The Benefits of Carbon Strings

I have a confession to make: when carbon composite strings first became available, I ordered some on a whim. I visualized slick, black trebles of tightly woven carbon fiber, strings so tough that they might dull a hacksaw blade trying to cut through one. Black, high-tech, and industrial strength were the operatives in my visual vocabulary.

Then the set came.

Nothing fancy, no black, certainly nothing high-tech about their appearance. With my vision of some high-tech panaceum totally shattered, I tossed the set aside, never to be used.

Fast forward a couple of years. I now have carbons on several of my favorite guitars, and I really like them! Nothing has changed. Carbon strings are still the same design that I tossed in the corner years ago. So, what made me change my mind?

My knowledge. As I learned more about what carbon classical guitar strings are and what they can do for certain instruments, I realized what potential that they can have.

So what are carbon strings, anyway?

First, they are not carbon, but rather a special polymer called polyvinylidine fluoride (PVFD) also known as fluorocarbon. String manufacturers commonly refer to them as “carbon” though interestingly enough, carbon trebles are really nothing more than glorified fishing line. Now that’s not to suggest that the same PVFD stock that is used to catch that big lunker fish is cut and packaged for use on your classical or romantic guitar.

What makes these “carbon” strings so special is carbon/fluorocarbon strings have physical qualities that very closely approximate those of gut. If you’ve had any experience with gut strings, you know that while they sound great and set the standard for sound quality, they are extremely temperamental. They are sensitive to both temperature and humidity changes and fray or chafe very easily (fingernail action is especially hard on them). Thus, they pose a real challenge for any guitarist.

Fluorocarbon strings, like gut, are very dense and hard, and are able to produce an extremely bright sound for live performances. They project very well too! However, they can fall short in the studio because they don’t have the warmth and tonal character commonly found in their nylon counterparts. Compared to nylons, carbons can be a bit harder on the fingers, and require perhaps a bit more work on your part to get the most out of them sound-wise.

So how do you choose?

RULES OF THUMB: Carbons are great for the stage, while nylons are best for the studio. Looking for power and projection? Carbons are your best bet. Need to give your hands a break? Stick with nylon.

So there’s your crash course in classical carbon guitar string technology, and at least some basic criteria for choosing the appropriate string. Almost all of the brands we carry on our site offer a carbon option. Browse around…and feel free to give us a call, email us, or open a chat with us. We’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.