Silk & Steel - or - Folk Nylon strings?

[rhh7]

I am just getting into serious practice on my acoustic, a Simon & Patrick parlor guitar.

I am trying to practice regularly and build up my fingers, but I find the regular acoustic strings very painful. Since my guitar is such a small body, I had the idea that it might be okay for me to use classical guitar type strings.

What are the pros and cons of the Silk & Steel vs. Folk Nylon. I am strictly interested in comfort and ease of play at this time, rather than volume.

Thanks a million!

[jefrs]

Beginners should always start on thick nylon but nylon are quite plunky, silk and steel are brighter. Any of the manouche gypsy-jazz strings or argentines, which are lighter than normal acoustic sets. Try regular classical strings, alternatively the Thomastik Classic-S which are steel rope.

[johnnykf]

I like the folk nylons on an old Harmony student classical I have in the parlor.

[rhh7]

Well I dropped my guitar off this morning for a free setup. I am having the Folk Nylon strings put on. Later, when my fingers are stronger, and my callouses are developed, I will go to the Silk & Steel.

Thanks!

[rhh7]

My guitar tech persuaded me to put on medium, 13-56 strings. Am I ever glad! The intonation is perfect, it sounds great, and my fingers are doing just fine!!

[zombywoof]

I like the Newtone Heritage strings which have reduced and more equalized tension than steel strings but more ooomph than the silk and steel.