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Explore the Top 12 Classical Guitars for Aspiring Musicians |
If you're a lover of classical music and its captivating melodies, you must have been enticed by the enchanting sound of a well-played guitar. And what's better than owning your own classical guitar to bring those serene tunes to life? Dive into our enticing roundup of top-notch Classical Guitars, handpicked for their exceptional sound, craftsmanship, and versatility.
Whether you're a beginner eagerly embarking on your guitar-playing journey or a seasoned maestro seeking a new addition to your collection, our Classical Guitars article is packed with invaluable insights and product reviews. Let us guide you through the realm of classical music and help you find the perfect guitar to accompany you on your melodic adventures.
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I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Godin Classical II Electric Guitar from the Godin Collection line. As soon as I opened the package, I was blown away by the beautiful high-gloss finish and the sleek, understated appearance of this instrument. The luthier-grade solid cedar top combined with solid rosewood back and sides created a magnificent tone that resonated throughout the room.
Playing this guitar was a dream, as the neck felt smooth and comfortable, and the action was perfectly set. The 19 frets provided enough range for me to explore various chord progressions and melodies, while the 24" (609.6 mm) fingerboard radius allowed for easy access to the higher frets. The bridge and tailpiece were both made of rosewood, delivering an elegant and polished look.
One detail I particularly appreciated was the machine head ratio, which at 14:1, made it easy for me to tune the strings quickly and accurately. The guitar came with a set of. 0285 . 0327 . 0410 . 030 . 036 . 044 strings, which allowed for a rich and full-bodied sound that I found incredibly satisfying.
Overall, the Godin Collection Classical II Electric Guitar truly lives up to its top-of-the-line reputation with its stunning appearance and exquisite sound. While it may be a bit on the higher end in terms of price, the quality and craftsmanship make this guitar a worthy investment for any serious classical guitarist.
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Babilon Asturia Classical Guitar Natural, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. As a guitarist, I appreciate the balance between simplicity and complexity in a musical instrument, and this guitar definitely delivered. The wooden top of maple and cedar sides and back gave it a rich, warm tone that appealed to my musical sensibilities.
One of the standout features for me was the rosewood fretboard. It added a unique touch to the instrument, making it more comfortable and easy to play. However, I found the digital controls to be a bit limiting, as their volume and 4-channel EQ were not as intuitive as I would have liked.
Overall, this guitar is a solid choice for both beginning and advanced guitarists. Its combination of a beautiful wooden structure and the option to customize its sound with digital controls make it a versatile and enjoyable instrument to play.
The Godin Etude Natural Classical Guitar is an outstanding choice for students seeking a high-quality, affordable instrument. Featuring a solid cedar top, laminated cherry back, and mahogany neck, this guitar delivers a rich, harmonically-rich sound that outperforms its price point. Its light, responsive finish and 24-inch radiused fretboard make for easy playing, while the double-function truss rod system ensures stability and longevity.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Godin Etude Natural Classical Guitar is definitely worth considering.
The Godin Etude Clasica II, a charming addition to the world of classical electric guitars, draws attention with its full-sized body and rich, harmonious sound. With a responsive touch due to its custom polished finish, this guitar offers an impressive range of dynamics that rival guitars in a higher price bracket. Designed to cater to the needs of right-handed players, this 6-string instrument boasts a beautiful natural finish and features a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard.
This Canadian-made instrument is perfect for those who appreciate a classical-meets-electric sound, and its high-quality construction makes it a valuable addition to any guitar enthusiast's collection.
The Godin Motif Clasica II is a unique blend of the classic and contemporary, featuring a compact body inspired by parlor guitars from the past. Despite its diminutive size, this full-scale guitar boasts the same serious features as top-tier handcrafted instruments, making it suitable for professional guitarists.
Enjoy the warm, rich sound of a solid cedar top, complemented by a custom polished finish. As you play it more, the guitar will only improve, thanks to its dedication to providing that perfect blend of sound and quality.
Made with a mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard, this guitar is designed for right-handed players and utilizes six strings, all wrapped in nylon for that distinctive classical feel. The Motif is crafted in Canada, ensuring its high standard of craftsmanship, and is available with a cherry back and sides, giving it a stylish yet subtle flair.
