Classical Guitar Strings Comparison
Choosing the right strings can transform your guitar's voice. This comprehensive guide compares all major classical and flamenco guitar string brands available at XGuitars, helping you find the perfect match for your instrument and playing style.
Quick Comparison Overview
Use this table for a quick comparison of key characteristics across brands:
| Brand | Tone Character | Projection | Longevity | Price Range | Origin | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquila Nylgut | Warm, Gut-like | Moderate | Good | $$ | Italy | Period instruments, warm tone |
| Aranjuez | Balanced, Clear | Strong | Good | $$ | Germany | All-around players |
| Augustine | Traditional, Warm | Moderate | Average | $ | USA | Traditional classical tone |
| D'Addario | Bright, Versatile | Strong | Good | $ | USA | Versatility, consistency |
| Galli | Warm, Expressive | Strong | Good | $$ | Italy | Expressive playing |
| Hannabach | Rich, Full | Exceptional | Exceptional | $$$ | Germany | Concert performance |
| Knobloch | Brilliant, Clear | Exceptional | Exceptional | $$$ | Spain | Recording, concerts |
| La Bella | Traditional, Warm | Moderate | Good | $$ | USA | Traditional tone lovers |
| Oasis | Smooth, Balanced | Strong | Good | $$ | USA | Reduced finger squeak |
| Ramírez | Spanish, Authentic | Strong | Good | $$ | Spain | Spanish repertoire |
| Royal Classics | Warm, Traditional | Strong | Good | $–$$ | Spain | Flamenco, classical |
| Savarez | Bright, Precise | Exceptional | Exceptional | $$–$$$ | France | Clarity and articulation |
Price Range: $ = Budget-Friendly (under $10) | $$ = Mid-Range ($10–$18) | $$$ = Premium ($18+)
How to Choose the Right Strings
Consider Your Guitar
Different guitars respond better to different strings. Spruce-topped guitars often pair well with warmer strings (Augustine, La Bella, Aquila) that balance their natural brightness. Cedar-topped guitars frequently benefit from brighter strings (Savarez Alliance, Knobloch Carbon) that enhance clarity without becoming muddy.
Consider Your Playing Style
Concert performers often prefer high-projection strings like Savarez Alliance, Knobloch Actives, or Hannabach for maximum volume and clarity.
Recording artists may favor strings with minimal finger noise like Oasis GPX or Knobloch's double-silver basses.
Traditional players often gravitate toward Augustine, La Bella, or Ramírez for authentic, time-tested tone.
Flamenco players typically choose strings with bright attack and quick response from brands like Royal Classics, Hannabach Flamenco, or Savarez.
Consider Tension
High/Hard Tension: More volume and projection, firmer feel, requires more finger strength
Medium/Normal Tension: Balanced playability and projection, most versatile
Low/Light Tension: Easier on fingers, warmer tone, less volume
🎶 Classical Players: Start Here
Classical guitar strings need to deliver warmth, sustain, and tonal balance for everything from solo repertoire to ensemble playing. Your top wood and playing context should guide your choice:
- D'Addario Pro-Arté EJ45 — The industry standard. Consistent, affordable, and a great baseline to compare everything else against.
- Savarez 510AJ Alliance/Cantiga — Carbon trebles with warm Cantiga basses. A concert favorite for players wanting clarity and projection.
- Knobloch Actives — Exceptional clarity, minimal finger noise, and outstanding longevity. Available in nylon, carbon, and QZ treble options.
- Hannabach 815 Silver Special — Rich, full sound with legendary bass strings. A premium choice for serious players.
- Augustine Regal or Imperial — Classic nylon warmth that defined the traditional classical guitar sound for decades.
Not sure where to start? If you have a spruce-topped guitar, try warmer strings (Augustine, La Bella, Aquila). If you have a cedar-topped guitar, brighter strings (Savarez Alliance, Knobloch Carbon) often bring out the best clarity.
