Thomastik-InfeldKR116 Classical Guitar Strings: Classic S Series Rope Core Set W/Nylon Tape Trebles E, B, G, D, A, E

Very different strings. Players either fall in love with them and don't want to play anything else, or they don't care for them and can't bear the price tag. They are expensive, but may be worth it. because if you like them there is nothing else like them on the market. I think these are made primarily for a nylon string guitar; they make a nylon string sound a "little" more like a steel string guitar. Stands to reason since they have very fine steel rope strands as the core. That said, it is still a much softer and mellower tone than any set of phosphor bronze or 80/20 strings. The strings are very low tension, I think about 90lbs total across the set, which is more like a set of medium-to-hard tension nylon strings; that compared to 130-160lbs and more from conventional steel string sets. So you should never put steel strings on a classical nylon string guitar, it will damage the top, may even rip the saddle off the top. Nylon string guitars are braced lighter and have thinner more delicate tops because they don't have as much string tension. But you can safely put these on the most delicate classical nylon string guitar -- that is the real intent of Thomastik-Infeld with these strings.Vice versa, the opposite is also true: nylon strings do not work on a standard acoustic guitar that is meant to have the tension of steel strings to move the top, however I have used these on my steel string acoustic guitars. It may require a little neck adjustment and though they may not have as much volume, they do work and give a nice mellow tone. What is surprising with the soft feel of the strings is that they have such good sustain and a wonderful low end from the bass strings. The tension from string to string is very balanced and they are a pleasure to play once you get used to the slack feeling of the strings. It feels a little like if you take a steel string acoustic and tune it down a full step or more. If you don't like that loose feeling, you won't like these strings. If you do, you will love them, because you'll get that loose feeling with your guitar up at concert pitch.These strings are good for older guitars that you would prefer not string up to the full tension of conventional steel strings, because you're afraid of damage. More than the sound of these strings, for a standard acoustic steel string guitar, you'll like how comfortable they are on the hands and fingers. If you have arthritis or any condition that has made playing acoustic guitar really rough on your hands, these strings may be just the ticket to keep you playing. Keep in mind they are going to feel loose and will have to learn to fret with a much lighter touch. To me, it's exactly like when a player of steel strings picks up a nylon string guitar for the first time.They are beautifully made strings, very unique, and as with many of the offerings from Thomastik-Infeld you may think, "I love these strings, I wish they weren't so damn expensive, but I love these strings."

The media could not be loaded. I have these on two guitars - a Yamaha NTX-700 (meant for nylon strings - a crossover) and a Martin 000-1, and both are tuned to open D, DADF#AD. In that tuning, the F# and treble A can clang like hammer on anvil if played aggressively - think John Fahey's sound. The strings sound great but very steel string, not nylon. But that is what I wanted. Again, a bit clangy on open trebles but the sound turns to pure glass as you go up the neck. They bend like a champ, they just do not ever squeak, but I've had to adjust a bit, loosening my left hand or I strangle fretted notes above a barre out of tune. They are soft as butter and a light touch is all that's needed. What you really want to know is what they sound like - see the attached video.In reading the specs for these strings and consulting D'Addario's website for their string tension chart, I'd say they weigh in about halfway between a medium and hi-tension set of nylons. They should be safe for all but the most lightly built classical guitars. I would expect a noticeable decline in volume if you replace a set of steel strings with these on a steel string guitar, but on the Martin they surprised me, and bring adequate volume from an already quiet guitar. If you are playing through an amplifier, none of this matters.If you watch the video, well, now you know what they sound like. These sound like steel strings. I cannot imagine anyone wanting them for classical guitar music, but if you have a classical, or a crossover like the Yamaha and want to get a more steely sound, wow, these were made for you.About the cost. The strings in the video have been on that guitar for over a year. When I put a set on the Martin two months back, the old ones on the Yamaha felt and sounded identical to the new ones. I would have run through several sets of phosphor bronze strings in that time, so versus "steel" strings, these expensive strings can be an good value.One caveat. I think the rope core in these strings is much more sensitive to tension than a solid steel wire core. The first time I put a set of these one I was using a powered string winder and over tightened the low E (well D in my open D tuning). As it came up to pitch, it shot past D, E and on up to about G before I could take my finger off the power switch, and the string broke. So, bring them up to pitch carefully, and do not over tighten. There have been a few complaints about this, but I know how it happened to me, I know it was my fault, and I have not repeated the problem.Once up to pitch, the new strings stretched out and settled very quickly, quicker than any others I have ever tried. I think that is consistent with my theory that rope core has very little give to it. Once in tune, they stay in tune.Compared to nylon strings, these need less room, and you may find you can lower your action quite a bit without fret buzz. They need just a hair more room than steel, so you might have to adjust you action a bit. Also the lower tension on a steel string guitar might allow the neck to lean back a bit, and give you even lower action and fret buzz. A tweak to loosen the truss rod adjustment should set this right.I love these strings as a replacement for steel, or if you want a steel sound from a nylon guitar. They are soft, easy on the fingers and hands. Fretting a note is almost as easy as just thinking about it. Your hands will thank you once you adjust to a much lower strength requirement. Buy lots of them please, so they keep making them.

These are strange and wonderful strings. Expensive, but lots and lots of tone, great feel, low tension, flat wound, and so far seem to last nearly forever, justifying their price.I am currently using these on a very old ladder-braced parlor guitar and they are excellent. Planning on trying them on other guitars soon.

These rope core Classical Guitar strings are strange in the best possible way. They feel and play like nylon strings but lend a bit of acoustic quality to the sound of a Classical or Nylon String guitar. That said, they are polarizing - players seem to either love them or hate them. I happen to love the way they sound and the way they feel.Fun fact, these flat/tape wound hybrid strings have a "rope core" - which is essentially a braided metal wire. Because of this, they work with magnet pickups as well as under-saddle Piezo pickups.