Get Back to Your Roots with the Best Classic Guitar
Classical guitars, sometimes known as Spanish guitars, are popularly used in classical music and flamenco performances.
This type of guitar traditionally has nylon strings, which produce a delicate and mellow sound. In contrast to steel string guitars, classical guitars have a wider fingerboard and a flatter neck, enabling players to execute complex fingerpicking techniques with ease.
Most classical guitars feature a spruce or solid cedar top, while their back and sides are typically made of mahogany or rosewood. The bone nut and saddle of a classical guitar contribute to its high-quality sound, while the guitar's playing style is characterized by fingerpicking and strumming.
This article provides readers with an expert and detailed introduction to classical guitars, exploring their features, qualities, and usage in the music world.
Overview of Traditional Classical Guitars
The history of the classical guitar can be traced back to the 16th century. It was during this time that the instrument began to be developed and refined, slowly evolving into the instrument that we know and love today.
Initially, classical guitars were constructed using only wood, with the sound produced by the vibration of the strings being amplified by the hollow body of the guitar. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that pickups and amplifiers began to be used with classical guitars, allowing for live performances and recordings to be produced with greater ease.
The modern classical guitar is an instrument that is steeped in tradition, with many of the techniques, playing styles, and compositions that have been developed for the instrument being passed down from generation to generation.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the popularity and longevity of the classical guitar is its versatility. Steel string guitars produce a more bright and percussive sound, while the nylon strings of a classical guitar offer a much more mellow sound.
The result is that the classical guitar can be used in a wide range of musical genres, from classical music, to folk, flamenco, and even pop and rock music.
The standard classical guitar is typically made using solid cedar or mahogany for the top of the instrument, with the back and sides being made from a variety of woods including rosewood, maple, and mahogany.
The neck is also a key component of the instrument, and is typically made from solid mahogany or similar woods.
Over the years, classical guitarists have developed a wide range of playing styles and techniques, with many of the greatest players being recognized not only for their technical prowess but also for their interpretation of classical music.
Flamenco guitarists have also made significant contributions to the instrument, developing their own playing styles that are characterized by fast fingerwork and percussive strumming.
In conclusion, the traditional nylon string guitar is an instrument that has a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has undergone numerous changes and refinements since the classical guitar world, evolving into the versatile and highly respected instrument that we know today.
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Classical Guitars
When it comes to purchasing a classical guitar, there are several features and benefits that you should consider.
- Firstly, the type of guitar you are purchasing is important. A classical guitar, also known as a nylon string guitar, is specifically designed for classical players. This type of guitar produces a warm, superior tone that is perfect for playing classical music.
- Additionally, when searching for a classical guitar, it is important to consider the guitar's materials. Look for a guitar with a cedar or European spruce top for optimal sound quality. For the neck, a rosewood or Indian rosewood neck is ideal.
- Another feature to consider is the type of bracing on the guitar. Spanish-style fan bracing is the traditional choice for classical guitars, providing superior resonance and projection. Look for a guitar with high-quality bracing to ensure that you are getting the best possible sound.
- If you are a steel string acoustic player looking to expand your playing into classical styles, consider a crossover guitar. These guitars have a narrower neck than traditional classical instruments, making them easier to play for those accustomed to steel strings.
- In addition to traditional acoustic models, there are also acoustic-electric classical guitars available. These guitars include a pickup system, allowing them to be used in live performances and recording sessions.
- Lastly, price is an important factor to consider when purchasing a classical guitar. While high-end models can cost thousands of dollars, there are affordable options available that still provide excellent sound quality and playability.
In summary, when purchasing a classical guitar, consider the type of guitar, materials, bracing, playing style, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can find a quality guitar that is perfect for playing classical music and will provide you with years of enjoyment.
We've reviewed a few of our favorites in this article to help you find the ideal version of this classical instrument for you.
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
Why it Rocks
The Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar is a testament to Yamaha's commitment to providing musicians with cost-effective solutions that do not compromise on playability or tone.
At the core of the C40II's superb sound is a spruce top that provides a bright and clear tone. This is complemented by the meranti back and sides that give the guitar a warm tone and well-rounded sound. Together, these elements create a tone that is both expressive and versatile, making the C40II an excellent choice for a wide variety of musical styles.
