Acoustic and Electric String Tension Names Explained
An issue players face is how manufacturers across the globe name their gauges as tensions with such a wide range.
To simplify, tension names listed on our string filter are standardized to what most manufacturers use.
Acoustic strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 12-52 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
Electric strings for example, show "Light" as a standard 10-46 set. Then, + and - refer to thicker or thinner variations based on the standard set.
We believe that selecting the right diameters for your instruments and your playing style is VERY important. We hope that our precise categorization helps you filter your specific needs. If you are unsure what strings to purchase and would rather use a human player filter, don't hesitate to contact us.
Shop By Filter - How To
You can filter strings by either Full Sets or Single Strings. Classical strings offer additional filters for Bass Sets or Treble Sets.
Use the master filter in the header to shop all string products or the filter on any page to shop products from that page.
After you make your selection, the filter will display product results along with deeper filter options with a number count for each available.
After making selections, notice the black filter result tabs above the products. These show what criteria is being filtered, such as gauges or materials. You can X or delete these to remove a particular filter or remove all to reset.
Example: Let's say Mr. Smith would like to know all the possibilities for what he already plays, Acoustic Phosphor Bronze. He knows the first string is a .012 gauge and last string a .054. His budget is $9 max per set. While visiting the Acoustic Guitar Strings page or sitewide in our header:
- Select Product Type "Full Set" (page will refresh)
- Select Full Set # of Strings "6"
- Select Full Set Material "Phosphor Bronze"
- Select Full Set by 1st string gauge "0.012"
- Select Full Set by last string gauge "0.054"
- Input Max Price "9.00"
Once you click away out of price, you should see (at the time of writing this) 17 results across 8 manufacturers. Mr. Smith now has a nice collection of similar strings to compare and experiment with from different manufacturers. Follow this link to see the above result.
If you'd like help from our friendly human string filters, don't hesitate to contact us.
Aquila Classical Guitar Strings
(sorted by Newest first)
If you want the sound of traditional gut strings without their problems like unstable intonation and high cost, check out
classical guitar strings made by
Aquila Corde Harmoniche.
Aquila makes the majority of its strings from Nylgut, a high-tech synthetic material offering acoustic properties that are the closest you can get to those of gut strings.
Another Aquila innovation is Nylonplant, a variety of nylon that's 100 percent derived from sugar cane. Aquila says Nylonplant production reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 50%, so the strings are eco-friendly besides having a powerful, bright sound.
Here's a brief rundown of the classical guitar strings made by Aquila:
- Alabastro: All Nylgut , a synthetic alternative to natural gut
- Ambra 2000: Gut colored Nylgut trebles and Nylgut core basses
- Ambra 800: A synthetic version of the Gut and Silk 800 set (MT)
- Ambra 900: A synthetic version of the Gut and Silk 900 set (HT)
- Bionylon: Bionylon trebles with Nylgut core basses
- Perla: Bionylon trebles with Nylgut core basses
- Cristallo: Smooth crystal clear trebles and Nylgut core basses
- Granato: Dense material = thinner diameter but bright for Flamenco
- Rubino: Dense material = thinner diameter but bright for Classical
- Zaffiro: Nylonplant trebles (literally plant) and Supernylgut core basses
- 10 String Baroque: Classical guitar baroque tuning ABCDEADgbe
- 10 String Yepes: Classical guitar Yepes tuning F#G#A#CEADgbe
Pleases note that Aquila periodically makes changes to packaging, gauging, color, and formula without notice.
Read our guide on
Stringing a Classical Guitar to help you learn the technique.
Have a question about Aquila classical guitar strings? Call 800-513-8271 to talk with our friendly music, strings, and gear experts or contact them
online. They’re available Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EST.
And remember: On weekdays, international orders received by 7 a.m. EST and U.S. orders received by 3 p.m. EST ship the same day!