classical to steel string?

Hey there, I've been wondering for a while what mods it would take (and what problems would arise) to add steel strings on a classical guitar. I love the shape of the classical and love the sound of the normal steel guitars so this would be ideal for me (I'm only planning on doing this with a cheap but quality classical) but I don't know if I'd have to change the tuners, drill holes in the bridge (like the ones in a steel string for those little plastic things but ovations have the strings mounted on top(?)) and over all how to stop the thing imploding, warping or having the bridge just fly off (use ultra light stings?)

Any info and feedback will be welcomed.

Do not under any circumstances put steel or metal strings on a classical guitar.

The classical is a very lightly constructed instrument and not braced for the extra tension of metal strings. Steel or brass/bronze strings will permanently damage it .

Thomastic-Infeld Classic-S are steel-rope tops and silver on silk bass and are probably as heavy as a classic can take, their tension are similar to nylon strings. But these are perhaps intended for slightly heavier-built "folk" concert guitars rather than a concert classic.

If you want a better sound from your classical, try Aquila-Corde Nylgut.

It's that or get a small, light-bodied steel-strung acoustic.

Do not put steel strings on a classical guitar.

There are ample small bodied steel strung acoustics with slot headstocks available.

Just get something like this:

http://www.brightonguitars.co.uk/image/cache/data/products/tanglewood/TGRP-73-700x700.jpg

Steel strings will snap your classic in half.

Google 'Parlour guitars'. Parlor, for our American cousins.

Lots of choice.

You can probably fit steel strings if you're happy to sound like Duane Eddy all the time, because the guitar would break its neck or tear the bridge in half were you to bring them up to concert pitch.

"Grand concert" steel-string bodies are close to classical guitar size, although not identical.

Could be worth trying for the sake of science .

You will destroy the guitar.


You would be better off to sell it and put the money towards another guitar.

There is a reason there are nylon and steel string guitars. And no, they are not interchangable. Just get one of each. I love my nylon sound, and I love my steel string sound. They are different, comfortable old friends that get along quite well with each other.

Check out Manuel Barrueco - "Nylon and Steel" - a bit old, but really nice guitar work by many guitar celebrities...

i've gone off the idea for the now (might just do it for giggles later in life) i've found my ideal acoustic since posting this (guild concert) but thanks for the advice

Congrats on the new guitar! If you ever get that destructive feeling, buy you a cheap classical and string her up with some steel strings. Makes for a fine mess.