Though it may be on the smaller side, the Godin Motif Clasica II is the full-scale instrument every guitarist has been waiting for, offering both comfort and serious sound in a beautifully designed package.
The Braincerebro J-Series Classical Guitar is a versatile instrument that effortlessly combines traditional design with modern functionality. As a reviewer, I've spent countless hours playing this guitar, crafting a myriad of chords and melodies that resonate through its advanced bracing system and rich, warm sound. Its select spruce top, along with its sapele back and sides, has provided a powerful acoustic presence that rivals even the most exquisite classical guitars.
One of the standout features of this instrument is its comfortable neck, which features a 25-inch scale length and slim profile. This makes for a playable experience on par with the finest classical guitars, ensuring hours of uninterrupted music-making. The Venetian-style cutaway, coupled with its sleek form, also grants easy access to the upper reaches of the fingerboard, making it a joy to practice and perform.
However, the Braincerebro J-Series also has a few drawbacks. For instance, the electronics system can be slightly temperamental, occasionally requiring extra attention to dial in the desired sound. Moreover, while its natural finish certainly lends a touch of elegance, it may not be as durable or resistant to damage as some of its counterparts.
Overall, despite its minor quirks, the Braincerebro J-Series Classical Guitar has provided an impressive playing experience for me, complete with a blend of natural warmth, exceptional craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art capabilities.
The Boroughs B20CNT Classical Guitar, natural model, is a delightful addition for any guitar enthusiast. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or an experienced player; this guitar provides the sweet melodies and the perfect playability you've been yearning for. When playing, you'll find the mahogany back and sides to be smooth and well-balanced with the spruce top, adding richness to the sound. The nylon strings also offer a softer pressing feeling, especially suitable for younger players or beginners. Boroughs focused on making this guitar comfortable and user-friendly for all players, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
In terms of design, Boroughs has created an extremely user-friendly guitar. The 3 in-line tuners are gold-plated and look elegant with their white pearl keys. The guitar is lightweight, which is great as it's easier to carry around, whether it's on the beach or to a campground. Despite its affordability, this guitar's construction is solid and the materials are of high quality. The Techwood fingerboard is environmentally friendly and resistant to the impact of heat and humidity.
However, the guitar could benefit from a bit of fine-tuning (such as adjusting the truss rod or smoothing the fret ends), which is to be expected even from more expensive guitars. It also wouldn't hurt to polish the frets initially to make them more comfortable for beginners. Overall, the Boroughs B20CNT Classical Guitar exceeds expectations with its affordability, playability, and beautiful appearance, making it a great choice for someone starting their journey with classical guitar or even for seasoned players who enjoy diversity in their music.
The Manuel Rodriguez Magistral F-C is a stunning piece of musical instrument craftsmanship. This acoustic guitar showcases intricate design elements, making it a sight to behold. Its eco-friendly finish, achieved through a water-based high-gloss process, adds to its allure, giving it a unique and captivating look. The top of the guitar is protected by a sprayed Shellac, which not only preserves the wood but also enhances the overall aesthetics.
The rich, deep sound produced by the classical guitar’s Rosewood Bridge Type Moreno 12-hole finish further complements its striking appearance. The instrument boasts Hanabach 815 HTC Silver-Special Carbon-trebles, offering a high-tension string option that caters to more advanced guitarists.
This 4/4 guitar caters to the full-sized guitar enthusiast, suitable for children above 12 years old and adults, with dimensions ranging from 96.5-104.4cm in length. Despite its relatively heavier weight of 8kg, the Manuel Rodriguez Magistral F-C offers both form and function, proving that even the most traditional of musical instruments can be modernized while maintaining their rich, authentic roots.
As a fellow guitar enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of playing the Ramirez Studio 2 - a classical guitar that truly stands out in its category. Its craftsmanship is evident from the moment you first lay your fingers on the solid cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides. The ebony fretboard and cedro neck provide a comfortable feel, allowing for smooth playing and precise intonation.
