken off the neck tension. Detune the 3rd and 4th strings and move them to each side, slacken off the truss rod by 1/4 turn, recheck the relief, continue until it's OK (a 1/4 turn is usually enough).

**Playerizor** · 01-25-2015, 11:12 AM

My next acquisition will be a nylon string classical style guitar and I'm looking for recommendations. I'm interested in something specifically for jazz so would like electronics, slimmer profile, cutaway to reach higher frets, and a thinner neck at the nut.

I know nothing about these guitars so recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

My budget is from $1,000 to $1,500.

**kris** · 01-25-2015, 11:21 AM

soloette or thiline clasical

**medblues** · 01-25-2015, 12:03 PM

Godin Multiac ACS-SA Slim with piezo and mic imaging ? and synth access

**drbhrb** · 01-25-2015, 12:40 PM

Definitely the Godin Multiac. Skip the synth unless it happens to be on a model you like.

**Playerizor** · 01-25-2015, 12:44 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I'd like it to have some acoustic capability unplugged and I don't think the Godin Multiac can do that. Though it has so many other great qualities that I may consider it.

Thanks

**mr. beaumont** · 01-25-2015, 12:50 PM

The acoustic quality of the Godin is rather surprising.

that's unplugged.

**kris** · 01-25-2015, 01:01 PM

Jeff's Godin sounds really good...

**Chimera1to1** · 01-25-2015, 02:02 PM

The Cordoba ranges seem very attractive if you were leaning more towards a traditional guitar

**newsense** · 01-25-2015, 02:05 PM

The Yamaha NTX series fits your description. I'm very happy with my NTX700.

**Skip Ellis** · 01-25-2015, 03:17 PM

Cordoba GK Studio - I love mine -sounds good acoustically and has dual source pickup and built in tuner. Comes in cypress or 'negra'. Around $600-$700 at GC. Also, nut is something like 1-7/8" wide - very comfortable.

**medblues** · 01-25-2015, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

The acoustic quality of the Godin is rather surprising.

that's unplugged.

I also have this one and like it a lot but it has a 2 inch nut width. Slim model has a 1.715 inch nut width.

Here is one with detailed photos: Godin ACS-SA Slim - Natural | Sweetwater.com

**DRS** · 01-25-2015, 05:07 PM

I also like the Takamine EC132. It's discontinued but they sell used in the $500 range. Pick-up, cutaway.

**Chimera1to1** · 01-25-2015, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by Skip Ellis

Cordoba GK Studio - I love mine -sounds good acoustically and has dual source pickup and built in tuner. Comes in cypress or 'negra'. Around $600-$700 at GC. Also, nut is something like 1-7/8" wide - very comfortable.

Good call Skip,

These guys are probably a bit Eurotrash in looks but it nicely demonstrates the Cordoba's and the difference between the spruce and cedar tops. I'm not a fan of acoustic cedar but it sounds nice through the electrics.

**Doctor Jeff** · 01-26-2015, 10:17 AM

The Taylor nylon-string A/E's are IMO among the most comfortable to play and have a wonderful sound for jazz. They have a slightly narrow, gently radiused fretboard. The cheaper model weeks for around $850 IIRC.

One other thought - the Sadowsky nylon-string hybrid is like the Godin on steroids. An acquaintance of mine, ok, well, not a personal friend but he is from La Crosse, WI, and a super player to boot, is selling his on Reverb. At $2500 a heckuva deal. I have heard him play the Sadowsky, and it is marvelous.

**jazzimprov** · 01-26-2015, 11:43 AM

Godin Multiac ACS-SA Slim--Great axe

Great Neck quality..... fretting....etc.....

Highly recommended......

**drbhrb** · 01-26-2015, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

The acoustic quality of the Godin is rather surprising.

that's unplugged.

In the description of the video it says it is the electrified sound. The Multiac doesn't have much of an acoustic sound.

**mr. beaumont** · 01-26-2015, 12:13 PM

Try this.

Pretty similar actually...Like I said I find the acoustic volume pretty surprising...IMHO, about equivalent to a cheap laminate classical--obviously not intended to be an acoustic guitar, but more than enough for unamplified practice.

Godin makes a few models, I do not beleive they are all the same. Mine is the Grand Concert Duet Ambiance. I do beleive I have run across another slimmer body version that does not have the same unplugged volume.

**Frank67** · 01-26-2015, 02:17 PM

I had one of the multiacs with a slimmer body and narrower nutwidth. Couldn't bond with it - acoustically totally dead and plugged in piezo plinky, didn't like the D shaped neck. Ended up trading it in ... One day i'll have a nylon again, maybe a nylon archtop or Selmer ... Any experiences anyone?

**kris** · 01-26-2015, 02:55 PM

Attachment 17613
I/ve used few years Henneken Concerto arch-top guitar.
It was good for recordings.

**skykomishone** · 01-26-2015, 03:17 PM

Paul Meyers plays mainly nylon stringed guitar, and I believe he told me it was an early Alvarez, with a cutaway and oval hole, with electronics. I've never seen one like his. It (he) sure sounds great. He was playing with John Stowell, another incredible guitarist. They were both playing on nylon stringed guitars, electrified. Gave me GAS for one myself. Darn it anyway!

**kris** · 01-27-2015, 04:14 AM

I/ve got info from Paul Meyers today about his guitar:
"I’ve been playing a handmade classical guitar with a cutaway and a Barbera pickup.
It’s made by Matt Rubendall who lives in Brooklyn."

http://www.mattrubendall.com/

**I_88** · 11-25-2015, 09:22 PM

Hey folks!

Well now that almost 50% of my overall jazz practice is done on my classical guitar.. and its been like that for almost a year now..

So I'm just asking myself whether the folks here think that bebop works well on a classical/nylon or not? Since I hear the nylon sound more in Latin or smooth stuff..

And also would you think a classical guitar would work more for playing lines like say Wes?
or for solo guitar ala Joe Pass?

Thanks!