Nylon fiber guitar string sound

AI Thread Summary
The sound of old nylon fiber guitar bass strings can become "livelier" and "brighter" after being loosened and retightened due to the removal of accumulated grime, which enhances the string's ability to vibrate freely and produce overtones. The discussion raises questions about whether this phenomenon is a psychological effect or a physical change in the string. Some participants suggest that the elasticity of the nylon strings may change after being stressed, potentially affecting sound quality. Clarification is sought regarding the term "base" versus "bass," particularly in relation to wound strings. Overall, the conversation explores the interplay between string maintenance and sound characteristics in nylon guitar strings.
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Why does the sound of an old nylon fiber guitar base string on the guitar become suddenly "livelier", or "brighter", after being loosened and then retightened back to its normal tuning?
 
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hmm ... loosening and re-tightening breaks loose accumulated finger crud so that the string can vibrate more freely, allowing more overtones??

Otherwise, I'm stumped! (I play steel strings, so I have no experience to draw on.)

Can you convince us this effect is not in your head? And by "base", did you mean "bass", as in wound strings? If this happened with the unwound strings it would be even more mysterious ...
 
I'm not sure about this specific case, but some polymers have a tendency to crystalize somewhat after being stressed. Could it be that the elasticity of the string has changed?
 

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