Teach me about classical guitars

[spacelordmother]

I just started (last night) taking lessons and I need to get a classical guitar. I have been reading a bunch online, but I'd love to hear from the knowledgeable ILF bros and ladies.

Being used to playing an electric, I am looking for something with a thinner neck, and probably something with a cutaway. Tips, tricks, or suggestions?

[hbombgraphics]

I have an ibanez classical and I love it.

the neck is closer to a standard size and it plays well.

it's one o these
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/ ... ric-guitar

sounds great plays well


I have also owned a few others, this one feels the best when transitioning from electric

[devnulljp]

The thing with a thin-neck classical is it's great when you start, but you'll soon find yourself running out of space on the fretboard.
I've been playing classical gtr since I was a kid. Started out on a Yamaha -- not great, but did the job. I bought a thin neck cutaway electro acoustic Yamaha too at one point. Really thin neck, like an electric, but I got rid of it when I got really serious about playing Bach and Barrios and Villa Lobos pieces cos my fingers would get tied in knots. I have a totally awesome hand built guitar but those are pricey.
Depends how much you want to spend really -- you can drop $100 or $1000 or $10000. I'd keep an eye out for a used Ramirez student model if you're serious, but nothing wrong with a cheaper Yamaha or Ibanez to get you going. I'd go find a store that specialises in classical guitars rather than going to GC or something and have a look at what's available. Have a look at guitar salon intl for some seriously spendy guitars too.
Whatever you get, make sure it has a solid top -- the back and sides don't matter as much, but a laminate top is a key to disappointment.

Oh, and start listening to David Russell now

[spacelordmother]

Went to GC today because it was the closest place and I figured I could play a bunch to get a better idea of what I liked.

HB - from looking around online, I really wanted to find, play, and fall in love with one o them Ibbys. I found one, but I didn't like it at all. To be fair, I attribute that mostly to the way GC takes care of their stock. I find it sadly ironic that they have the damn things in a closed, humidity controlled room, yet can't be bothered to change the strings when their beat to shit, or even to keep them in tune.

Dev - Really good advice. I had an inkling that although it seemed like a thinner neck would be easier to play and adjust to, it might not be so suited for the style down the road.

This is the guitar I played tonight that played and sounded the best:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/yamaha-cg172sf-nylon-string-flamenco-guitar



I'm not so drawn towards the flamenco end of the classical spectrum (who knows what the future holds) but think that would matter?

There's another couple shops around town I am going to check out before I commit...

[hbombgraphics]

If you are really getting into it dev is right wider is better

and yamaha makes good instruments

I prefer thinner because I have minimal intention of playing classical guitar I just like the tone to accompany a local lady who plays the flute

[Mudfuzz]

I am looking for something with a thinner neck, and probably something with a cutaway

You need none of these things. You need to find the best sounding one you can afford the end. The better sounding it is the better it will be to play. Play lots of used ones, you might get lucky and about the cutaway thing...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCeebWgjrrU[/youtube]
Segovia did not need one...

One thing to look for coming from someone that has actually built a classical guitar... is a really thin top

[devnulljp]

I always found flamenco guitars to be a bit stiff for classical guitar, a lot of spank and not much depth to the tone so you lose out on the light and shade thing.
Might just be the really high tension strings they tend to put on them though -- I've never actually owned one but I've played a few
I've seen Ramirez Estudios used for $5~600, which is a pretty good deal for what you get. I've also seen some pretty good guitars from Mexico.

Kremonas makes some pretty decent student guitars too