🎶 Flamenco Players: Start Here
Flamenco guitars demand strings with bright attack, quick response, and percussive snap for rasgueado, picado, and golpe techniques. Flamenco strings are typically lower in tension than classical strings to facilitate speed and allow the characteristic buzzy brightness of the flamenco sound. Here are the top options for flamenco:
- Hannabach 827 Flamenco — Available in MT and HT. Excellent snap and brightness with Hannabach's premium quality.
- La Bella 2001 Flamenco — Bright, traditional flamenco tone at a great price.
- Royal Classics Dynamic Carbon — Full carbon trebles deliver powerful projection for concert flamenco.
- Aranjuez 200 Spanish Silver — A longtime flamenco favorite, great value with authentic character.
- Savarez Alliance sets — Carbon trebles provide the cutting brightness many flamenco players love.
For more flamenco options, see the individual brand sections below — look for sets marked "Flamenco" in the Popular Sets.
Experimentation is Key
The best way to find your ideal strings is experimentation. Many players eventually settle on favorite combinations after trying different brands. Consider keeping notes on what you try and how each set performs on your specific guitar.
Aquila Nylgut
Country of Origin: Italy
Founded: 1990
Aquila is renowned for their innovative Nylgut material, which replicates the tonal qualities of genuine gut strings without the tuning instability and weather sensitivity. These strings offer a warm, complex tone with rich overtones that many players find reminiscent of historical instruments.
| Tone Character | Warm, complex, gut-like with rich overtones |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Nylgut (synthetic gut substitute) |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound on Nylgut core |
| Best For | Period instruments, baroque guitar, romantic repertoire, players seeking authentic gut-like tone |
| Considerations | Thicker gauge than standard nylon; may require nut adjustment on some guitars |
Popular Sets:
- Set 19C Alabastro Normal Tension: Warm, traditional tone with good projection
- Set 20C Alabastro High Tension: More volume and clarity for larger guitars
- Set 97C Alabastro Light Tension: Easier playability, great for beginners
Aranjuez
Country of Origin: Germany
Known For: Precision German engineering
Named after the famous Spanish town and Rodrigo's iconic concerto, Aranjuez strings are manufactured in Germany to exacting standards. They offer excellent balance between warmth and clarity, making them a reliable choice for players who want consistent performance across all registers.
| Tone Character | Balanced, clear with good warmth |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon and rectified nylon options |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | All-around use, players wanting consistent quality |
| Considerations | Excellent value for quality; good string life |
Popular Sets:
- Set 700 Concert Gold Low Tension: Premium line with exceptional clarity
- Set 300 Concert Silver Medium Tension: Balanced tone, reliable performance
- Set 400 Concert Silver High Tension: More projection and volume
- Set 200 Spanish Silver Low Tension: Traditional flamenco favorite, great value
Augustine
Country of Origin: USA
Founded: 1947
Legacy: The original nylon guitar string
Augustine holds a special place in classical guitar history as the company that collaborated with Andrés Segovia to create the first successful nylon guitar strings, replacing gut. Their strings offer a traditional, warm tone that has defined the classical guitar sound for generations.
| Tone Character | Traditional, warm, classic nylon sound |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon (various formulations) |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | Traditional classical sound, players seeking vintage tone |
| Considerations | Color-coded by tension (Blue, Red, Black, Imperial); easy to identify |
Popular Sets (by color/tension):
- Blue (High Tension): More volume and projection
- Red (Medium Tension): Balanced, most popular
- Imperial High / Imperial Medium: Premium line with crystal nylon trebles
- Regal High / Regal Medium: Blue trebles with red basses - best of both
D'Addario
Country of Origin: USA
Founded: 1974 (family string-making since 1680)
Known For: Innovation, consistency, wide variety
D'Addario is one of the world's largest string manufacturers, known for consistent quality and innovative products. Their Pro-Arté line is a staple in the classical guitar world, offering reliable performance at competitive prices with excellent availability.
