Classical Strings

How long do new nylon strings take to settle?

Quick Answer

New nylon strings usually need several days of playing and retuning before they hold pitch well. How long it takes depends on the strings, the guitar, how they were installed and how much you play.

Nylon stretches much more than steel after it's installed, so it's normal for a new set to drift flat over and over at first. The plain nylon trebles and the wound basses may also settle at different rates.

To help them settle:

  • Tune to pitch right after installing the set.
  • Gently stretch each string by lifting it slightly away from the fretboard along its length, then retune. Be gentle, especially with the trebles.
  • Keep playing and retuning over the next few days. Each time, the strings drift a little less.

If a string keeps slipping well after the others have settled, check the knot at the bridge and the wraps at the tuning roller. A loose knot can look like a string that won't stop stretching.

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