One standout feature is the 650mm scale length, offering a more comfortable reach for those with smaller hands or those transitioning from nylon-string instruments. However, the shorter scale may take some time to adjust for players accustomed to longer-scale steel-string guitars.
In terms of sound, the Ramirez Studio 2 delivers a rich, warm, and clear tone that's well-balanced and true to form. The guitar's classic finish enhances its overall appeal and durability, making it a worthy investment for any serious musician.
While this guitar has many pros, such as its excellent sound, comfortable playability, and high-quality materials, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. First, its price point may be a bit steep for some potential buyers. Second, the shorter scale length may require an adjustment period for some players.
Despite these minor cons, the Ramirez Studio 2 is an exceptional classical guitar that's worth the investment for those seeking a high-quality, versatile instrument for their studio or stage.
I recently tried the Alhambra Linea Profesional Classical Guitar, and I must say it was a game-changer for me. This guitar has a solid cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides, which gives it a warm, rich sound with excellent clarity. The cedar neck, reinforced with ebony, was shaped in an Ergoneck profile for ultimate comfort and playability. The asymmetric layout of the harmonic bars provided an adequate hardness and projection, perfect for a concert instrument.
Additional features include Schaller Grand Tune Classic tuners, a bone saddle, and a gloss nitro finish. The guitar felt balanced and well-crafted, making it easy to improve my skills as a musician. Despite its high price, I believe it's a worthwhile investment for any serious guitarist seeking reliability and comfort.
I recently got my hands on a Peavey CNS34 Classical Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, and let me tell you, it's a game changer for classical guitar enthusiasts. This guitar truly embodies the rich tonal resonance that Peavey's Delta Woods Series is known for. The tailored high-end appointments, coupled with the truss rods, make for a premium playability and durability experience.
One of the standout features of this guitar is the three-quarters body size, which makes it comfortable to hold and play. The linden (basswood) back and sides not only give it a classic look but also contribute to the guitar's natural resonance. I particularly appreciated the hand-carved body bracing, which enhances the tonal quality of the guitar.
Now, let's talk about the neck. It's simple yet strong, with an okume neck supported by a dual-action truss rod. While truss rods are not typically found in nylon string guitars, Peavey includes one to ensure durability and performance. The traditional C-shape, flat radius, and 19-fret rosewood fingerboard provide the tactile familiarity that classical-style players expect, while the ABS nut and saddle and sturdy rosewood bridge ensure stability and reliability.
At the slotted headstock, you'll find elegant gold tuning machines with mica buttons that make tuning a breeze. Plus, strap buttons are included for added playing comfort. Overall, the introduction of Classical Nylon String models has expanded Peavey's Delta Woods series in a welcomed stylistic way. The CNS models are built to last, with excellent playability, tone, and volume, inviting players to express themselves through fingerstyle flair.
The Carvin NS1 Classical Acoustic Guitar is a natural beauty, perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their musical endeavors. This guitar boasts a classic design with a rich, warm sound that transports you to a serene Spanish countryside. Built with a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, it offers a comfortable playing experience and a well-rounded tone.
It comes with a stylish case that protects your guitar during transportation and storage, ensuring it remains in top condition. One notable feature is the well-crafted, hand-tuned machine heads that make tuning a breeze. However, some users may find the slightly higher price point a drawback.
Overall, the Carvin NS1 Classical Acoustic Guitar is an exceptional choice for those seeking a timeless instrument with premium craftsmanship. Its unique features and rich sound make it a must-have for any aspiring or seasoned musician.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, it can be overwhelming to navigate the vast world of classical guitars. To make your journey more enjoyable and fruitful, we've put together this comprehensive buyer's guide to help you understand the essential features, considerations, and general advice for classical guitars.
Before diving into the features, it's crucial to know the basic types of classical guitars. The primary categories include nylon-string, steel-string, and electric guitars. Nylon-string guitars are the most common and generally considered the standard for classical guitar playing. Steel-string guitars are more similar to acoustic guitars, while electric guitars are meant for playing with amplifiers and are less common in classical settings.