| Tone Character | Bright, clear, versatile |
|---|---|
| Treble Options | Clear nylon, rectified nylon, composite (carbon) |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound; polished composite options |
| Best For | Versatility, consistent quality, students to professionals |
| Considerations | Wide range of tensions and materials; excellent value |
Popular Sets:
- Pro-Arté Normal (EJ45): Industry standard, clear nylon trebles
- Pro-Arté Hard (EJ46): Higher tension for more projection
- Pro-Arté Composite (EJ45C) / EJ46C: Carbon trebles for brightness
- Pro-Arté Lightly Polished (EJ45LP) / EJ46LP: Reduced finger noise, smooth feel
- Pro-Arté Dynacore (EJ45TT) / EJ46TT: Multifilament core basses, extended life
- Pro-Arté Dynacore/Carbon (EJ45FF) / EJ46FF: Carbon trebles with Dynacore basses
Galli
Country of Origin: Italy
Founded: 1890
Legacy: Over 130 years of string-making
Galli Strings represents over a century of Italian craftsmanship in string manufacturing. Their classical guitar strings are known for warm, expressive tones with excellent projection. The Genius line is particularly popular among players seeking musical expressiveness.
| Tone Character | Warm, expressive, musical |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon, titanium, carbon options |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound with Pro-Coated polymer |
| Best For | Expressive playing, romantic repertoire |
| Considerations | Excellent value; good string life |
Popular Sets:
- Genius Titanio (GR45) / GR40: Titanium trebles with warm basses
- Genius GR65 (Normal Tension): Balanced, versatile nylon
- Genius GR60 (High Tension): More projection and volume
- Genius Carbonio GR90 / GR95: Carbon trebles for brightness
Hannabach
Country of Origin: Germany
Founded: 1946
Known For: Premium quality, exceptional bass strings
Hannabach is revered among serious classical guitarists for their exceptional quality and rich tone. Their bass strings are particularly celebrated for depth and clarity. The company offers an extensive range of tensions and materials, allowing players to fine-tune their sound precisely.
| Tone Character | Rich, full, complex, excellent sustain |
|---|---|
| Treble Options | Clear nylon, carbon, Goldin (gold-colored nylon) |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated, gold-plated, and specialty wound |
| Best For | Concert performance, recording, serious players |
| Considerations | Premium pricing; extensive tension/material options |
Popular Sets:
- 815 Silver Special MT / HT / SLT: Classic Hannabach sound
- 825 Pure Gold MT / HT / LT: Gold-plated basses, warm and rich
- Goldin (725MHT): Unique gold-colored carbon trebles with warm, mellow tone
- Flamenco MT / HT: Snappy response for flamenco playing
Knobloch
Country of Origin: Spain
Known For: Double silver plating, exceptional clarity
Knobloch strings represent the pinnacle of Spanish craftsmanship. Their signature double silver plating process creates smoother playing surfaces with enhanced tonal clarity. These strings are favored by recording artists and concert performers for their exceptional projection and minimal finger noise.
| Tone Character | Brilliant, clear, exceptional projection |
|---|---|
| Treble Options | SN Nylon (sonorous), QZ Nylon (mellow), CX Carbon (brilliant) |
| Bass Material | Double silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | Recording, concert performance, players seeking clarity |
| Considerations | Premium quality; excellent longevity; reduced finger noise |
Popular Sets:
-
Actives CX Carbon: 400ADC / 300ADC / 500ADC
Brilliant trebles, clear basses - maximum projection -
Actives SN Nylon: 300ADN / 400ADN / 500ADN
Traditional sound with bright basses -
Actives QZ Nylon: 400ADQ / 300ADQ / 500ADQ
Mellow, round trebles with bright basses -
ERITHACUS EDC 34.0 / 33.5 / 34.5
Natural, warm, round sound - versatile
View detailed Knobloch string comparison →
Shop Knobloch Strings →La Bella
Country of Origin: USA
Founded: 1640 (oldest string maker in the world)
Legacy: Nearly 400 years of string-making tradition
La Bella is the world's oldest string manufacturer, with roots tracing back to 17th century Italy. Their classical guitar strings maintain traditional qualities while incorporating modern manufacturing precision. Many players appreciate their warm, authentic tone.
