• Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 15

Topic: Yamaha APX 5NA (nylon)

Hi All

I recently bought this guitar and am very pleased with it, I know its not top end quality but a Taylor would set me back three times what I paid for the Yamaha.

The action is quite low which is what attracted me to it and also the slimline neck, I am still progressing and am playing classical mostly at home and not through an amp.
My question is at the moment I am using normal tension strings but does anyone own one of these and use hard tension strings?, do you get any fret buzz and does the neck bow due to the extra tension, I use hard tension on other guitars but they are more solidly built.

Any advice would be truly appreciated.

Semi-acoustic

  • From: Jefferson, Oregon
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 22

Re: Yamaha APX 5NA (nylon)

The guitar you have was made for nylon strings. Heavier steel strings will usally bow the neck. I suggest when you need new strings, replace with nylon strings. Enjoy.

3 Reply by Stonebridge (edited by Stonebridge 2009-01-07 20:40:38)

  • From: Cardiff, Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2008-08-25
  • Posts: 182

Re: Yamaha APX 5NA (nylon)

Classical (nylon) strings are always under less tension than steel. That's the nature of nylon strings and classical guitars. It's probably not a good idea to put high tension strings on as the guitar is not built to withstand the extra force.
Fret buzz is more likely to occur with lower tension strings, as they vibrate with greater amplitude. Higher tension gives potentially less buzz.
On the other hand, lower tension strings are easier to fret as you require less finger pressure.
My advice is to stick with the strings you have.
I have put some Aquila "Alabastro" normal tension strings on my classical. These come in high and normal tension varieties.
Even the normal tension strings give a much harder/brighter sound (than nylon strings) and may be to your liking. They are made from a special compound (Nylgut) that makes them feel and sound more like gut strings. Of course, they are a little more expensive too!