Interested in nylon string guitars

RichAC · February 2023

Hi all, I don’t venture into this sub-forum often as I’m primarily an electric guitarist. Nice to meet you all.

(This has turned into a long OP. Sorry. The TL;DR version is “I’m an electric guitarist GASsing for a classical”).

I’m on holiday at the moment, and Mrs C and I wandered into town for something to eat. As we enjoyed our food, we listened to a very good jazz trio playing out in the square. There was a drummer, and two guitarists playing classical guitars; one was comping very expensive chords and the other was playing lead. The lead player’s guitar had a cutaway and he was getting up the dusty end a lot - I couldn’t see very well, but I think he was playing with a pick. Both guitars were amped up somehow.

It all sounded fabulous, and I felt that familiar twinge of impending GAS, wondering if I’d get on with a classical. This coincides with me branching out musically a bit, getting more into chords and jazz comping and basically discovering life beyond the pentatonic scale. A classical might be nice for that stuff. I’m also a fan of Rodrigo y Gabriela, and I like the way Rodrigo plays his Spanish guitar as if it were an electric.

I’d probably want a cutaway, and even though I’d mostly be playing acoustically I’d want the option to plug it in if needed. I’d likely be playing with a pick, since I have no fingernails to speak of.

I’ve no idea what’s out there or what the minimum spend would be for something reasonably good (I’m thinking whatever the classical version of Epiphone is, rather than the classical version of Gibson).

I also think that the terms “Spanish”, “classical” and “nylon string” have nuances to them of which I am ignorant, so I’d welcome schooling on that score.

Grangousier · February 2023

You might need to throw the word "flamenco" in there as well.

(Although I play nylon-string a lot, I'm not enough of an expert to give advice. My favourite electro-acoustic nylon-string is an Ovation, for god's sake. Best to ignore me.)

Mellish · February 2023

Nylon strung (just like their steel string cousins) will go from inexpensive all the way up to scary.

I'd say pick a store and go try a few out.

Shadow · February 2023

Take a look at what Richard Smith can do with a nylon strung guitar.

maltingsaudio · February 2023

I would suggest a quick search of recent threads on this, my guess is your going to want a narrower neck than a standard classical. The other thing I have found on my journey is that it is surprising how good cheaper nylons sound in comparison to cheaper steel acoustics. I would also suggest if you want to get the best out of a nylon you try and grow your nails, the tone you get is far superior and nuanced

Open_G · February 2023

I played up to grade 5 classical and while I am by no means an expert in this I remember a few bits..

You will get a perfectly serviceable guitar in the £150 region, probably your local music store will stock a few, however it will lack a bit of volume and depth in comparison to spending more... A side by side comparison on my initial guitar showed the clarity and volume differences when I played my teachers guitar. If all my memories are still connecting properly there is no real thing as a recognised make of guitar particularly, its more about the makers. The general things that run through in steel strung acoustics will remain true- laminate vs solid etc, however expect a generally higher action that you would be used to. A quick check suggests you'll probably pay £700 odd for a electro classical, -many classical players will mic up over an electro..I'm guessing to save buying further instruments or hacking up their pride and joy. I saw the chap who recorded the morse theme in concert recently, and he was mic'd up through a 1x15 combo.

CountryDave · February 2023

I had an advert from Guitar Guitar today.
Takamine Classical @ £349.

viz · February 2023

I like a proper florentine cutaway (or as nesr to one as possible) so I love the Ibanez ae450, which is basically a nylon strung steve vai EP9, and the alvarez sc20rc (or is it rc20sc)

noirleblanc · February 2023

Ramirez 2cwe is a solid choice @RichAC ; . Serves me well for live and recording.

BillDL · February 2023

You might want to peruse the Córdoba "Fusion" (also referred to as "Crossover") range of cutaway electro-acoustic nylon string guitars, and the "Stage" model. They have a very shallow radius on the fretboard (16") and the nuts are 48mm wide, so a bit narrower than many standard "classical" guitars.

DavidR · February 2023

@BillDL is right. What you are looking for is currently referred to as a 'crossover'. Nylon stringed instrument with electrics and often a cutaway.

Depends on your price range (as ever!)

Yamaha NTX1 Electro Nylon String, Natural at Gear4music
Taylor 214ce-N Nylon String Electro Acoustic, Natural at Gear4music
Takamine TC135SC Includes Official Hard Case (projectmusic.net)

Hope you find what you want. :-)

P.S. Don't forget to look at Ovation Guitars - arguably the early adopters/initiators of this segment of the guitar spectrum.

jackio · February 2023

I’m wondering about getting the new Ibanez TOD10N as it looks like I could play it without missing strings as the nut width is closer to steel string guitars…

jackio · February 2023

Though do have a listen on YouTube to unamplified sound as it may not be what you’re wanting

JonnyBgoode · February 2023

RichAC said:

Hi all, I don’t venture into this sub-forum often as I’m primarily an electric guitarist. Nice to meet you all.

(This has turned into a long OP. Sorry. The TL;DR version is “I’m an electric guitarist GASsing for a classical”).

I’m on holiday at the moment, and Mrs C and I wandered into town for something to eat. As we enjoyed our food, we listened to a very good jazz trio playing out in the square. There was a drummer, and two guitarists playing classical guitars; one was comping very expensive chords and the other was playing lead. The lead player’s guitar had a cutaway and he was getting up the dusty end a lot - I couldn’t see very well, but I think he was playing with a pick. Both guitars were amped up somehow.

It all sounded fabulous, and I felt that familiar twinge of impending GAS, wondering if I’d get on with a classical. This coincides with me branching out musically a bit, getting more into chords and jazz comping and basically discovering life beyond the pentatonic scale. A classical might be nice for that stuff. I’m also a fan of Rodrigo y Gabriela, and I like the way Rodrigo plays his Spanish guitar as if it were an electric.

Rod and Gab play Yamaha NX guitars:
https://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/cl_guitars/nx/index.html

Solid workhorses, great at the top end of the range, but IMO there are nicer cheaper options..
I played a couple of their numbers when I was gigging (including on the street as a duo as it happens..)

Lots of choice these days for electro-classicals with cutaways and on board pickups. I agree with the earlier comment that a crossover guitar might suit you better as you might find a standard profile classical neck a bit like playing an ironing board.

Crossovers usually have thinner necks and also a radiused fingerboard. I bought an Alvarez in the classifieds here recently for under £300 that would be perfect for your needs (not selling it, just an idea of price.) Expect to pay about £500 new for something fairly decent.

Cordoba Fusion range def. worth checking out. Closing down sale here, be quick :-)
https://classical-guitars.plus/product/cordoba-12-natural-spruce-and-12-rose-crossover-classical-guitar/

RichAC · February 2023

Thanks for all the replies folks. Sorry for not replying until now (I’ve been enjoying a holiday!) Lots of food for thought. I’ll have to see if PNT Leeds has a good selection and get myself down there when ai get a chance.

GTC · February 2023

If you can find one, try one of the nylon-strung Furch models. They might suit you well as they have a 45mm nut width - but also, IMO, the best balanced sounding full-size crossover I've come across. They aren't cheap though.

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Interested in nylon string guitars

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