starting classical guitar class...what to do

[godofmetalguita]

I'll be starting classical guitar class at my community college, and will probably need another guitar.

 

At this point i have a bunch of electrics, and a 12-string seagull cedar top acoustic. I think the 12 sounds great, but it probably wouldnt be the best thing for classical guitar class. So i have been looking at some guitars in a low priced "student" range. I was wondering what the best sub-$300 classical guitar is. It doesnt HAVE to be nylon or classical even, what are some good acoustics around that range. I've been looking at like deans, washburns, la patries, etc, but i'm not quite sure what i like the best in that price range. There's not a lot to choose from around here as far as acoustics go unless i special order...

[Whalebot]

You could get this:
Cordoba 20 Solid Top Nylon String Acoustic Guitar
Probably to be had at around $300. Nice little git.

[Osmosis]

Originally posted by Whalebot You could get this: Cordoba 20 Solid Top Nylon String Acoustic Guitar Probably to be had at around $300. Nice little git.

 

 

Those are nice guitars for the price, for sure.

 

I don't recall exactly how much they are going for these days, but the La Patrie Etude's are great student classicals.

 

You definitely want to get a classical as opposed to a steel string if you're going to be playing the classical guitar...things like tone production are very important on classical, and you will want to learn that on nylon strings...it's very different getting a good sound out of a classical compared to a steel string. Also, the wide string spacing is important in order to have enough space to pluck properly, and will be something you'll have to get used to. All in all it's a very different beast than what you're probably used to.

 

 

Oh, and if you can't already, learn to read music.

[godofmetalguita]

thats why i'm going, to learn to read music lol. Thanx for the advice on the classical nylon string guitar, i didnt know it would be that different.

[Osmosis]

Originally posted by godofmetalguita thats why i'm going, to learn to read music lol. Thanx for the advice on the classical nylon string guitar, i didnt know it would be that different.

 

 

I played electric exclusively for five years before I started studying classical at a university. I was amazed at how much difference there was between the two...and I was already pretty good at fingerstyle when i started. Heck, just nail care/shape has taken me years to perfect. The entire outlook and philosophy of the instrument is different, as well as the technique.

[Freeman Keller]

Current issue of Acoustic Guitar (John Hammond on cover) has an article on buying a classical - at several different levels.

Acoustic guitar - Dec 05

[pipedwho]

+1, get a nylon string for classical training.

[KATMAN]

You should be able to get a Yamaha classical ,student guitar pretty cheap,for under $400. I've heard the Cordoba is an excellent guitar,if you can find one,get it. Yamaha's are pretty much everywhere. I have a Yamaha classical a/e with a cutaway that is a killer litte axe,but you might want to get a 'proper' one with the wide 2" fingerboard.

[riffmeister]

Originally posted by godofmetalguita thats why i'm going, to learn to read music lol. Thanx for the advice on the classical nylon string guitar, i didnt know it would be that different.

 

 

here's a good place to find out more about all things classical guitar:

 

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=7

 

I've been playing classical guitar for many years, and everything Osmosis said is correct.....different feel, sound, and new techniques will need to be learned. Opens up alot of new repertoire, too.

 

(pic of me playing in a flute-guitar duo......fun stuff!)

[Tedster]

As several have said here...the nylon string classical approach to guitar is different enough from what most of us are used to to be classed as a completely different instrument, IMO.

[riffmeister]

Originally posted by Tedster the nylon string classical approach to guitar is different enough from what most of us are used to to be classed as a completely different instrument, IMO.

 

 

I see it more as a variation on a theme. For the most part: the same six strings, the same tuning, left (fretting) hand does similar things. IMO it's mostly the right (picking) hand that has to learn some new techniques. That was the biggest challenge for me when I first started playing CG, anyways......

[KATMAN]

Originally posted by godofmetalguita I'll be starting classical guitar class at my community college, and will probably need another guitar. So i have been looking at some guitars in a low priced "student" range. I was wondering what the best sub-$300 classical guitar is. It do

 

I just got back from the music store getting strings. I've noticed a Alverez Regent classical for $159,but I doubt it has a solid top.

[rockfan]

If you're taking a classic guitar class, then look the part. Get a spanish guitar.
When I took a classical guitar class as an undergrad the teacher said to start with a simple spanish guitar. I got a Jasmine Takamine for around $120.
Unless, you want a high end spanish guitar to play like you do your electrics, then just start small.

[godofmetalguita]

got a lapatrie presentation for x-mas!

probably one of the best sounding/playing classical guitars i've ever played, if not the best.

I find it hard to put down when i play it lol.

I highly reccommend the lapatrie guitars to anyone. The whole line that i played (all but a couple) was awesome. The etude is a great guitar, so was the next one above it, but out of every classical guitar that was at the store (not even just lapatries) this guitar sounded the best.

LOOK INTO THESE GUITARS. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND THEM.