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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