Strings for little guitar?

Subject: Strings for little guitar?
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 04:57 AM

I am currently doing a lot of work with music for young refugees, and have got a little guitar for the littluns to play. It's called a Kapok and the string length(nut to bridge) is 21 1/2 inches. I want to know whether steel strings are OK, or whether it should be nylon (the neck is already up a bit). And what gauge should I use? I'd like to be in normal tuning for compatibity with other people playing guitars. But if it ought to be tuned higher because it's small, how much higher? Would be very grateful for any advice.

Subject: RE: Strings for little guitar?
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 05:11 AM

I'm pretty sure that all Kapok guitars are 'classical' and you should use nylon strings.

The eaisiest way to check is to see if there is a 'truss rod' running up the neck. If there isn't never use steel strings on the instrument.

Basically, shorter scale lengths = thicker strings. For 22 1/2, I'd have thought that a 'heavy' set of nylon strings tuned to standard would be fine.

Ian

Subject: RE: Strings for little guitar?
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 06:47 AM

Mudcat efficient as usual: quarter of an hour and your questions answered. Thanks very much Ian, I'll give it a try.

Subject: RE: Strings for little guitar?
From: Grab
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 10:39 AM

If the kids are young and only have small hands, you might want to use normal gauge strings - they'll then be under less tension and will be easier for the kids to play.

Don't *ever* give a beginner steel strings to play on - the strings will cut their fingertips to shreds. Doubly so for kids, who'll have thinner skin on their hands. Much better to start with nylon strings - these will still be a bit painful on the fingers after playing for a while, but they won't actually damage the kids' fingers unless they're playing for like hours at a time.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Strings for little guitar?
From: greg stephens
Date: 25 Jun 02 - 10:52 AM

I learnt on steel strings,made me the man I am today.Still got the scars to prove it. You couldnt go around singing Leadbelly songs with a nylon guitar could you? Talk about cissy.