The craftsmanship of the C40II is evident in every aspect of its design, from the compact body to the rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The care and attention to detail that goes into the construction of this instrument are what make it stand out from other models in its price range. This is a guitar that has been designed and built to last, with a level of durability that ensures it can withstand years of playing.
The Yamaha C40II is also incredibly comfortable to play, thanks to its scale and compact body. This makes it an ideal instrument for players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced musicians.
What Else
The gloss finish of the Yamaha C40II adds a touch of elegance to an already impressive instrument. It is a beautiful guitar that looks and sounds exceptional, making it a fantastic choice for those who want an instrument that is both high-quality and affordable.
The C40II is a real bargain, and any musician looking for a high-quality classical guitar at a wallet-friendly price should definitely consider adding it to their collection.
Taylor Academy 12-N
Why it Rocks
The Taylor Academy 12-N is a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and exceptional performance, all available at an accessible price.
The Grand Concert body style, coupled with a fatigue-reducing armrest, makes this guitar easy to play without experiencing any discomfort. Designed primarily for beginner to intermediate players, the Taylor Academy 12-N features a lightweight body that's also comfortable to hold and play for extended periods.
This nylon-string acoustic guitar is all about the details when it comes to the sound quality and playability. It boasts a genuine Lutz spruce top that offers superior tonal clarity and projection, a layer sapele back and side, which contributes to the overall resonance of the instrument.
The thin, tone-enhancing varnish finish gives it a sleek, modern look while helping to preserve the guitar's natural sound.
What Else
Players will appreciate the 17-fret ebony fingerboard on a mahogany neck providing excellent playability for both melodic and rhythmic playing.
The 1.875-inch nut width is ideal for fingerstyle players and delivers a consistent and accurate playing experience. Additionally, the TUSQ nut and saddle, ensuring excellent intonation and tuning stability.
The attention to detail in the Academy Series is further exemplified in the three-ring wood/fiber rosette and slot-head tuners with pearloid buttons.
This guitar is an exceptional value for the money, making the Taylor Academy 12-N an excellent choice for anyone in search of a genuine Taylor guitar at an affordable price.
Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway
Why it Rocks
The Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway is a flamenco guitar designed to meet the needs of professional players.
It features a solid European spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, making it a powerful and resonant instrument that can produce rich and complex tones.
Featuring a soft cutaway and Fishman PreFix ProBlend pickup, the guitar can be plugged into an amplifier or PA system, for stage performances where amplified sound is required.
Additionally, the guitar is constructed with a slightly thinner body depth, neck, and nut width than a traditional Spanish guitar. This design makes it more comfortable to play and allows for quick and easy hand transitions.
Another notable feature is the neck, which is designed to have little or no relief, offering low action for ease of comfort and quick playability. This is particularly useful for flamenco players who require a fast and responsive guitar.
The Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway is also known for its bassier and more robust tone, which is in contrast to the bright, snappy sound of ‘blanca’ flamenco guitars. This is achieved through the use of premium Savarez Cristal Corum strings and a rosewood bridge.
What Else
Moreover, the fingerboard is made of ebony, which is a dense and durable wood that provides excellent playability. The high gloss finish of the guitar adds to its overall aesthetic appeal, making it a beautiful instrument to look at as well as play.
In summary, the Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway is a top-of-the-line flamenco guitar that offers exceptional playability and sound quality.
Cordoba C7-CE
Why it Rocks
The Cordoba C7-CE is an exceptional instrument that combines excellent craftsmanship with state-of-the-art electronics to create a cutaway-electric nylon string guitar that is perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.
Crafted with a solid Canadian cedar top and rosewood back and sides, this guitar delivers a warm and well-balanced tone that is both rich and resonant.
The Fishman Presys Blend preamp is equipped with both an under-saddle pickup and an internal microphone, allowing you to achieve a highly customizable tone that can be tailored to your specific needs. The natural acoustic sound of the guitar is beautifully amplified, making it the perfect choice for playing on stage or in the studio.
In addition to its premium electronics, the Cordoba C7-CE is also equipped with traditional fan bracing, which contributes to its exceptional resonance and sustain. This bracing pattern also helps to balance the sound of the instrument across the entire frequency range, creating a smooth and even tone that is both lush and articulate.
What Else
Other premium features of the Cordoba C7-CE include a hand-inlaid wooden rosette, a two-way adjustable truss rod, and a sleek high-gloss PU finish. The on-board tuner is also a great addition, allowing you to easily tune the guitar on the fly without having to rely on external devices.
