That's the Way It Crumbles, Cookie-Wise

[Nancy Hart]

"Miss Kubelik" (Shirley MacLaine) in The Apartment:

Just send her a fruitcake every Christmas, Boys:

 

[Nancy Hart]

It's not that I've become a GSS (guitar string snob). So far the only thing I can play on this new guitar is 8 bars of Deep River (at the same speed as the river).

It's that the G-string is clunky---it doesn't ring like the others. I learned that this is not uncommon because the 3rd (G) string is the fattest of the nylon strings. Sometimes it does not fit in its groove well. I don't want to start haphazardly filing out wider grooves. Found a whole set, all 6 different from the factory defaults, with a thinner 3rd string. These are also normal tension strings. The factory ones are high tension. The new 3rd string does sound better.

There was considerable apprehension involved in changing my very first guitar string. There are almost as many ways to tie knots as there are YouTube videos. I need to get up the courage to change the others now.

Savarez 510MRP Normal Tension Nylon Guitar String Set
Made in France and cost $16. You can pay as much as $65 for 6 strings, or as little as $5. Some people have tried fishing line.

 

[Faye 2.0]

It's not that I've become a GSS (guitar string snob). So far the only thing I can play on this new guitar is 8 bars of Deep River (at the same speed as the river).

It's that the G-string is clunky---it doesn't ring like the others. I learned that this is not uncommon because the 3rd (G) string is the fattest of the nylon strings. Sometimes it does not fit in its groove well. I don't want to start haphazardly filing out wider grooves. Found a whole set, all 6 different from the factory defaults, with a thinner 3rd string. These are also normal tension strings. The factory ones are high tension. The new 3rd string does sound better.

There was considerable apprehension involved in changing my very first guitar string. There are almost as many ways to tie knots as there are YouTube videos. I need to get up the courage to change the others now.

Savarez 510MRP Normal Tension Nylon Guitar String Set
Made in France and cost $16. You can pay as much as $65 for 6 strings, or as little as $5. Some people have tried fishing line.

Use D' Addario J45s. They last the longest and are very reasonably priced. Be very careful if you file out the nut. Keep the nut face flat or you may change intonation. I would suggest not messing with the nut or saddle unless you have an accurate metric ruler. Is your scale 650mm? That is most common. What is the make of your guitar? Is your bridge 6 hole or 12 hole? I have made 6 string nylon string guitars with both 6 and 12 hole. The 6 hole requires more wrapping. The thing about the 12 hole is the break angle is better and less likely to have buzz with a low action. The G string is less likely to slide on the saddle, which is what cause many G strings to sound dull. A 6 hole can be drilled out for 12 hole, but it is tricky and requires a hand made tool. Basically a drill bit on a long aluminum tube.

 

[Nancy Hart]

Hi Faye. Thanks for stopping by.

It is a Cordoba C5 Classical guitar with the cedar top. The specs say it's standard 650mm. The bridge has 6 holes. Love the wider neck. I chose Savarez simply because that's the brand of strings that came on it. I would never try to file out the nut, but I've watched numerous videos showing how to modify things. I did try some graphite in the nut groove. It didn't help.

I've watched several videos of people making guitars. It's impressive that you can do this.

I think the action is a little high at the high (pitch) end, but just right at the nut end. Can't seem to span more than 3 frets at the low end. I think I'm too old for that to ever change, so I modify some of the chords to just 2 notes. I love the sound on this thing when you do everything just right. I haven't gotten that far along yet.

I kind of wish I'd gotten the cut-out version, because I like the sound of the higher notes.

 

[Faye 2.0]

Cordoba is a quality factory made guitar. To test intonation, see if the harmonic at the 12th fret is centered over the fret. If not the saddle can be filed to correct this.

It will get easier to play as your hands get stronger and you build calluses. In time you will be able to play anywhere on the fingerboard. I haven't played in over a month. I must get back to regular practice and start building callouses again. The nylon string is best to learn and nice for either basic or advanced playing. Lots of videos on Youtube on how to play any style you like.

Also tabs for about any song you like can be found online. Learn to use your right hand (fingerpicking) and the possibilities are endless.

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