The Feasibility of Using Nylon Strings on Electric Guitars
When it comes to electric guitars, using nylon strings can indeed be a viable option, but with some considerations. This article will explore the possibilities and limitations of using nylon strings on electric guitars, focusing on the need for specific types of pickups and the general advice for aspiring guitarists.
Can You Use Nylon Strings on an Electric Guitar?
Yes, you can use nylon strings on an electric guitar, but you will need a special type of pickup to make it work properly. Guitars like the ESP models come with both magnetic and piezo pickups, allowing you to use either metal or nylon strings seamlessly. However, not all electric guitars are built to accommodate nylon strings, and this raises some important points to consider.
Challenges with String Compatibility
Threading nylon strings through the tuning machines can be challenging, as the strings are softer and can be more prone to wobble. If you decide to proceed, you might need to be prepared for some difficulty in string setup. Many guitar players have faced this issue and have still managed to make it work, leading to a satisfying outcome. Feel free to experiment and share your findings with the community!
Why Not Normal Pickups?
The reason for the requirement of a piezo pickup is directly related to how the strings are designed to interact with the magnetic pickups on a typical electric guitar. Nylon strings do not behave well in this context. Magnetic pickups are built to detect the magnetic fields generated by the vibration of steel strings, which are perfectly suited for them. Nylon strings, on the other hand, would produce an unsatisfactory tone when used with such pickups.
Alternative Solutions: Acoustic/Electric Guitars with Nylon Strings
A better option would be to purchase an acoustic/electric guitar that is designed for use with nylon strings. These guitars often come with piezoelectric pickups or other features that allow for proper amplification. Using steel strings on such a guitar would be akin to using the wrong tool for the job and would likely result in suboptimal sound quality.
Guitar enthusiasts often enjoy playing a variety of guitars and exploring different sounds. If you’re just starting out, it might be worth considering such an acoustic/electric setup. For instance, we recently acquired an Ibanez with a thin cutaway body, a smooth narrow neck, and nylon strings. When amplified, it produced a fantastic sound—and at a reasonable price tag, it was obtained for $215 after some negotiations, including tax.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Strings designed specifically for classical guitars, such as nylon and nylon with metal cores, are not suitable for non-classical acoustic guitars, whether they have pickups or not. These strings are designed to work optimally with piezoelectric pickups or magnetic setups found in classical and acoustic/electric guitars but would not perform well on standard electric guitars with steel-string-friendly magnetic pickups.
If you do insist on trying nylon strings on your electric guitar, you might find a few challenges, especially with string threading. That being said, experimenting with different types of steel strings can be a great way to find one that suits your playing style. Without a well-trained ear, you might not notice significant differences between different types of steel strings, but there are many affordable options available to explore.
In summary, while it's possible to use nylon strings on an electric guitar, you’ll need a guitar equipped with a piezo pickup or an acoustic/electric guitar designed for nylon strings. Experimenting with both options can be a fun and enlightening experience for any guitarist.