Nylon String as Main Jazz Guitar

jeffstocksmusic · 03-15-2010, 12:55 PM

As the title explains, anyone use a nylon string as their main jazz guitar? Any thoughts on the transition from electric to nylon? Any thoughts on technique changes? Any thoughts on gear changes (amps, pedals, etc)?

I notice more guys are popping up using that as 'their' sound -- Lionel Loueke, Sylvian Luc, Mordy Ferber, etc. I have considered it because I dig the sound so much, but am just not sure I could replace my beloved tele. Just curious if others have gone this route.

**derek** · 03-16-2010, 11:36 AM

I have waited to post because I have not switched, and do not plan on it, but was curious also if anyone had. I do plan on getting another nylon stringed guitar at some point for bossa type stuff. I really dig the sound, particularly as a change up, but I really like the tone and attack I get with steel strings.

**mr. beaumont** · 03-16-2010, 01:20 PM

i've been playing around with a yamaha silent guitar for a few weeks now (recieved as a chairitable donation from our own NSJ--cool huh?) and my interest has been rekindled in nylon playing in general...

i don't think i could ever go all the way, though.

**whippersnapper** · 03-16-2010, 03:05 PM

I havn't, but I've been gassing for a decant nylon string for a while. I love playing chord melody stuff on 'em...

jeffstocksmusic · 03-16-2010, 03:12 PM

Thanks for the responses fellas. I have a plinky nylon that I noodle around with so I think that will have to suffice until I win the lotto. I dig it but I can't imagine having it as 'my sound', probably more of alternative. I just love my tele too much and don't think I could abandon it after all these years.

I admire people who can play them though. Lionel Loueke has been blowing my mind lately. Of course, he would probably sound great on just about any guitar....

**Bill C** · 03-16-2010, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by jeffstocksmusic

I admire people who can play them though. Lionel Loueke has been blowing my mind lately. Of course, he would probably sound great on just about any guitar....

Adam Rogers' nylon string playing is astonishingly good imo - although of course he plays other guitars too ...

**82Benedetto** · 03-16-2010, 10:26 PM

I've got a giannini 7 string classical....build quality is pretty much garbage. I'd stay away

**amusiathread** · 03-16-2010, 10:51 PM

Joe Pass' Unforgettable album was on a nylon string. He got some beautiful sounds on the album, but his technique was totally different (not better or worse, just different).

I find that one of my archtops (the Godin) has some very nice timbres in the middle register which resemble a classical. I play that guitar accordingly to highlight those qualities.

TommyD · 03-16-2010, 11:01 PM

Give Gene Bertoncini a call; he's in the NYC phone directory I think. He plays nylon strings nearly all the time. He's easy to talk to and will give you a ton of good advice, even a lesson if you want one. Very friendly guy, AND...he's one of the best.
About growing nails; it's not strictly necessary. If you play with your fingertips for long enough, the little callous gives the sound more edge. Not as bright as nails, but many like the sound better, and believe it or not, it's easier to control the characteristics of the sound. My $0.02.

Tommy/

**kris** · 03-17-2010, 04:50 AM

I use Framework guitar on my gigs.It is classic modern model.
It is great nylon strings jazz guitar.

**larry graves** · 03-17-2010, 04:38 PM

The nylon guitar being the mother of all guitars is bound to fascinate jazz guitarists. I find them hard to play-after my LP.and the necks punishment. Do they make them with less wood? I suppose you could get one made..

**BigDaddyLoveHandles** · 03-17-2010, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by larry graves

The nylon guitar being the mother of all guitars is bound to fascinate jazz guitarists. I find them hard to play-after my LP.and the necks punishment. Do they make them with less wood? I suppose you could get one made..

Have you checked out the Godin nylon string guitars? The ACS-SA Slim is just a little wider at the nut than their electric guitars.

**kris** · 03-18-2010, 02:55 AM

Frameworks guitar is made in Germany.It is hand made guitar with midi axe.It is realy great instrument with comfortable neck.No feedback,fast.

