Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Don Thompson on July 24, 2010 at 3:09pm

Nylons require a considerable break in time, no getting around it. Nature of the beast. One trick I have found that works for me is to over tighten the strings, one to two steps over your target pitch. Low C, tune up to E etc. Pull the string up periodically as you turn the tuner. Make sure the string is tight on it's post. Leave the instrument over night. Next day as needed, tune up a full step above. They will settle in and keep thier pitch well if your neck does not keep bowing.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on July 24, 2010 at 4:24pm

how many strings? scale length? thickness and orientation of the wood in the neck? I'm used popular (although I like other woods better) in up to 4 string 24" scale without a problem... I then to work with lighter gauge scale... like electric 9s or 10s, but still have good luck with popular.... "vertical grain" helps...

just some thoughts,

Wichtia Sam

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Permalink Reply by HENRY LOWMAN on July 24, 2010 at 6:17pm

Yes, and they WILL eventually settle in! CHEERS! (Post some tunage stat when they do!)

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Permalink Reply by Outhouse Instruments on July 25, 2010 at 12:52am

Yeah .... just keep tuning. I deal with it when I build ukes. If you keep at it ... a couple of days should be good.

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Larry McInnes on July 25, 2010 at 3:03am

I forgot to say that this is my first experience with nylon, but I guess you all figured that out. The scale is 25.5", three strings, 1"x2" piece of poplar. As far as orientation goes, I'm not sure what you mean, Sam.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on July 25, 2010 at 4:53pm

is the grain "vertical".... meaning the fine grain oriented so the it opposes the tension produced by the strings....

Larry McInnes said:

I forgot to say that this is my first experience with nylon, but I guess you all figured that out. The scale is 25.5", three strings, 1"x2" piece of poplar. As far as orientation goes, I'm not sure what you mean, Sam.

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Permalink Reply by Don Thompson on July 25, 2010 at 11:12pm

http://www.lutherie.net/frankford.runout.html
sometimes a careful search of boards in a stack will yield a piece of vertical grain wood. The grain resists bending. Also poplar varies widely in it's strength, some as soft as pine, others harder.

Larry McInnes said:

>I forgot to say that this is my first experience with nylon, but I guess you all figured that out. The scale is 25.5", three strings, 1"x2" piece of poplar. As far as orientation goes, I'm not sure what you mean, Sam.

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Permalink Reply by Wade on July 26, 2010 at 3:57pm

Yes, I would also recommend a shorter scale length if you want less tension on the neck.

Don Thompson said:

http://www.lutherie.net/frankford.runout.html
sometimes a careful search of boards in a stack will yield a piece of vertical grain wood. The grain resists bending. Also poplar varies widely in it's strength, some as soft as pine, others harder.

Larry McInnes said:

>I forgot to say that this is my first experience with nylon, but I guess you all figured that out. The scale is 25.5", three strings, 1"x2" piece of poplar. As far as orientation goes, I'm not sure what you mean, Sam.

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Permalink Reply by Larry McInnes on July 28, 2010 at 2:56pm

Ah. I get it. In my case, the grain of the neck is horizontal. And I'm willing to bet that it's leaning toward the softer end of the poplar continuum. Everything is making sense now. That said, the nylon strings seem to be reaching their equilibrium. They're sounding pretty good and they don't have that pesky screech when I use a slide. They are a little on the quiet side though.

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