Overall, the Cordoba C7-CE is an excellent cutaway-electric nylon string guitar that delivers exceptional sound, versatility, and playability.
Taylor Academy 12e-N
Why it Rocks
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is a classical guitar that boasts a slim neck, ample string spacing, and a radiused fingerboard, all of which contribute to maximum comfort during playing.
The tapered waist of the Grand Concert body creates a classical guitar with wonderful articulation for fingerpicking, making it a top choice for any serious guitarist.
Aside from comfort, the Taylor Academy 12e-N also delivers outstanding balance and sustain, thanks to its resonant lutz spruce top, ebony fingerboard, maple neck, and ES-N electronics.
The built-in armrest is also a notable feature, as it softens the contact point between the player's arm and the guitar for more relaxed playing.
What Else
The 1.875-inch nut width of the Taylor Academy 12e-N provides a more relaxed string feel, perfect for long practice sessions or live performances. The guitar's design and features are all well-thought-out, providing players with a high level of expert craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Ultimately, the Taylor Academy 12e-N is an awesome classical guitar that offers exceptional playability, comfort, and tone, and is our overall favorite classical nylon strung guitar.
FAQs About Classical Guitars
What is a classical guitar?
A classical guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that is specifically designed for use in classical music genres. They generally have nylon strings and a wide-necked fingerboard.
Are there any differences between a classical guitar and a regular acoustic guitar?
Yes, there are several key differences. Classical guitars are typically smaller in size, have nylon strings instead of steel string acoustic strings, and are designed with a wider fretboard.
What is the difference between a nylon string guitar and a steel string guitar?
Nylon string guitars have a warmer and more mellow tone, are easier on the fingers, and are typically used for classical music genres.
A steel string guitar has a brighter and more piercing tone and are typically used for folk, rock, and other modern genres.
What are some important features to look for when buying a classical guitar?
Some important features include the type of wood used, the quality and shape of the fretboard, the type of bracing used, and the overall build quality and craftsmanship.
What is Spanish-style fan bracing and why is it important?
Spanish-style fan bracing is a type of internal support structure used in classical guitars. It helps to distribute the sound evenly across the guitar's soundboard, resulting in a more balanced and clear tone.
How can I find an affordable classical guitar?
There are many great options for affordable classical guitars on the market. Look for guitars made with laminate woods instead of solid wood, or consider purchasing a used guitar.
What is a crossover guitar?
A crossover guitar is a type of nylon-stringed guitar that is designed to be more versatile and flexible than a traditional classical guitar. It typically has a narrower fretboard and a cutaway design, making it easier to play modern styles of music.
Can I use a classical guitar for more than just classical music?
Absolutely! While classical guitars are primarily designed for use in classical music genres, they can also be used for a variety of other styles, such as fingerstyle, folk, and even flamenco music.
What is the difference between an acoustic and acoustic-electric classical guitar?
An acoustic-electric classical guitar is essentially an acoustic guitar that has been equipped with a pickup or microphone system, allowing it to be plugged into an amplifier or recording device.
What is the best nylon string guitar?
The "best" nylon string guitar is subjective and depends on personal preference, budget, and intended use.
However, there are many high-quality options on the market, and as a good place to start, many of the best nylon string guitars feature solid wood tops and a reputable brand name.
Summary of the Best Classical Guitars
In conclusion, classical guitars are versatile and well-loved instruments that continue to fascinate musicians and audiences alike.
With features such as mahogany or solid cedar top, as well as mahogany necks, classical guitars are designed to produce a warm, rich tone that is perfect for classical playing.
Although nylon string guitars are the traditional choice for classical players, steel string acoustics have become increasingly popular among typical steel string players due to their affordability and quality sound.
Additionally, acoustic electric models and crossover guitars offer even more options for musicians looking to explore different styles and genres.
Whether you are an experienced classical player or just starting to learn classical guitar, investing in a quality guitar is essential for achieving the best possible sound.
Here again are our favorites:
Best Budget Option: Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
Best Value for the Money: Taylor Academy 12-N
Best for Flamenco: Cordoba GK Pro Negra Cutaway
Best Acoustic-Electric: Cordoba C7-CE
Best Overall: Taylor Academy 12e-N
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