ABOUT FRAMEWORKS GUITARS
I played many nylon strings guitars...Gibson Chet Atkins,Takamine,Yamaha.I think Framework is really guitar for stage!
Regards
Kris

**larry graves** · 03-18-2010, 05:23 AM

I was thinking more along the lines of a traditional acoustic, with a slimmer neck [do they exist?] The Godin looks great ,I've always fancied the jazz multi. The frame guitar looks like it's been designed for the invisible man, looks cool though..

**kris** · 03-18-2010, 06:28 AM

Godin guitars have comfortable necks.
You can try new line of Yamaha acoustic nylon strings guitars-they are very interesting.
but think ...if you use it on live concerts -you can have problems with feedbacks .
Regards
Kris

jeffstocksmusic · 03-18-2010, 08:13 AM

I am considering saving my pennies for the Godin Slim to compliment my tele and acoustic. They aren't too pricey and have a good rep, plus the neck dimension is very close to a standard electric.

I'd love to have a Doolin like John Stowell's but I suspect the run about the same as a used car.

**kris** · 03-18-2010, 09:05 AM

Godin...yes- you can buy used for $500-$700.
John Stowell play Soloette guitar similar construction to Frameworks modern classic.
Jazzingly Yours
Kris
ps.
These guitars without the body are more simlilar in playing to electric guitars.

**paul Fagan** · 03-18-2010, 10:03 AM

Just recently purchased a telecoustic fender Squire which I converted to nylon strings. Works great, terrific tone and the neck is like a tele and the best part is it was around $400 aus or $350 US cheers Paul

**kris** · 03-18-2010, 11:15 AM

Paul,
What piezzo pick up do you use?
it is very interesting combination...
Regards
Kris

**larry graves** · 03-18-2010, 03:24 PM

Is it possible I wonder to convert a small bodied steel string, by changing the bridge to a nylon one- big risk I know, especially if it doesn't work.
I suppose it's possible to tie a knot in the string and test it with the pin first before the drastic action. Does this sound hairbrain or what?..

**kris** · 03-19-2010, 01:35 AM

I saw thinline tele body adopted to nylon strings with clasiccal bridge.
I do not know how it work....?
Regards
Kris

**Doctor Jeff** · 03-24-2010, 06:52 PM

I currently play an Alvarez AC60SC(~$650). I previously had an RC20SC but found the nut width too narrow for my fat fingers.

This is a great guitar that sounds good acoustic or electric. I think the piezo pickup is outstanding, as is the System 600 TMk II preamp. It has a typical fairly wide, flat fingerboard which is suitable for classical repertoire. However, if you only plan to play fingerstyle jazz or such you might find a "crossover" guitar like the RC20SC OK (~$450). The neck is fast and Fender-like.

The quality and appearance of both are fabulous. I don't think anything else less than $1000 can compete.

**dhoward** · 12-08-2010, 12:02 PM

I own a Beautiful FRAMEWORK Modern Classical MIDI model...But am thinking about selling!!! It is a killer electric nylon sound through a PA or amp. triggers MIDI ..I have used it very little midi but it track great. I used on one original Bossa 2 weeks ago in the studio..There are some you tube videos of Michael Powers

**Steve Z** · 12-08-2010, 12:15 PM

Here are a couple high end nylon string archtops that are very nice...

Ryan Thorells' "Gianina" nylon string archtop... http://www.thorellguitars.com

Daniel Slaman's "the Dome" Nylon String Archtop...
http://www.nylonstringjazzguitar.com

Cheers,
Steve

**brad4d8** · 12-08-2010, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by larry graves

Is it possible I wonder to convert a small bodied steel string, by changing the bridge to a nylon one- big risk I know, especially if it doesn't work.
I suppose it's possible to tie a knot in the string and test it with the pin first before the drastic action.

Several string companies make nylon strings with ball ends, however, because steel string guitars have heavier bracing and nylon strings don't impart as much energy, you're likely to have a guitar with a lot less volume than with steel strings. Try it, a set of ball end nylon strings would probably only cost $5-7.50 or so.
Brad