| Tone Character | Traditional, warm, smooth |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon, rectified options |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | Traditional tone seekers, players wanting smooth feel |
| Considerations | Historic brand; consistent manufacturing |
Popular Sets:
- 2001 Classical Medium Tension: Clear nylon, balanced and warm
- 2001 Classical Hard Tension: More projection for concert use
- Argento Medium Tension: Extra fine silver-plated basses, stunning projection
- 2001 Flamenco: Bright, snappy response for flamenco
Oasis
Country of Origin: USA
Known For: GPX coating technology, reduced finger noise
Oasis strings feature proprietary GPX (Graphite Performance Xtra) treatment that dramatically reduces finger squeak while extending string life. Players who struggle with unwanted string noise or record frequently particularly appreciate these strings.
| Tone Character | Smooth, balanced, reduced noise |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon, carbon options |
| Bass Material | GPX-treated silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | Recording, players sensitive to finger squeak, extended string life |
| Considerations | Darker appearance due to coating; minimal break-in period |
Popular Sets:
- GPX Carbon Normal Tension: Carbon trebles with GPX basses, smooth and balanced
- GPX Carbon High Tension: Bright carbon trebles with smooth basses, more projection
José Ramírez
Country of Origin: Spain
Founded: 1882 (guitar workshop)
Legacy: Legendary Spanish guitar maker's own strings
José Ramírez is one of the most storied names in classical guitar making, and their strings are designed to complement their instruments and the Spanish playing tradition. These strings offer authentic Spanish tone with excellent balance and musicality.
| Tone Character | Spanish, authentic, musical |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon, carbon 3rd option |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound with special coating |
| Best For | Spanish repertoire, Ramírez guitars, traditional sound |
| Considerations | Made to complement Spanish guitars; authentic voice |
Popular Sets:
- Hard Tension: More projection, traditional Spanish sound
- Medium Tension: Balanced playability and tone
- Hard Tension with Carbon 3rd: Enhanced G string clarity, installed on all Ramírez guitars sold in the U.S.
Royal Classics
Country of Origin: Spain
Known For: Spanish craftsmanship, excellent value
Royal Classics strings are made in Spain with attention to the traditional Spanish sound. They offer a range of sets for both classical and flamenco guitars, providing authentic tone at competitive prices.
| Tone Character | Warm, traditional Spanish tone |
|---|---|
| Treble Material | Clear nylon, carbon options |
| Bass Material | Silver-plated copper wound |
| Best For | Flamenco and classical players, Spanish repertoire |
| Considerations | Excellent value; authentic Spanish character |
Popular Sets:
- PR40 Preludio: Normal tension, excellent value for students
- RC10 Professional: High tension, superior quality for demanding soloists
- CNL40 JG Carbon Nylon: Carbon 2nd and 3rd strings for added brightness
- DC10 JG Dynamic Carbon: Full carbon trebles, excellent projection
Savarez
Country of Origin: France
Founded: 1770
Known For: Alliance carbon strings, innovation
Savarez is a historic French string maker famous for pioneering carbon (fluorocarbon) treble strings with their Alliance line. Their strings are known for exceptional clarity, precise intonation, and excellent projection, making them favorites among concert artists.
