So, in lockdown, I've found myself playing some old classical pieces on my 0-16NY (wide, classical-style flat fretboard) and really enjoying it. To the point where I've decided to buy my first classical guitar for 40+ years.
My last classical guitar was a £40 Yairi I bought from Ivor Mairant himself in 1970 at the tender age of 12. I played quite seriously at that age (RCM on Saturdays) and never even touched an electric until I was 17.
Budget is up to £750 if it knocks my socks off, but I'd be happier spending half that. I don't need a pickup nor will I be playing recitals - it's just for personal pleasure. I have a case to keep it in (at home, at least) if it doesn't come with one. I'm not against crossover guitars as long as the tone is good and the playing experience is right.
EDIT: One final thing or two - I'm very likely to prefer a cedar top to spruce for this one. Generally sound a bit smoother and I like the look. All my steel-strung acoustics are spruce tops, so I'd like a change. I'm not looking for a Flamenco guitar with its more robust top and less sweet tones.
OK, you classical players and acoustic specialists out there... What should I be looking at and why? I will be travelling to shops to audition instruments. Where would you recommend I should go?
Over to the might of tFB classical division... :-)
Comments
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Football is rubbish.
second hand classicals are often stupidly cheap, especially tradition non-cutaway models
Buy a Spanish brand, check the model against new prices. If you can get a £1500+ for £750, it should be just what you want. I have done this myself
Indeed. I've no idea what a good £1500 classical guitar vs a bad one would be, though. I'm totally out of touch in this market. What did you buy, out of interest?
If anyone can suggest a good guitar selling for £1500 brand new, I'd appreciate knowing so I can scope my search a bit better.
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/163406/fs-rodriguez-model-a-classical-as-new#latest
https://www.classicalguitar.co.uk/onlinestore/classical_guitars_guitars_above_1000.html
Raimundo, Almansa, Contreras, Ramirez (the Gibson/Fender of these names)
I suspect people buy a decent guitar, to learn from scratch, then give up
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nickelodeon-Spongebob-Squarepants-Model-SBJGOFT-Classical-Guitar/184372125442?hash=item2aed6f5f02:g:JrIAAOSwHr9fF3pS
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
https://reverb.com/uk/item/33197792-martinez-mscc-14-ovangkol?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=1726164661&merchant_id=112510346&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9b6m8N6Y6gIV1YBQBh0uGAmSEAQYAyABEgIQHvD_BwE
its been along time since I bought classical strings bit shocked at the cost £22 for Savarez high tension !
Apologies for double post!
a note to all - be careful if you buy carbon strings, they sound very good, but you need to tie them far more securely because they are very slippy, the clear strings can escape and damage the soundboard