An
Unabridged Guide to Classical
Guitars
What is
a Classical Guitar
Classical
guitars are also called "nylon
string guitars" and are of
Spanish origin. They can be
recognized by certain
characteristics such as their
modern shape, nylon strings, and
by how they are played - usually
with fingers or fingernails
instead of a pick.
A classical
guitar is not limited to
classical music as the name
implies. It can also be played
with other styles of music
including jazz, folk, and
flamenco. The sound of this type
of guitar is produced the same
way as a modern-day acoustic
guitar - through the vibration of
strings.
The guitar
transmits the vibrations to the
sound board through the saddle
and bridge. The quality of the
strings, sound board, saddle, and
bridge can greatly affect the
sound of a guitar. Cheap
materials and/or poor
construction often result in a
poor sound.
Differences
between Classical and
Steel-Stringed
Guitars
The
classical guitar differs from the
steel-stringed acoustic guitar in
several ways. It has nylon guitar
strings instead of steel strings
with low string tension, and
nylon strings are much easier on
the fingers. It has a wide
fingerboard, which gives more
room for finger playing.
The strings
are longer to enhance the bass
sounds. The body of the classic
guitar is lightweight, easier to
hold, and smaller than many
steel-stringed acoustic designs.
There are even specially designed
guitars for backpacks, such as
the Martin guitars backpacking
series, which has a very skinny
body for the perfect
fit!
The steel
string guitar is used more for
pick playing and has a slimmer
neck with the strings closer
together. Playing a steel string
guitar will require patience -
and a little pain - as the
fingers get use to it. It usually
takes a few weeks of practice to
develop calluses on the
fingers.
Buying a
Classical Guitar
When buying
a classical guitar, consider your
goals for owning a guitar. What
type of music will you play and
how often? If you want a guitar
for mere casual enjoyment, then
buy an inexpensive guitar.
If you need
the instrument to be amplified
for concert playing, then an
acoustic-electric option would be
helpful. Find a reputable musical
instrument dealer, preferably one
that specializes in classic
guitars.
A dealer
that specializes will usually
carry a larger selection of the
type of guitar you want at all
price ranges.
Play the
Guitar Before You
Buy
Try out the
guitar before buying. Make sure
the size is just right for you.
Also, consider the feel of the
strings and the sound. If
possible, take someone with you
so they can play it as you
listen.
This will
allow you to judge the sound
objectively. Consider the timbre,
or tone color, the bass notes,
the treble notes, the neck shape
and thickness, and the string
height above the
fingerboard.
How Was
It Made?
Also
consider the workmanship of the
classical guitar. Is the wood of
fine quality? What about the
binding, the finish, and the
polish and seating of the frets?
Do the heads turn smoothly for
easy pitch control? Even a
cheaper factory model should have
a great sound though it may be
lacking in areas of
quality.
Classical
Guitar Prices
At the time
of this writing, pricing for a
classical guitar is ranging
anywhere from $150 up to $20,000.
This is a fairly broad spectrum,
but as with any product, you get
what you pay for. So choose
wisely.
Look for
classical guitars online or check
with a local dealer to find one
that's right for you. You can
also use online resources to find
great classical guitar sheet
music, nylon guitar strings,
guitar stands, and other guitar
accessories at reasonable
prices.
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More
Musical Info about
Guitars
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Finding
Acoustic
Guitars
- Searching for and
finding an acoustic
guitar doesn't have to
be difficult when you
know what you are
looking
for.
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Playing
Acoustic
Guitars
- Buying an acoustic
guitar and playing one
are two totally
different things but
here you will learn some
basics of guitar playing
that will follow you
through a lifetime of
music.
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