Buying Guide for the Best Guitar Classical
Choosing the right classical guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Classical guitars are known for their nylon strings and warm, mellow sound, making them ideal for classical music, flamenco, and other fingerstyle genres. When selecting a classical guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and needs.TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, particularly the top, back, and sides. This is important because different woods produce different sounds. For example, spruce tops are known for their bright and clear tone, while cedar tops offer a warmer, more mellow sound. If you prefer a brighter sound, go for spruce. If you like a warmer tone, cedar might be the better choice. The back and sides can be made from woods like rosewood, mahogany, or maple, each contributing to the overall sound and resonance of the guitar.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a classical guitar is typically wider than that of a steel-string acoustic guitar. This is important because it affects playability, especially for fingerstyle playing. A standard classical guitar neck is about 2 inches wide at the nut. If you have smaller hands, you might find a slightly narrower neck more comfortable. Conversely, if you have larger hands or prefer more space between the strings, a standard or even wider neck might be better for you.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the nut to the saddle and affects the tension and playability of the strings. Classical guitars usually have a scale length of around 650mm (25.6 inches). A longer scale length can provide more tension and a brighter tone, while a shorter scale length offers less tension and a warmer sound. If you prefer a brighter, more projecting sound, a longer scale length might be ideal. If you want a warmer, more relaxed tone, consider a shorter scale length.
String TypeClassical guitars use nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone. There are different types of nylon strings, such as normal tension, high tension, and extra high tension. Normal tension strings are easier to play and produce a softer sound, making them suitable for beginners. High tension strings offer more volume and a brighter tone, which might be preferred by more advanced players. Extra high tension strings provide even more volume and brightness but require more finger strength to play.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a classical guitar can affect both the sound and comfort of the instrument. Standard classical guitars have a full-size body, which provides a rich, full sound. However, there are also smaller-bodied classical guitars, such as 3/4 or 1/2 size, which are more comfortable for younger players or those with smaller frames. If you are an adult or have a larger frame, a full-size guitar will likely be the best choice. If you are buying for a child or have a smaller frame, consider a smaller-bodied guitar for better comfort and playability.
ActionAction refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. This is important because it affects playability and comfort. Lower action makes the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, as it requires less finger pressure to press down the strings. Higher action can produce a louder, clearer sound but may be more challenging to play. If you are a beginner or prefer easier playability, look for a guitar with lower action. If you are an advanced player seeking better sound projection, you might prefer higher action.
