Nylon Strings roundup
The Best Nylon Strings for the Money
The nylon string market is competitive at every price point — here is a clear-eyed look at the sets that genuinely deliver, from reliable all-rounders to specialist choices for specific instruments and playing styles.
Nylon strings are not all the same, and the set that works best for your guitar may not match what everyone else recommends. The good news is that the market is genuinely competitive at every price point — you do not need to spend a fortune to get strings that perform well. Here is a practical guide to what actually earns its money.
D'Addario Pro-Arté: The Reliable Standard
If you want a safe starting point that works on almost every classical guitar, D'Addario Pro-Arté is the default recommendation. Consistent quality, a predictable feel across tension levels, easy availability and sensible pricing. The normal tension version is a genuine all-rounder. They are not the most characterful strings on the market — some players find them a touch neutral — but they are dependable, they settle reasonably quickly, and they do not demand anything unusual from the instrument. For players who want to focus on playing rather than experimenting, this is the place to start.
Savarez Alliance: Carbon Trebles at Their Best
Savarez Alliance strings use carbon fluorocarbon trebles combined with Savarez's wound bass strings. The trebles are bright, clear and immediate, with tuning stability from the first day rather than the gradual settling period of traditional nylon. They suit players who want more articulation in the upper register — particularly useful for early music, intricate counterpoint or anything that benefits from clear treble definition. The tension designations are Savarez's own, which are slightly different from other brands' normal/hard labels, so check the actual tension figures before matching to your instrument.
Hannabach 815: German Consistency
Hannabach 815 strings are a long-standing choice for players who prioritise balance between the trebles and bass strings. The wound basses are particularly well regarded — clear, warm and consistent across strings. Normal tension feels slightly firmer than some other brands' normal, which suits players who find standard-labelled strings too loose. They are not the cheapest option, but the quality-to-price ratio is strong and they hold up well under regular professional use. Hannabach also makes specialist and exotic-tension sets for specific instrument requirements.
Augustine Regal Blue: History in a Box
Augustine strings carry real historical weight — the brand is directly associated with the development of modern nylon guitar strings through Albert Augustine's work in the mid-20th century, undertaken in collaboration with Andrés Segovia. The Regal Blue set offers normal tension, smooth and consistent trebles, and a warm overall character. They are not fashionable in the way that carbon sets currently are, but they suit instruments that respond well to a softer, more traditional tonal profile. Worth trying if your guitar prefers a warmer voice.
La Bella 2001 Series: Warmth and Body
La Bella's 2001 series is a solid mid-range option with a notably warm tonal profile. The wound basses in particular have a full, round quality that suits instruments with a tendency toward brightness. Available in multiple tension options. La Bella has a long history in classical string making and the 2001 series represents reliable, well-balanced work. If you find D'Addario slightly clinical, La Bella is a natural next step to try.
A Word on Carbon Versus Nylon Trebles
The choice between carbon and traditional nylon trebles is a key factor when comparing nylon string sets:
| Feature | Traditional nylon trebles | Carbon/fluorocarbon trebles |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Warmer, rounder | Brighter, more immediate |
| Tuning stability | Takes days to settle | Stable from the first day |
| Feel | Soft, comfortable | Firmer, more defined |
| Best for | Romantic repertoire, warmer instruments | Baroque, contemporary, brighter instruments |
What to Spend
Fortunately, you do not need to pay top-of-market prices for genuinely good nylon strings. D'Addario Pro-Arté, La Bella and the standard Savarez ranges are all competitively priced and perform well. The more expensive sets — specialist Hannabach tension-specific strings, high-end Savarez composite sets — are meaningful upgrades for experienced players who know exactly what their instrument responds to. For most players, mid-range sets from a reputable brand represent the best value.
For a full breakdown of how to choose by tension, treble material and instrument type, the complete buyer's guide to nylon strings covers the decisions in detail. And if you need to know how to actually fit and set up your strings once you have chosen them, the setup guide for nylon strings has the step-by-step process.
The Bottom Line
D'Addario Pro-Arté is the safest general recommendation. Savarez Alliance is the go-to for carbon trebles. Hannabach 815 is the pick for players who value balanced consistency and well-made wound basses. Augustine Regal Blue suits instruments that prefer warmth. La Bella 2001 offers body and richness at a fair price. None of these nylon strings will let you down — the right choice is whichever suits your guitar's voice and your playing style. Try them methodically rather than chasing someone else's recommendation.
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