Hi,

We purchased a Rocket C542 from you before Christmas for our daughter. She's coming on really well but it doesn't sound quite like a normal Acoustic. Would putting Steel Strings on this help it to sound brighter, or is it not possible?

Thanks

Brian

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Hi Brian,

Thanks for your email. 

I'm afraid the short answer to your question is no - simply because of the way the guitars are designed. On the diagram below I've highlighted with a red arrow the Truss Rod:

neck-assembly-lg.jpg

Possibly one of the most important pieces in the construction of Acoustic and Electric guitars, the Truss Rod is a metal bar that runs the length of the neck. It helps to counter-act the pull of the strings and keeps the neck from folding in on itself under pressure!

Crucially, however, a classical guitar does not use a Truss Rod in the neck, just because the tension created by Nylon Strings is very low so there's no need for it - this also partly explains why Classical guitars can be found cheaper than their acoustic counterparts. 

There's also the design of the bridge - Acoustic strings are usually pegged, Nylon strings are usually knotted -

classical_bridge.jpgAW_bridge.jpg

We also get asked if the vice versa can be done - Nylon Strings on an Acoustic guitar. This can be done, if you can find some ball ended strings for the pegs, but it does mean that there's much less tension on the neck than it's used to, so over time this can cause back-bowing and other problems, so it's not generally advised. 

If you would like any advice on a replacement Acoustic Guitar or what Strings are best, do contact our Sales Team.