Recommend me a nylon string guitar

Roland

Scenario: I’ve recently started backing a female singer, doing lounge jazz. We want an acoustic vibe, so electric guitars are out. To begin with I’ve been using my Taylor 414, with the mk1 expression system, plugged into the PA.

I’m considering changing to a nylon string for some, or all, of the songs. Something that I can still plug into the PA. What’s should I be considering?

drofluf

I’m selling a Cort in the Classifieds...

ArchtopDave

Godin make nylon strung instruments with either a classical width fretboard, or with a thinner more radiused electric style fretboard. 

ArchtopDave

If you’re looking for something acoustic guitar looking, rather than my my electric suggestion above, then there’s the Yamaha NX Series of nylon strung guitars.

MichaelWatts

I use a Yamaha Silent nylon string for that kind of gig and I'm very happy with it. It goes straight into a fishman solo amp. 

richardhomer

I’ve got a Taylor NS32ce with (factory) Fishman electronics. They still make something similar - though I can’t remember the model number.

The neck is wider than a steel strung acoustic - but narrower than a classical guitar. The carve is brilliant, with lovely rolled fingerboard edges.

It isn’t the greatest sounding nylon string - but as a really playable ‘crossover’ - it’s superb.

They are rare in the used market - but if you can find one, highly recommended.

darcym

I got inspired by a nylon stringed acoustic after seeing Iron and Wine live, who not only made the nylon string cool, but had a great tone. I did some research and it's a taylor model went to play one (found the exact model and finish) and it was an exceptional guitar, there are lower end versions too, check out this info and see if any of this grabs you, but Taylor had a fine selection of nylon guitars that sounded great acoustically, great plugged in and played lovely. 
https://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/sam-beam

Whitecat

Takamine P3FCN. Feels way more like an electric than an acoustic and sounds fabulous when electrified (as most Taks do).

octatonic

Have you ever seriously played nylon string guitar?
If not then do yourself a massive favour and find an acoustic electric nylon with a narrow nut width.

Roland

octatonic said:

Have you ever seriously played nylon string guitar?

Yes.

octatonic

Roland said:

octatonic said:

Have you ever seriously played nylon string guitar?

Yes.

OK, Taylor 312CE-N if you have the budget.

If you don't then fit a piezo to a used nylon string that you like playing and use an external preamp pedal with EQ.
I've been using an API Tranzformer lately.
My nylon is a mid price Antonio Lorca that I've had for about 25 years.
I fitted a piezo back in '98 and it has been my main nylon string since then.
I mostly use it for teaching but I've done recording sessions with it, the odd bit of live.
I've never found acoustic electric nylon strings to be that great unless you are prepared to spend quite a bit.
YMMV.

maltingsaudio

Just bought one of these https://www.woodbrass.com/en-gb/classical-guitars-acoustic-electric-martinez-guitars-performer-mscc-14rs-psy-301-p260498.html

stunning machine including the sound port highly recommended 

ArchtopDave

maltingsaudio said:

Just bought one of these https://www.woodbrass.com/en-gb/classical-guitars-acoustic-electric-martinez-guitars-performer-mscc-14rs-psy-301-p260498.html

stunning machine including the sound port highly recommended 

That looks a very interesting guitar.

GTC

I've just discovered La Patrie (Godin's classical brand) after converting a right-handed parlour-size Motif to left-handed. I've been very impressed with the tone and playability - outperforming classicals I've played costing a lot more.  All  La Patries have a standard 650mm scale and a 50.4mm nut width but the 24" fretboard radius makes a big difference to a steel strung player. Most models are available with Godin Q1T electronics fitted.

There's also the Art and Lutherie (again Godin) Roadhouse Nylon parlour if you want a cool vintage look. It is basically the same as the Motif but has a stained bourbon-coloured solid cedar top.

icu81b4

Would you be interested in a Gibson Chet Atkins CE Nylon string guitar? - Not cheap mind! 

Roland

Not at this point thank you. We’re trying out a repertoire, testing songs and styles at open mic nights. For that type of venue I just want to turn up with one guitar. 

stephen.wood125

I've just bought this as a relatively cheap guitar that's very nicely put together. Becoming a big fan of Faith in general!
https://www.peachguitars.com/faith-lyra-nylon-string-higloss-cutaway-electro.htm

Edited to change merchant, in case you order one and it arrives covered in "QC passed swirls"

drofluf

stephen.wood125 said:

I've just bought this as a relatively cheap guitar that's very nicely put together. Becoming a big fan of Faith in general!

https://www.andertons.co.uk/faith-lyra-nylon-string-higloss-cutaway-electro-flcehg?gclid=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2Q5nphrx-M_e8YHyb30EAPSJeWv8urNN70uRzvC-M9PJo8yaGGTp9YaAuU5EALw_wcB

Was just about to make the same recommendation! Had mine for about a mont( now and it gets the most playing. Definitely worth considering. 

stephen.wood125

@drofluf nice man! Happy nearly new guitar day! Enjoy!

Greatape

richardhomer said:

I’ve got a Taylor NS32ce with (factory) Fishman electronics. They still make something similar - though I can’t remember the model number.

The neck is wider than a steel strung acoustic - but narrower than a classical guitar. The carve is brilliant, with lovely rolled fingerboard edges.

It isn’t the greatest sounding nylon string - but as a really playable ‘crossover’ - it’s superb.

They are rare in the used market - but if you can find one, highly recommended.

I have the NS42ce and I'd concur. They seem built for plugging in so they don't have the volume, brightness or dynamics of a typical classical. (Using the recommended D'addario carbon hard tension strings improved this). But it is a good guitar. 

The Godins are excellent for plugging in, and there's a lot of choice. That would be my choice for a jazz setting. 

Jalapeno

I'd also go for a Yamaha Silent N.

If money no object Sadowsky do a lovely custom nylon electric.