| Tone Character | Bright, precise, excellent clarity |
|---|---|
| Treble Options | Alliance (carbon), Cristal (clear nylon), New Cristal (rectified) |
| Bass Options | Corum, Cantiga, Cantiga Premium |
| Best For | Concert performance, recording, players seeking clarity and projection |
| Considerations | Many treble/bass combinations available; color-coded for easy identification |
Popular Sets:
- 500AJ Alliance/Corum: All high tension, maximum projection
- 500CJ Cristal/Corum (Blue): High tension, bright and powerful
- 500CR Cristal/Corum (Red): Normal tension, balanced
- 510AJ Alliance/Cantiga: Carbon trebles, warm basses - concert favorite
- 510AJP Alliance/Cantiga Premium: Enhanced bass response
- 510AR Alliance/Cantiga (Normal): Normal tension carbon trebles
- 510ARJ Alliance/Cantiga Mixed: Normal trebles, high basses
- 540J Alliance/HT Classic: Carbon trebles with high tension Classic basses
Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitar Strings
How often should I change my classical guitar strings?
Most players should change strings every 4–8 weeks with regular playing. If you play daily, you'll notice tone degradation sooner — the basses lose their brightness first, and trebles can develop intonation issues as they wear. Concert and recording guitarists often change strings more frequently, sometimes before every performance. If your strings feel sluggish, sound dull, or show visible discoloration on the basses, it's time for a fresh set.
What is the difference between carbon and nylon treble strings?
Nylon trebles (clear or rectified) produce a warm, round tone with good sustain and a smooth feel under the fingers — this is the traditional classical guitar sound. Carbon (fluorocarbon) trebles are thinner in diameter for the same pitch, which gives them a brighter, more projecting sound with faster attack and slightly less sustain. Carbon strings tend to last longer but can sound thin or harsh on guitars that are already bright. Many players find carbon trebles work beautifully on cedar-topped guitars, while nylon trebles complement spruce-topped instruments.
Can I use high tension strings on any classical guitar?
Most well-made classical guitars can handle high tension strings, but there are exceptions. Student-level guitars, vintage instruments, and guitars with very light bracing may not be designed for the extra pull of high tension strings and could develop issues over time (such as a raised action or, in extreme cases, bridge lifting). If you're unsure, check with your guitar's manufacturer or start with normal tension and work up. Also keep in mind that high tension isn't always "better" — it provides more volume and firmness, but normal tension often offers warmer tone and easier playability.
Why do my new strings sound out of tune?
New nylon strings stretch significantly during the first 24–72 hours after installation. This is completely normal. You'll need to retune frequently during this settling-in period. Carbon strings typically settle faster than nylon. To speed up the process, gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard at the 12th fret after installing, then retune. Repeat a few times. Strings that are still unstable after several days may indicate a winding or tuning machine issue.
What tension should a beginner choose?
Normal (medium) tension is the best starting point for most beginners. These strings offer a comfortable balance between playability and sound — they're easier on the fingers than high tension while still producing good volume. Light tension strings are even more forgiving and can be a great choice for younger players or those with hand/finger issues. As your technique develops and your hands strengthen, you can experiment with higher tensions if you want more projection.
Do strings sound different on spruce vs. cedar guitars?
Yes, and this is an important factor in string selection. Spruce-topped guitars tend to be brighter and more articulate, so they often pair well with warmer string choices (nylon trebles, traditional brands like Augustine or La Bella) that round out the sound. Cedar-topped guitars produce a naturally warmer, darker tone and can benefit from brighter strings (carbon trebles, Savarez Alliance, Knobloch CX) that add clarity and definition. That said, these are starting points — every guitar is unique, and experimentation is the only way to find your ideal match.
Can I mix trebles from one brand with basses from another?
Absolutely — this is a common practice among experienced players. Since treble and bass strings are made from entirely different materials, there's no technical compatibility issue. Many players find their ideal setup by pairing trebles from one brand with basses from another. Just try to keep the tension levels similar across both sets for a balanced feel. Contact us if you'd like suggestions for combinations that work well together.
Need personalized recommendations? Contact us and we'll help you find the perfect strings for your guitar and playing style.
Browse All Classical Guitar Strings →