Loud, going on too loud.

[Bax Burgess]

Over in the steel forum there is a thread on what is 'the loudest guitar' that members have played. One mentioned two Kenny Hills. My first nylon was a Cordoba Cadete with impressive volume - responsive, quick, loud, stellar from treble to bass, but I let it go. Another small body that I have kept is a Romero Signature mini 6-string (tenor grande uke body). When lost in thought, not paying attention to the guitar currently in hand, I have mistaken the Romero for a full sized classical. Both guitars are/were robust in volume, so why didn't I adapt to the Cadete, play it with a lighter touch and celebrate what an ear opening guitar it was? The lively character just wasn't relaxing.

[Wrighty]

It’s an interesting discussion. In my steel string days I searched for volume too but often it came at a cost of sweetness of tone. I am still feeling my way in the nylon world and haven’t played a classical that is too loud (but then I’ve never played a lattice braced or double top instrument) My current cedar /rosewood concert has decent volume and plenty of warmth and I only find myself sometimes looking for more clarity and articulation, which a spruce top might offer.

[Bax Burgess]

I consider Thomastik KR116 with the steel rope core trebles a treat. They share a similar tension with classical strings, and they lend more zing to the trebles without sounding full on steel, due to a plastic wrap.