First classical guitar: Classical guitar sellers in Chicago?

Yepow · #1 04-10-2014, 12:35 PM

Hi all,

I've been playing about 2.5 years, mostly on my Taylor 414ce 2011 LTD. The last year or so I've been taking lessons with a new teacher who teaches a lot of classical guitar, and I've been doing RCM classical on my steel string.

I'm starting to get the desire to get a classical guitar. I figure my budget would be around $3000 for starters.

I'm headed to Chicago next week, and wondering if there's any places I should check out while I'm there. My city doesn't have a lot of classicals beyond what are at Long & McQuade.

Thoughts? The usual advice of "play a bunch of different ones to see what you like" is hard to take when there are few guitars to be played in my city. Looking for solid wood, a "keeper" guitar rather than a starter instrument.

wcap · #2 04-10-2014, 01:01 PM

Finding a good selection of classical guitars in the quality range you are looking for can indeed be a challenge in many areas.

The original incarnation of The Podium in Minneapolis used to be the only place in my area that I was aware of where you could actually try out a range of decent quality classicals in person. Shortly before they closed up, I was talking to one of the long term employees there, and I believe he said that after they closed the nearest place for that sort of caliber of classical guitars would be Chicago, I think. I can't remember the name of the place he mentioned though.

Someone else here will surely know though.

Yepow · #3 04-10-2014, 01:05 PM

I think that Sherry Brener store is a possibility-- I was a bit concerned/intimidated that I might not be enough of a guitarist yet to be handling what appear to be many quite expensive instruments there, particularly what with trying to get used to a much wider neck…

http://www.guitarsofspain.com/index.asp

wcap · #4 04-10-2014, 01:18 PM

Incidentally, in my experience it takes a little while for a steel string guitar player to get to the point of getting a really good sound out of a nylon string guitar (this is how it was for me anyway). And good right hand nails are important, and good right hand technique is important.

I would not rush your purchase decision. Play a bunch of nylon string guitars over a period of time, if possible , just to get a better feel for nylon strings, and try to develop a feel for how to get a good (or better) tone with nylon strings.

One thing to maybe try to do: before your trip, maybe spend some time in local shops playing the less expensive ones they have for sale. Then when you have the opportunity to play some genuinely nice classicals you will be better prepared to evaluate them.

In a perfect world, it would be ideal for a first time classical guitar buyer to have an experienced player play the instruments under consideration, both to get their feedback, and to get a better sense of what the instruments are capable of.

dosland · #5 04-10-2014, 02:51 PM

Be careful to do loads of research before going to the Sherry Brener shop, they have a reputation for being less than truthful in some of their claims. You might be able to get some more shop info from delcamp, this string came up in a quick google search: http://www.classicalguitardelcamp.co...hp?f=1&t=67225

ZippyChip · #6 04-11-2014, 04:10 AM

I also would suggest getting a less expensive guitar. And I agree with the suggestion that it takes a while to develop good tone producing technique.
You can purchase a very decent guitar for under $700 and this is not a bad thing.
Keep this in mind...
High end guitars will magnify every tone producing technical error you make. If you have a lesser guitar on hand, you may eventually find yourself wanting to play it instead.

WaddyT · #7 04-11-2014, 10:00 AM

You have just stated the main reason for buying the best guitar available in your price range. The better the guitar, the faster playing will improve.

GolfSteve · #8 04-11-2014, 11:28 AM

http://www.rebrune.com/main.html

I was in Chicago for a business trip recently. A friend (who has a Brune guitar) recommended I go there. Unfortunately I didn't, but wish I had: http://www.rebrune.com/main.html

The Sherry Brenner shop looked a bit dodgy. I didn't go in there either - but the shop's location is right in the heart of the city and if you are doing any touristy stuff, you'll be right there. It's beside the Architertural tour shop and across from the Art Gallery.

Loved Chicago.

brad4d8 · #9 04-11-2014, 11:31 AM

Not sure where you're coming from or how you are getting to Chicago, but if you are driving any where near Cleveland, Guitars International has a good selection of instruments. Hours are by appointment only, AFAIK.
Brad

Trevor B. · #10 04-11-2014, 05:29 PM

Checked out the rebrune website. So if you've got a spare 32 grand kicking around you can add that to your guitar fund and pick-up a used Fleta!!!

On a more serious note you're wise to spend more at the front end to get a quality instrument to learn on if you plan on sticking to it. The classical guitar is a high maintenance mistress who demands that you love the music for its own sake.

lpa53 · #11 04-11-2014, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GolfSteve

http://www.rebrune.com/main.html

I was in Chicago for a business trip recently. A friend (who has a Brune guitar) recommended I go there. Unfortunately I didn't, but wish I had: http://www.rebrune.com/main.html

The Sherry Brenner shop looked a bit dodgy. I didn't go in there either - but the shop's location is right in the heart of the city and if you are doing any touristy stuff, you'll be right there. It's beside the Architertural tour shop and across from the Art Gallery.

Loved Chicago.

Dropping in on Brune is a wonderful experience. When I wanted a better classical than my 1970 Japanese Aria (not to hard to find something better) I visited his shop and ended up with a Kenny Hill Player series. Brune took my Aria and got sounds out of it that I didn't know we're in there. He loved to talk about his work and I just had a great time. I would say its a must to go see him if you're in the area. His site shows several instruments in your price range, including some Kenny Hill New Worlds. And Guitar Works is just around the corner.

GolfSteve · #12 04-12-2014, 07:55 AM

Now I feel even worse that I didn't drop in on Brune.

Paultergeist · #13 04-12-2014, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dosland

Be careful to do loads of research before going to the Sherry Brener shop, they have a reputation for being less than truthful in some of their claims. You might be able to get some more shop info from delcamp, this string came up in a quick google search: http://www.classicalguitardelcamp.co...hp?f=1&t=67225

I echo ths concern......based on direct first-hand experience.......

chicagoguitar · #14 04-21-2014, 09:21 PM

The rebrune.com has not been used by Brune in years. It is obsolete.

Brune is on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/REBruneLuthier. He is really the only dealer in Chicagoland of mid to high end classical guitars. A pretty good selection of used classicals. If you buy from Brune you will get a great setup and he will fix any issues with the instrument. He is really second to none. Both Richard and his son Marshall run a great shop!

frankmcr · #15 10-20-2021, 02:49 PM

I know this is an old thread, but it's one of the few that came up when I was looking for info re classical guitar in Chicago.

So, for anyone who is searching for such info, here is the current Brune website:

https://www.rebrune.com/

Note that he is now in Wauconda, Illinois, 40 miles or so north of Chicago.