When choosing a classical guitar, consider the following factors to make an informed decision. 1) Body shape: Classical guitars commonly have a concert or auditorium body shape, but other designs like the torres or concertino are available. 2) Sound and playability: A good classical guitar should produce a clear, vibrant tone and be comfortable to play. 3) Neck and fingerboard: Pay attention to the neck's width, profile, and materials, as well as the fingerboard's width and materials. 4) Construction: The quality of the wood and the way it's put together can greatly impact the sound and playability of the guitar.
Classical guitar prices can vary significantly, depending on the brand, materials, and craftsmanship. While it might be tempting to buy the cheapest option, remember that the saying "you get what you pay for" often rings true in musical instruments. Invest in a guitar that suits your budget but also offers good value, taking into account the instrument's longevity and the potential for future improvements.
When buying a classical guitar, researching the brand's reputation and track record can provide valuable insights. A well-respected manufacturer will likely produce guitars with consistent quality, excellent customer service, and a commitment to innovation and improvement. Some popular and reputable brands in classical guitars include Yamaha, Ibanez, and Blüthner.
Often referred to as a nylon-string or Spanish guitar, this acoustic instrument is distinguished by its thinner body and flat top. Crafted with six strings and either nylon or gut construction, they produce a rich, warm tone ideally suited for classical music, flamenco, and other acoustic genres. With a history spanning centuries and a versatile sound that appeals to both beginners and experienced players, classical guitars are renowned for their expressive and mellifluous nature.
One aspect that sets classical guitars apart is their slimmer, wider body, usually fashioned from wood like cedar or spruce. This design results in a distinctive tone that distinguishes them from steel-string guitars, offering a fuller, warmer sound. The nylon strings used also contribute to a softer, more forgiving experience, especially appealing to novice players or those with tender fingers.
Different from their steel-string counterparts, classical guitars have a thinner, wider body typically made of wood like cedar or spruce, creating a unique tone that's warmer and fuller. Nylon strings provide an additional advantage—their gentler nature on the hands and lighter, softer sound. Furthermore, nylon strings are less prone to rust, requiring less maintenance compared to steel strings.
There's a plethora of well-regarded classical guitar brands and models to choose from, with manufacturers like Yamaha, Cordoba, Taylor, Alvarez, and Martin leading the pack. Each brand offers a range of models at varying price points catering to different skill levels and budgets. Researching and trying out different models is key to finding the right fit for your playing style and needs.
Some standout models from reputable brands that deserve your attention are the Yamaha CGS100A Classical Guitar, the Cordoba C5-SP Classical Nylon-String Acoustic Guitar, the Taylor 114ce Solid Wood Cutaway Classical Guitar, and the Alvarez Artist Classical Series. Consider factors such as tone, playability, and build quality—additionally, personal preferences and budget should guide your decision.
Mastering the classical guitar can offer numerous benefits, including enhancing fine motor skills, increasing musical literacy, promoting self-discipline, improving hand-eye coordination, and fostering a sense of accomplishment—all crucial aspects of musical growth.
Moreover, the classical guitar is versatile, allowing players to explore diverse music styles beyond traditional classical repertoire. By learning this instrument, you're unlocking a wide range of musical possibilities. Plus, the foundational skills acquired can translate to playing other instruments and genres, making it a valuable learning experience for both beginners and experienced musicians.
To enhance your playing experience and protect your guitar, consider investing in essential accessories such as a high-quality guitar case, an adjustable guitar stand, instrument cables for connecting to amps or other devices, and a guitar humidifier to keep the wood from drying out.Additionally, high-quality guitar strings—common choices include nylon, gut, synthetics, or coated strings—will significantly impact the guitar's sound and playability. You may also want to purchase a set of replacement pegs and tuning machines, as they can wear over time and affect the instrument's tuning stability.
Diligent maintenance and care will ensure your classical guitar remains in optimal condition, prolonging its life and enhancing its performance. Key tasks include regular cleaning with a soft cloth or microfiber to prevent scratches, maintaining the appropriate humidity levels with a humidifier, and periodically inspecting and replacing worn components such as strings, pegs, and tuning machines.
To preserve your classical guitar, store it in a case or on a stand when not in use to shield it from dust, humidity, and potential damage. Proper maintenance paired with care creates a lasting, enjoyable playing experience.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualified purchases at no cost to you!