Which nylon-string/classical?

Bidley · December 2014

So I'm looking for a nylon strung classical job. I don't know much about these at all, but I know I want a smaller sized thing, like a parlour. I've got about £300 to spend, 2nd hand is (obviously) fine. What should I be looking at?

Bidley · December 2014

My bonus review was positive, so my budget is bigger now. I was looking at this;

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/classical_guitars_detail.asp?stock=12061817243632

What do we reckon? I'm looking for a slimmer neck profile too.

Nomad · December 2014

I think you have to go and try guitars. A while back, I went in with a budget of 200 quid to buy a replacement of the 3/4 Argos cheapy I had been using for a while. In the end, a 250 quid Almansa 401 was the choice - the extra 50 was worth paying for the amount of improvement over the sub-200 offerings. (And I managed to blag a gig bag for free.)

Bidley · December 2014

You're definitely right about needing to go out and try a few. I just need a bit of a steer and some extra wisdom. I know sweet FA about classicals! It'd just be nice to know what to watch out for, sorta thing.

beed84 · December 2014

This might help, it might not.

I decided to take up classical a year ago, and being in similar boat to you, knew nothing about classical guitars. I managed to stumble across one in the back of an antique shop for £35. An old japanese Antoria. Spruce top and laminated rosewood back and sides. It had a little repair done to the top but it sounded okay to my ears and I thought it'd do.

After a few lessons with my tutor who I'm well acquainted with, he passed comment how nice it sounded, and that I shouldn't need to get another for a couple of years when I've progressed. He also said it sounded better than some £200+ admiras. I almost ignored his advice and was about to plunge for an 1980s all solid Admira for £400 that popped up in my local music shop. It did sound really nice but there wasn't much in it.

Since my moment of weakness, I've been happy with what I have. My tutor continues to make positive remarks and that there's "really, no need to buy another guitar." The guys at my local classical guitar society have all complemented its sound too. I've also noticed that tone improves along with improved technique, that's something to bear in mind.

What's the point in me telling you all this? Having £300+ is a great budget to have, but a lot of that could be frittered away needlessly. In that price range, I can't imagine much of a difference in quality alongside something cheaper. Perhaps I got lucky, but I reckon there are similar bargains to be had on eBay.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

EDIT: I've spotted these. The first one is very similar to what I have.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331407163518?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

and

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161512115713?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Bidley · December 2014

Thanks for that @beed84

I do have a classical, it was my granddad's so it's more of a sentimental thing. It's a Hondo II I think, but it needs work. I'll try giving it some TLC and go from there

beed84 · December 2014

No problem. I hope I've helped. And to add to my previous post, I tried a brand new Chinese Yamaha "Concert" model the other day, just out of interest. It cost £750, and really, there wasn't much to separate from what I already have. I honestly believe you have to be spending over the £1000 mark to start noticing any discernible difference, and from the £3000 mark to have something that is of genuine concert standard. The quality of construction makes the difference. Since looking at top luthier websites, I've realised it's a massively complicated process constructing a quality classical guitar. Much more to it than just sticking wood together with glue!

But yes, work with your granddad's Hondo II and see how you get on from there. If you can save yourself money that could be used elsewhere, then that's a good thing.

Out of curiosity, are you learning to play classical or do you just want the classical sound?

Bidley · December 2014

Yes dude, that's definitely helpful. Certainly put things into perspective.

I'm learning a lot of classical with my guitar teacher, and I find most of the stuff a lot easier with a classical guitar. The wide neck and the feel of the strings are a lot more forgiving. The classical sound is a big bonus too.

tonyrath · December 2014

The classical guitar is based on a standard neck size Smaller guitar are for children and tend to sound cheap. I would wonder about spending £300 or so on something you knew nothing about

Nylon strung guitars are used for folk - classical - jazz - flamenco and latin american music

Technique is at least as important as the quality of the instrument. You need to go to a specialist to get

the best for your needs

Bidley · December 2014

tonyrath said:

The classical guitar is based on a standard neck size Smaller guitar are for children and tend to sound cheap. I would wonder about spending £300 or so on something you knew nothing about

Which was kind of the point of asking here.

tonyrath · December 2014

Bidley you can get plenty of advice about what to buy BUT you need to get lessons or go and talk to someone face to face about classical guitar technique and how to get the best sound out of an instrument

£300 for a used model could get you something quite good for a starter but it needs to be played properly

A guy who has lessons off me spent over £1500 on his guitar and is only just getting the fingers to work properly It is a different technique

beed84 · December 2014

tonyrath said:
£300 for a used model could get you something quite good for a starter but it needs to be played properly
A guy who has lessons off me spent over £1500 on his guitar and is only just getting the fingers to work properly It is a different technique

Wis'd.

Get good first, then look at guitars. You'll appreciate the transition and difference much more.

Bidley · December 2014

tonyrath said:

Bidley you can get plenty of advice about what to buy BUT you need to get lessons or go and talk to someone face to face about classical guitar technique and how to get the best sound out of an instrument

I am doing a lot of classical stuff with my teacher, as I posted before, so there's no worries there. I just wanted a steer on something playable/half-decent to use.

I appreciate it may look like I just want to throw money at a classical guitar for the sake of it (and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a certain degree of that), but there is some kind of reason behind it

you're preaching to the converted!

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Which nylon-string/classical?

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